2013-2014 APPIC (internship) interview thread

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Random question: is everyone invited to interview pretty much on equal ground, or do sites still weigh your application materials when deciding how to rank people?
 
cara susanna said:
Random question: is everyone invited to interview pretty much on equal ground, or do sites still weigh your application materials when deciding how to rank people?
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I can't speak very broadly, but from my experience from last year, sites do still weigh your application materials. I got feedback from a training director from a site I interviewed with but didn't match at (he's friends with my advisor, so it really sucked but was useful at the same time), and from what he said, it seemed that they ranked me lower because I'm not as researchy as some other candidates. This didn't come up at all in the interviews, though, so I can only assume it was based on my application itself.
 
cara susanna said:
Random question: is everyone invited to interview pretty much on equal ground, or do sites still weigh your application materials when deciding how to rank people?
Click to expand...

I also can only speak for my internship site (at a VA), but both application materials and interview performance played a role. Staff first rated application materials, and top scorers received interview invites. At the interview, applicants were once again scored and the points added to the points from their application, the total of the two determined how applicants were ultimately ranked.
 
UNC School of Medicine (forensic track)/FCC Butner- initial invite email with a second email to follow with instructions for scheduling interview dates. There are a variety of interview dates. The interview is a two-day process: One day at UNC and the other at Butner.
 
cara susanna said:
Random question: is everyone invited to interview pretty much on equal ground, or do sites still weigh your application materials when deciding how to rank people?
Click to expand...

At my site, interns were allowed to review and rank applications. The applications accounted for about 90% of our ranking process with the interview only making up about 10% - that is to say, most of those who interviewed was already at their final ranking level. There was one person who flubbed the interview and was ranked considerably lower than her application would merit but those who were "par for the course" stayed at their ranking pre-interview. Nobody that year jumped up the ranking because they wowed us with their interviewing skills, but who's to say that isn't true at other sites (or even other years at my site).
 
COMPLETELY forgot about this site!!! So after catching up on 13 pages of messages 😛, here are my updates:


Received an interview at NYU Langone Medical Center (Rusk Rehabilitation) by personalized email today (11/30) @2pm. DCT asked what dates between 12/18 and 1/26 are good for me. :soexcited:

Though these sites have already been mentioned:

I got an interview at the NJ VA offered by phone last Saturday (11/23) and scheduled on 12/10 from 12pm to 3:30pm (they invited a few students for that date/time).

Also got a mass email rejection from Pilgrim Psychiatric Hospital on 11/19.

I applied, but have not heard anything from Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) and UMDNJ Newark. I know others have heard, so now I'm like :poke:
 
cara susanna said:
Random question: is everyone invited to interview pretty much on equal ground, or do sites still weigh your application materials when deciding how to rank people?
Click to expand...
At my site every applicant is given a score based on application materials. Points are added to that initial score based on the interview.
 
NeuroTrope said:
At my site, interns were allowed to review and rank applications. The applications accounted for about 90% of our ranking process with the interview only making up about 10% - that is to say, most of those who interviewed was already at their final ranking level. There was one person who flubbed the interview and was ranked considerably lower than her application would merit but those who were "par for the course" stayed at their ranking pre-interview. Nobody that year jumped up the ranking because they wowed us with their interviewing skills, but who's to say that isn't true at other sites (or even other years at my site).
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Could you perhaps indicate what flubbing the interview implies? My anxiety is quite high right now, and I am having fears of saying or doing the wrong thing in the interview. I'm trying my best to keep my cognitive distortions in check. 🙂
 
psych5 said:
Could you perhaps indicate what flubbing the interview implies? My anxiety is quite high right now, and I am having fears of saying or doing the wrong thing in the interview. I'm trying my best to keep my cognitive distortions in check. 🙂
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The candidate was clearly not engaged in the interview. She didn't ask questions, was terse when we asked her questions, etc. Most likely she was exhausted and/or knew this wasn't the site for her and so disengaged. She conveyed little enthusiasm and though I hate to say it, this can be a fatal flaw when you're up against dozens of other equally qualified candidates who do convey (and in some cases, probably feign) enthusiasm.

I will say she did match at another, very competitive site.
 
