Social Work Uni Interview

[*Princess*]

After much soul searching I have decided to apply for a post graduate course in Social Work. I'm sure that this is what I want to do, I don't know how to explain it, but I just feel that I really really want to do this.

Anyway, I've finally applied, I've such little confidence that it's taken be the best part of two years to even apply! Whilst I haven't got any interviews year (only applied about 11th Jan) I'm really worried about an interview. If I could just get on a course without it, I *know* I'd do a great job - I just freeze at interviews! So, I thought, I'd best prepare in case, so I was wondering what I can expect? What questions and what things would YOU say, so I can build my answer around what other people think the question is asking...I'm nervous already and I've not even got an interview, but I meet all the entry requirments and I worry that this is the last chance to do something I really want...I don't want to mess things up!

Please help! Anything would be fantastic! :o)

[leelapops]

Princess, I am in my final year of a Youth and Community Work degree, and I still remember my interview like it was this morning! I too fall apart at interviews, and my interviewer was really intimidating (although I don't think she meant to be!)

There are NO trick questions; they will probably ask you your motivations for wanting to enter into Social Work, and what you feel you can contribute to the course. Social Work is very emotionally draining, like most care sector jobs, so it helps if you are quite a strong person.
If they ask, you could talk about coping strategies you have devised for the emotional workload involved-to me, this would show forward-thinking and commitment.

When you get an interview, ASK what it will consist of...Then you'll be better prepared. Also, confirm this with each individul Uni, but it's usually more than acceptable to take in your CV and some notes to prompt you if you get "answer freeze" like I do!

Good luck.

[Hitler]

go drunk. Why do you need to do a post graduate course when the solution is giving the adult the right to hit there child or any other child giving them grief

[Pol Pot]

get drunk

[*Princess*]

leelapops - thank you for your excellent reply! I never thought about taking notes, I didn't know I was allowed!

I got two letters through the post today for interviews, am over the moon but I'm so scared too! One interview is 20 minutes and the other is a day long, how can they be so different?!

Also, they're asking for a reference from my social care work experience, but I've only ever done 'bank' work, so when I rang them they said they couldn't do a personal reference, they could only put I 'worked for them from xxxx to xxxx' which is useless, so I'm screwed already! They have a reference from my tutor at Uni, but I don't think I'll get a place without a work-related reference! Arrggghhh!!!!