Personal Statement and Interview Tips
Here are my tips for those wanting to pursue a career in physiotherapy:
Time and time again I am asked for application tips for getting onto such a competitive course- I remember myself in that position thinking that the success of my application would make or break my future. I did 4 different interviews as an applicant and since being at university, I have also been an interviewer.
Personal statement:
- Start with a mind map and jot down all the skills and qualities you have- and then think about how you have obtained those skills in your life e.g. school, part time job, previous work experience or hobbies etc.
- Then, think about which of the skills, that you have jotted down, would be required for a physiotherapist to have and why.
- Use this mind map to then start structuring paragraphs- remember to give EXAMPLES of how you've achieved your skills.
- Universities want to see that you understand that there is much more to physiotherapy than massage/sports and musculoskeletal physio- you could touch on any work experience you have completed here to demonstrate this.
- Do not be descriptive regarding any knowledge you surrounding physio, this is not want the personal statement is for, as you are not expected to know anything prior to the course- you applying to the degree to learn.
Interview tips:
- Make sure you prepare prior to your interview! Practice answering questions with friends/family and do your research!
- Be prepared for the style of interview you will be doing- this could be a 1-1 interview, panel interview, group interview or mini multiple interview.
- Ensure you have all the correct documentation that you need to bring to the interview a few days before.
- Plan your journey- you may have to stay in a hotel if its far away from home.
- Give eye contact.
- Introduce yourself- be smiley and approachable.
- Don't let the other applicants put you off- focus on yourself only.
- Use examples of your own experiences to back up what you are saying.
- Don't be afraid to take a moment before answering a question to gather your thoughts and plan an answer- this will stop you from going off track- you would be surprised the amount of people that don't actually answer the question as they go off track.
- Not all questions will seem relevant on the surface- really think about why they're asking you what they have and how it could relate to physio e.g. clinical reasoning, problem solving etc.
- If you mess up do not worry! You can learn from each interview experience and apply it to the next one.
Best of luck! :)