If 90% of a site's decision is based on the application, what is the point of an interview? Just to see if the person is normal? I hope that site uses phone interviews :/
 
NeuroTrope said:
The candidate was clearly not engaged in the interview. She didn't ask questions, was terse when we asked her questions, etc. Most likely she was exhausted and/or knew this wasn't the site for her and so disengaged. She conveyed little enthusiasm and though I hate to say it, this can be a fatal flaw when you're up against dozens of other equally qualified candidates who do convey (and in some cases, probably feign) enthusiasm.

I will say she did match at another, very competitive site.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! That's very helpful. 🙂
 
Hi all! I'm back from family visits for Thanksgiving. Still no word from anywhere, and I'm trying not to get nervous. One of my sites has today (12/1) listed as their deadline for interview notification. Any chance I'd hear on a Sunday? At what point is it acceptable for me to contact them and ask why I haven't heard (in a super respectful and polite way, of course!)? Good luck everyone! If last year was any indication, this coming week will be super busy.
 
Dazed, I would probably not contact a site until Dec 16 unless they stated they would contact you earlier and I had heard that other applicants had been notified of both interviews and rejections, but that is just my opinion.

You may hear on a Sunday (others have) but if they say Dec 1 I would definitely wait until later this week.
 
DazedAndConfuse said:
Hi all! I'm back from family visits for Thanksgiving. Still no word from anywhere, and I'm trying not to get nervous. One of my sites has today (12/1) listed as their deadline for interview notification. Any chance I'd hear on a Sunday? At what point is it acceptable for me to contact them and ask why I haven't heard (in a super respectful and polite way, of course!)? Good luck everyone! If last year was any indication, this coming week will be super busy.
Click to expand...


Waiting later this week might be better to contact them. I also have not heard from 17 sites and feeling the same way….starting to get nervous as my fellow cohort members have at least two interview invites. So it feels a little awkward.
 
grenas, there is also a big spread within my program for notifications... some applicants have heard nothing, and others already have 4-5 interviews. If I am learning anything from this confusing process, it's that there is no semblance of what is "normal" or predictable. Maddening, isn't it? 😵

I'm waiting on hearing back from 17 sites myself. Fingers crossed for some happy notifications this week!
 
FionaGoode said:
If 90% of a site's decision is based on the application, what is the point of an interview? Just to see if the person is normal? I hope that site uses phone interviews :/
Click to expand...

I think it varies widely in terms of how much stock is placed into interviews at a given site. But in general, getting an interview means you are a finalist and almost certainly will be ranked by the site (unless something goes quite awry at the interview), and for that reason, it is in your best interest to visit the site, see what you think, ask questions, etc, so you can decide whether and in what in order you will rank the site. In other words, for most sites, the interview is more for you than it is for them. According to the APAGS book (which I highly recommend reviewing carefully, especially if you're confused about the purpose of interviews), many applicants are surprised at how much they are expected to ask rather than answer questions.

As far as the site's evaluation of you is concerned, the APAGS book sums it up into three areas: social skills, enthusiasm, and fit. I suspect that for most sites social skills and enthusiasm are simply expected and so you probably would be hurt only if there are deficiencies. But in terms of fit, this is where you likely have the most leverage in using the interview to help your rank -- to clearly communicate (over and over again) how the site is an excellent fit for you. This would of course be in tandem with your written application (in which you've already made the case for such), but I wouldn't underestimate the power of the interview in this regard. At the end of the day, it's what is most important across internship sites.

I'd be curious to hear what others think.
 
DazedAndConfuse said:
One of my sites has today (12/1) listed as their deadline for interview notification. Any chance I'd hear on a Sunday? At what point is it acceptable for me to contact them and ask why I haven't heard (in a super respectful and polite way, of course!)?
Click to expand...

Likely a Dec. 1 notification deadline is simply what the site uses from year to year, and they simply did not update it to reflect the business week. It's certainly possible you may hear back today, but I would interpret a Dec. 1 date as really meaning Dec. 2. If you haven't heard by the end of the day Dec. 2, then I think it is perfectly acceptable to contact the site on Dec. 3, especially if you really need to hear back to make your plans.
 
