How to Prepare for an Interview in Higher Education

Securing a role within a university requires more than standard interview preparation. Higher education recruitment is competitive and strategically focused, so thorough preparation is essential — whether you are applying for a professional services, leadership, or specialist position.

Below are five key steps to help you stand out in higher education interviews. For further insights and current opportunities, visit News.

1. Research the University and the Interviewer

In higher education recruitment, demonstrating institutional awareness is crucial. Universities operate within complex regulatory, financial, and strategic environments, so understanding the wider landscape matters.

Before your interview:

- Review the university’s strategy and strategic plan

- Explore recent news, partnerships, and initiatives

- Understand its values, mission, and long-term goals

- Research league table positioning and sector developments

If possible, review the interviewer’s background and role within the university. Understanding their responsibilities and priorities can help you tailor your responses and show how you would support the team.

This level of preparation signals genuine interest in the institution and its direction, something particularly valued within university professional services recruitment.

2. Know Your CV Inside Out

In higher education interviews, you will often be asked to elaborate in detail on your experience. Universities value evidence-based examples and measurable outcomes.

Revisit your CV and prepare to explain:

- Key projects you have delivered

- Stakeholder engagement experience

- Budget or compliance responsibilities

- Process improvements and efficiencies achieved

Be clear on the impact of your work. Interview panels within higher education recruitment processes typically assess both technical competence and strategic contribution.

3. Understand the Job Description Thoroughly

Higher education roles often include nuanced responsibilities across governance, policy, compliance, finance, student services, or research support. Carefully review the job description and person specification.

Identify:

- Essential and desirable criteria

- Core competencies required

- Leadership or stakeholder management expectations

- Sector-specific knowledge requirements

Prepare examples that directly align your experience with these requirements. Making explicit connections between your background and the role helps interviewers clearly see your suitability within a university environment.

4. Prepare Insightful Questions

Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates commercial awareness and sector understanding, both highly valued in higher education recruitment.

Prepare at least five questions, such as:

- What are the key strategic priorities for this department over the next 12–18 months?

- What challenges is the university currently facing within this function?

- How does this role contribute to the wider institutional strategy?

- What does success look like in the first six months?

- How is collaboration managed across academic and professional services teams?

Well-considered questions reinforce your interest in the organisation and the long-term impact of the role.

5. Practise Common Interview Questions with a Higher Education Focus

While many interview questions are standard, universities often include competency-based and values-based questioning.

Practise structured responses that:

- Demonstrate stakeholder management across complex environments

- Showcase measurable outcomes

- Reflect alignment with institutional values

- Highlight experience working within governance or regulated settings

Using clear examples from your past experience illustrates how you would contribute positively to the university and add value from day one.

Final Thought

An interview is as much for you as it is for the panel. Higher education careers offer long-term progression, meaningful impact, and institutional influence. Use the interview to assess whether the university’s culture, leadership, and strategic direction align with your career ambitions.

Thorough preparation not only strengthens your performance, it ensures you make informed decisions about your next step in higher education recruitment.