Here is some useful information from Senior Lecturer Mick Conroy that will help you to prepare for your Youth and Community Work interview.
Beforehand
- Get as much practical experience of working with young people as you can. This is the best way to show your enthusiasm and commitment and help you explore a range of different environments that you can develop during your career. Not only will it give you a true insight into the real world of youth and community work, it will also give you plenty of material to talk about in the interview and help you to settle into the course.
- Make sure your references are current and still happy to be contacted.
- Re-read your application form and personal statement. We will ask you to elaborate on it and it’s vital to be aware of what you have said.
- Be informed about educational news and current issues facing young people, locally and nationally – conduct some research so you are aware of the sector you are going to work in.
- Think about how you can demonstrate a passion for youth and community work, a passion for learning and a passion for your subject.
Prepare for common questions such as:
- Why do you want to be a youth and community worker?
- Why have you applied for this course?
- Why you have chosen specifically to work with pupils of secondary school age?
- What experience do you have of working with young people?
- What do you think are the qualities of a good youth and community worker? Think about how your talents and skills match the qualities needed.
- What do you know of the roles and responsibilities of a youth and community worker?
- Which aspects of your subject are you most passionate about?
- What current issues in the youth and community work sector are of concern to you?
- What skills and abilities do you bring to the course and work with young people?
- How will you manage the commitment of undertaking your degree, plus work and family commitments?
On the day
- Ensure you are available at the designated time.
- Try not to worry – be yourself. We are a very friendly and enthusiastic team.
The interview panel will look for the following characteristics:
- Skills: Do you have the ability to be a youth and community worker?
- Commitment: Are you fully aware of the demands of the youth and community work profession and the training process?
- Communication: Do you speak clearly, appropriately and expressively and have good interpersonal skills?
- Motivation: How has your experience of life and work made you suited to work with young people?
- Intelligence: Do you have the intellectual skills needed for the course? Do you demonstrate an awareness or knowledge of current youth and community work issues?
- Subject knowledge for youth and community work: Do you have sufficient subject knowledge to complete the course?
