Practice your interview skills
The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice as much as you can. Practicing answering interview questions with a friend or family member, or even alone in front of the mirror, can help you to feel more prepared and relaxed when it comes to a real interview. We can help you prepare for general interviews using Shortlist.me, or by conducting a practice interview.
Shortlist.me
As a Trinity student you have exclusive access to Shortlist.me video interviewing software. This allows you to practice the type of pre-recorded, one-way video interviews that employers are increasingly using as a screening method, before inviting candidates to a live interview.
Whether you are applying to be an accountant or a zoologist, the opportunity to enhance your interview performance is now at your fingertips!
What is recorded video interviewing?
The key feature of a recorded video interview is that the interviewer is not present at the time of interview, and the process is automated. Typically, candidates are sent a link to the video interview with instructions to complete their recording before a deadline. The recruiter will have loaded questions into the system, and candidates record their answers to each one in sequence. Recorded interviews are then sent to the recruiter, who reviews the interview.
What kind of questions will I be asked?
Video interviews are short, and comprise of 5-7 questions. The questions will be competency based, and aim to understand your soft skills only. Examples of competencies tested might include Teamwork, Analytical Thinking, and Communication. Questions that explore your industry or technical knowledge, or previous work experience, are typically asked in later (live) interview rounds.
Why Shortlist.me?
Shortlist.me is the leading platform used by graduate employers. Shortlist.me work alongside industry professionals to ensure that the competency-based questions within each interview reflect the skills assessed by employers in each sector.
How does Shortlist.me work?
You will select your preferred interview from the Shortlist.me interview library and enter your contact details. A link to the video interview is emailed to you. You may complete each interview in the library only once.
After a short introduction, you move through to the questions. With Shortlist.me you have the opportunity to replay your video response and, if you are not satisfied with your attempt, to record a new answer. You can do this several times. The marking criteria is provided to you after each question, so you can evaluate how you did. Tips and feedback on your overall interview performance is provided by the system.
How do I get started?
Find the link to Shortlist.me in the ‘Resources’ section on your MyCareer dashboard or click on the link below. You will need to register with your tcd.ie email.
Practice interviews with the Careers Service
We offer interview coaching in the Careers Service, where a Careers Consultant will take you through practice interview questions and give you feedback. Practice interviews offer a great opportunity for you to get ready for a real job interview.This highly practical support helps to boost your confidence and increase your interviewing skills.
Practice interviews are 30 minutes in length. During the interview, a Careers Consultant will ask you a number of typical HR interview questions. After the practice interview you will receive feedback from the consultant.
To help you prepare, have a look at our video A Short Guide to Job interviews. This service is particularly beneficial for anyone who hasn’t experienced an interview before, who has had a number of interviews without securing a job offer, or who hasn’t attended an interview in a long time.
Please note that we do not provide practice for technical interviews, students seeking support with technical interviews are encouraged to log on to the Trinity Alumni Online Mentoring platform and connect with Alumni offering this support.
When can I book a practice interview?
We offer a number of practice interview slots every week. This is a very popular service which can book up early. See the Book Appointments on MyCareer for availability of upcoming practice interviews.
Our Practice Interviews can be held In-Person in the Careers Service or remotely via Microsoft Teams using your Trinity email address. Take some time before your booking to familiarise yourself with the requirements on this site.
What do I need to submit for a practice interview?
To book your interview, please provide:
• CV/Application Form - whichever document you applied for the job with;
• Job Title and Organisation- (job description/web link optional)
Recording:
We ask that you do not make sound or video recordings of your interactions with the Careers Service. Please note that it is unlawful under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to create audio-visual or audio recordings of others without their consent. Students may be permitted to record the appointment if it is deemed a reasonable adjustment and the student requests this in advance to careers@tcd.ie. If permission is given to record, students are advised that all recordings are for their own personal use and must not be shared.