Top telephone tips for Clearing calls

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Preparation

The first thing you need to do regarding any phone interview you get during Clearing is to prepare. You may not be sitting face to face with a tutor but you still need to create a good impression – any interviewing tutor will be listening carefully to what you have to say, and how you say it: this is your chance to show them that you are what they are looking for.

So, do some thorough research on the course and institution you are to be interviewed about. Make sure you are clear about what the course involves and that you have some good reasons for wanting to study it: rehearse these. Any tutor during Clearing will still be looking for enthusiasiam amongst those wanting to study their course and will be looking to avoid students who seem to be applying for any course for the sake of getting through Clearing.

Even though your research might mean that you know practically all there is to know about the course you are being interviewed for, it is still a good idea to have some intelligent questions to ask. By doing so you look keen, inquisitive and motivated – all of which are qualities that tutors look for.

Facts and Figures

Before your interview, make sure you have various facts and figures to hand such as your grades, your CEF details and ideally a copy of your UCAS application. You’ll probably be asked for some details from your application, so make yourself look efficient and organized by having them by your side. Take a good look through your personal statement on your UCAS application – you don’t want to forget to mention all the great extra-curricular activities you have been involved in.

Practice

Another key part of your preparation is to think about the sort of things you might be asked by a tutor and have some good solid replies ready. These are just some of the type of questions you might be asked:

• Why did you leave it so late to apply if this is your initial application?
• Why didn’t you get the grades you needed to get your original choice course place?
• What made you choose this course now?
• Do you think you have what it takes to stay with this course for three years or more?
• What interests you about this course?
• What qualities do you think you have that would make you an asset to this institution?
• What career plans do you have?

Once you’ve done this, ask a friend or member of your family to ask you these questions – just like a mock interview. The practice will help you build up your confidence and get an opinion on the quality of your answers too.

Now all you need to do is take a deep breath and get on the phone: you never know you might actually enjoy the experience!