WoooHOOO!! :banana:

I just received an email and I WILL be interviewing at the Heart of America Psychology Training Consortium (Central Region) on Dec 13th!:claps:

I am SOOOO excited! :highfive:
 
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FionaGoode said:
If 90% of a site's decision is based on the application, what is the point of an interview? Just to see if the person is normal? I hope that site uses phone interviews :/
Click to expand...

At that stage, one critical purpose of the interview is for applicants to see the site for their own ranking purposes, as well for the site to "sell" themselves to you. So even if the interview is only weighed 10% on their end, it may matter much more on your end.

With regard to flubbing interviews, just be careful to not come across as arrogant, knowing more than the people who are interviewing you, and/or to suggest that you already have the skill set that you would be trained in (eg, if a site has an intensive ACT rotation, don't come across as someone who has had so much ACT experience that such a placement would not be a good learning experience). This all probably sounds very obvious - but every year, there are probably 1-2 people who we do not rank after the interview, and it is almost always for these kinds of interview gaffes. Being nervous is fine and understandable. Being a jackass is not. ;-)
 
Interview preparation question: How is everyone preparing themselves for interviews? What helpful hints does anyone have? I have been going through the list of common questions listed in the APAGS workbook (and other places) to create "talking points," but I am looking at my answers and don't feel that I am adequately tapping into my clinical knowledge for some reason (perhaps overwhelming anxiety?!). Any suggestions for developing "talking points" or creative ways to actually practice speaking those points?
 
#itshappening said:
Interview preparation question: How is everyone preparing themselves for interviews? What helpful hints does anyone have? I have been going through the list of common questions listed in the APAGS workbook (and other places) to create "talking points," but I am looking at my answers and don't feel that I am adequately tapping into my clinical knowledge for some reason (perhaps overwhelming anxiety?!). Any suggestions for developing "talking points" or creative ways to actually practice speaking those points?
Click to expand...

My program actually mandated that all APPIC applicants go through a mock-interview process with Career Services on our campus. Although at first I was annoyed that it was ANOTHER required activity for me to complete on top of all of my applications, coursework, and practicum, I'm really glad that I did it. So I would encourage anyone worried about the interview to look into a potential way to engage in a mock interview (either with their academic advisor, training director, or with your own campus career services). It was helpful because the interviewer was provided questions from my training director that would likely be asked on an APPIC interview, so I was actually answering questions I will likely be asked. It was recorded, and then we played back my responses and discussed ways to improve upon them.

I'm not saying it needs to be that involved. You could simply practice with a good friend in your cohort who you trust to give you solid feedback! But I think the more you practice actually SAYING your answers out loud, the more you can think through them and tweak them before the real thing.
 
#itshappening said:
Interview preparation question: How is everyone preparing themselves for interviews? What helpful hints does anyone have? I have been going through the list of common questions listed in the APAGS workbook (and other places) to create "talking points," but I am looking at my answers and don't feel that I am adequately tapping into my clinical knowledge for some reason (perhaps overwhelming anxiety?!). Any suggestions for developing "talking points" or creative ways to actually practice speaking those points?
Click to expand...

I LOVE the username!:claps:
 
Hey everyone,
First time commenting! Do you know if sites are required to send you notice of rejection? Like many, I have some sites that others have already heard from and I haven't heard either way. Is there a possibility that some might not contact you, and silence/omission thus equals rejection (after Dec 15th)? I applied to mostly child/adolescent tracks, and it seems like many in the adult tracks have been already contacted...I wonder if sites complete tracks at different times.
 
I'llhavewhatshe'shaving said:
Hey everyone,
First time commenting! Do you know if sites are required to send you notice of rejection? Like many, I have some sites that others have already heard from and I haven't heard either way. Is there a possibility that some might not contact you, and silence/omission thus equals rejection (after Dec 15th)? I applied to mostly child/adolescent tracks, and it seems like many in the adult tracks have been already contacted...I wonder if sites complete tracks at different times.
Click to expand...

I have asked this question to former students in my program. What they have uniformly said is that while most sites do send out rejection emails, a minority of sites will not (which makes me think they are not required to).
 
I thought APPIC guidelines are that sites have to notify you either way by Dec 15?
 
