Interviews (e.g. 11+)

Interview skills are a life skill in themselves. It is important to always be genuine and natural, but a degree of preparation allows the best version of your child to shine through. In the UK some kids are interviewed for 11+ entry, but this section will support all types of childhood interview situations.
Each of the coaching cards below takes no more than five minutes and requires zero preparation.
Kid Coach App children talking skills improve how to
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Want to be

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Prepare for 11+ and other interviews
Medium
Guidance
In real job interviews this is similar to the question - where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Prompts if stuck
1) What is a job a grown-up does that you can see yourself doing?

Guidance

In real job interviews this is similar to the question - where do you see yourself in 5 years? It's great if you have a firm idea. But it is also fine if you don't, just be sure to mention options or themes eg "I'm not 100% sure, but I know I work well in groups and want to help people, so maybe something in healthcare?"

Prompts if stuck

1) We know lots of grown-ups with different jobs. Which do you like?

2) Who do you want to be like when you grow up?

3) What would make you happy at work (eg helping people, making something, travelling somewhere etc?)

Want to be

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Prepare for 11+ and other interviews
Medium

Guidance

In real job interviews this is similar to the question - where do you see yourself in 5 years? It's great if you have a firm idea. But it is also fine if you don't, just be sure to mention options or themes eg "I'm not 100% sure, but I know I work well in groups and want to help people, so maybe something in healthcare?"

Prompts if stuck

1) We know lots of grown-ups with different jobs. Which do you like?

2) Who do you want to be like when you grow up?

3) What would make you happy at work (eg helping people, making something, travelling somewhere etc?)

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Spare time

What do you do in your spare time?

Prepare for 11+ and other interviews
Medium
Guidance
A good chance to show your human side, and that you are not just an academic and exam machine!
Prompts if stuck
1) What did you do last weekend?

Guidance

A good chance to show your human side, and that you are not just an academic and exam machine! It helps to talk about varied interests. Be specific and use examples eg "I like swimming - I did a 100m swim for charity last week where I raised $100 for the poor"

Prompts if stuck

1) Let's think about last weekend. What did you do?

2) Why do you like doing that?

3) What do you like that is a bit different to others?

Spare time

What do you do in your spare time?

Prepare for 11+ and other interviews
Medium

Guidance

A good chance to show your human side, and that you are not just an academic and exam machine! It helps to talk about varied interests. Be specific and use examples eg "I like swimming - I did a 100m swim for charity last week where I raised $100 for the poor"

Prompts if stuck

1) Let's think about last weekend. What did you do?

2) Why do you like doing that?

3) What do you like that is a bit different to others?

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play audio version

Favourite subject

What is your favourite subject?

Prepare for 11+ and other interviews
Medium
Guidance
An honest answer is fine - but demonsrate some self-awareness
Prompts if stuck
1) What do you try hardest in?

Guidance

An honest answer is fine - if you like Art but not Maths that is OK. But then demonstrate some self-awareness that for instance - "I know Maths is quite important, so I still work hard at that" or "Probably my favourites will change as I grow up, so I am trying to keep an open mind". In real life job interviews this is similar to what are your strengths / weaknesses question.

Prompts if stuck

1) I didn't like Maths growing up! What about you?

2) What do you try hardest in and why?

3) How will your favourite subjects change as you grow up?

Favourite subject

What is your favourite subject?

Prepare for 11+ and other interviews
Medium

Guidance

An honest answer is fine - if you like Art but not Maths that is OK. But then demonstrate some self-awareness that for instance - "I know Maths is quite important, so I still work hard at that" or "Probably my favourites will change as I grow up, so I am trying to keep an open mind". In real life job interviews this is similar to what are your strengths / weaknesses question.

Prompts if stuck

1) I didn't like Maths growing up! What about you?

2) What do you try hardest in and why?

3) How will your favourite subjects change as you grow up?

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