PsyDedicated said:
At 7:18pm today (12/1), got a mass "dear applicant" interview invite email from Trinitas Regional Medical Center in NJ. 😀 Four interview dates are 12/19, 1/6, 1/16, 1/20.
Click to expand...
Were the interviews specific for the child or adult emphasis?
 
Regarding sites not getting back to us...According to the APPIC match statistics from 2011 (the most recent I could find) 57 percent of applicants were properly notified by all of their sites regarding interview status. The mean (sd) number of sites applicants never heard from was 1.5 (3.5). So, for those of you still waiting on hearing from 15+ sites, fear not! If you end up being in that 43 percent, the odds are that one or two sites might not get back to you, but you should hear back from most sites by Dec. 15th.

I am sure this coming week will be a busy one. Good luck everyone!
 
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DenWendt said:
I think it varies widely in terms of how much stock is placed into interviews at a given site. But in general, getting an interview means you are a finalist and almost certainly will be ranked by the site (unless something goes quite awry at the interview), and for that reason, it is in your best interest to visit the site, see what you think, ask questions, etc, so you can decide whether and in what in order you will rank the site. In other words, for most sites, the interview is more for you than it is for them. According to the APAGS book (which I highly recommend reviewing carefully, especially if you're confused about the purpose of interviews), many applicants are surprised at how much they are expected to ask rather than answer questions.

As far as the site's evaluation of you is concerned, the APAGS book sums it up into three areas: social skills, enthusiasm, and fit. I suspect that for most sites social skills and enthusiasm are simply expected and so you probably would be hurt only if there are deficiencies. But in terms of fit, this is where you likely have the most leverage in using the interview to help your rank -- to clearly communicate (over and over again) how the site is an excellent fit for you. This would of course be in tandem with your written application (in which you've already made the case for such), but I wouldn't underestimate the power of the interview in this regard. At the end of the day, it's what is most important across internship sites.

I'd be curious to hear what others think.
Click to expand...
I'd endorse what is said above. The interview is an opportunity for the site to get a sense of "what would it be like to work with this person?" It is also a chance to answer questions and give the candidate a sense of "what would it be like to work here." Go prepared but also go to be real. Staff what to get to know you in ways your application may not reveal (what do you do for fun? what makes you laugh?) Good clinical supervisors know that some folks present well on paper; others shine in person. The interview lets those variables all be seen in the context of real interaction.

Remember that sites are struggling now to sort through piles of applications and they know they will miss meeting some wonderful folks. They will also interview people they would like to work with--but there are not enough spots. It is a brutal process for everyone and you have to keep in mind that you will find an internship and you do not need to (nor will you) get an interview everywhere you applied and that is the nature of the process--not about you as a person.
 
Louisiana School Psychology Internship Consortium, 12/1, Invite, Mass Email, Interview dates: 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, and 1/13. So excited! Here's to a good week for everyone!
 
Pennsylvania Hospital rejection, mass email this morning (12/2, 7am)
 
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
Pediatric Neuropsychology track
Invite
Mass email this morning (12/2)
Interviews Jan 16th and 23rd
 
Ditto on Brown. I wasn't really expecting to get an invite from there, though.
 
Brown University interview invite - mass email this morning (12/2) - Interview dates January 6, 7, 13, 14, 21 - adult and MIDAS track
 
Brown University mass e-mail invite (12/2) for Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine Track. Dates are January 7, 10, 13, & 16.
 
LosingMyMind said:
Brown University interview invite - mass email this morning (12/2) - Interview dates January 6, 7, 13, 14, 21 - adult and MIDAS track
Click to expand...

Same here! Hoping I get my top choice interview date though, otherwise I might need to cancel another one in order to make it to Brown!
 
congrats to brown invites 🙂 didn't apply there (no excellent research matches) but i know it's a great internship - so good luck to y'all!
 
For anyone who got a VA Central Western Massachusetts invite, did the training director email you back with the specific date? I haven't heard back after giving my preferences. Thanks!
 
what are people's opinions about back to back interviews? i have the option of doing a monday and tuesday interview back to back,OR doing tuesday, hanging out in a region for wed/th, and then interviewing friday... kinda torn between the easy and quick trip (but exhaustion) versus the longer trip
 
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