2015-2016 APPIC Internship Interview Thread

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Hey all. If anyone here is interviewing in Nashville tomorrow/is in Nashville tonight and wants to grab dinner and/or a drink, just shoot me a message. I'll be getting in this evening and will just be wandering around trying to occupy my mind.

Good luck to all with interviews ramping up and tons of news coming in the next 48-72 hours!
 
r16g said:
For those who went on interviews before -- when you bring copies of your CV, did you have to give it to every single interviewer? I found that most people had a copy already and the transaction of asking them if they needed one was almost little awkward...
Click to expand...

Was told to have copies of CV with you and writing samples as well. Interviewed last year and no one ever asked. Still good to have them, better to be safe than sorry.
 
cstarpsy said:
I agree with hamsterpants...in my experience, interviewers have the CV in front of them. It helps to have one if they do ask, but it's not too common. You're going to be great!
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Thanks! I would like to say that I love how everyone is so supportive here. It's nice to have others who sometimes get your neuroticism/anxiety!
 
Random (and possibly silly) question for everyone: for phone interviews, will they call you or should you call them? In the past for practicum, the sites have called me, but I wasn't sure. Thanks!
 
cstarpsy said:
Random (and possibly silly) question for everyone: for phone interviews, will they call you or should you call them? In the past for practicum, the sites have called me, but I wasn't sure. Thanks!
Click to expand...

not silly at all. Hopefully, before the deadline, they send you more detailed instructions but one site asked me to list the number where I may be reached for my phone interview. I imagine that is more convenient for most sites, esp if multiple interviewers are participating.
 
hamsterpants said:
not silly at all. Hopefully, before the deadline, they send you more detailed instructions but one site asked me to list the number where I may be reached for my phone interview. I imagine that is more convenient for most sites, esp if multiple interviewers are participating.
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That makes sense! I have one next week, and I signed up already. I guess I'll just plan on them calling me. Thank you 🙂.
 
I did my internship at a site with an open house and, from my understanding, WisNeuro is right in that rankings are typically determined from the paper application. There may be slight modifications based on behavior and observations made during the open house (or maybe major if something egregious happens), but that's about it. Also, FWIW, I attended that site's open house, but felt like I made ZERO impression. I was pretty shocked that I matched there.
 
cstarpsy said:
That makes sense! I have one next week, and I signed up already. I guess I'll just plan on them calling me. Thank you 🙂.
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Though I should be clear that I have yet to experience any interviews, so am far from an expert on the topic!

I was not able to arrange any interviews in Dec and so am still playing the waiting game presently. I am a bit worried about January as my interviews are pretty much back to back with little time to recover. Interviewees past and present, what are you doing now to prepare for Jan interviews and "hit the ground running"?
 
hamsterpants said:
Thanks, I have a weird question. I did a mock interview with someone last week and although it went well overall, the main criticism was that I talk too much. This is funny to me because most of my life I was told I talk too little but I think I talk a lot in interviews because a) nerves and fear of dead silences and b) fear of being misunderstood so overclarifying. I've also gotten feedback that I can be a bit "circumstantial" in my speech. Any ideas of how I can work on being concise and to the point (besides just brute practice) without squashing friendliness or being my authentic self? I'm afraid that by trying to curb it, I will overcorrect and sound like a robot hamster. I do another mock next week.
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Even if you're keeping yourself focused and concise - SMILE. That exudes the friendliness. Laugh at appropriate times (there is always some fun to the interview process) and express gratitude and a positive attitude. That way you don't lose the genuineness and friendliness but can still be directive.
 
hamsterpants said:
Though I should be clear that I have yet to experience any interviews, so am far from an expert on the topic!

I was not able to arrange any interviews in Dec and so am still playing the waiting game presently. I am a bit worried about January as my interviews are pretty much back to back with little time to recover. Interviewees past and present, what are you doing now to prepare for Jan interviews and "hit the ground running"?
Click to expand...

I didn't have as full of a schedule as some people, but my advice is to fully take advantage of any "off days" to take care of yourself. It's okay to just do fun things and relax. Do what you absolutely have to and nothing else. Also, try to have moments of fun and self-care even when you're on the interview circuit. Use room service and get a great dessert. Order a glass of wine. Watch mind-numbing, dumb TV shows. Bring non-psychology books that you want to read on the plane. Don't feel obligated to be social even if you know people in the area, unless you want to (I know that after interviews, I personally didn't want to talk to anyone the rest of the day).

I think something I learned is that all of the interviewees are in the same boat. It's odd because you're competing against with other, but you kind of bond during that day. You make jokes, you share stories, you talk about how terrible this process is. The only times it really felt like I was competing against other people was at open houses, maybe because I think the format makes applicants more likely to try to "show off."
 
hamsterpants said:
Though I should be clear that I have yet to experience any interviews, so am far from an expert on the topic!

I was not able to arrange any interviews in Dec and so am still playing the waiting game presently. I am a bit worried about January as my interviews are pretty much back to back with little time to recover. Interviewees past and present, what are you doing now to prepare for Jan interviews and "hit the ground running"?
Click to expand...

YMMV, but I made a spreadsheet of all my travel so that I could remove my brainpower from that area (e.g., date, time, mode of travel, confirmation number, how I was getting to/from the train station/airport/etc.). I tried to visit friends along the way, especially friends who were on postdoc/beyond so they could provide a welcome distraction but also empathy. I also planned "fun things" to do in each city (looked up a restaurant or museum) and looked up food that could be ordered to my hotel. If you can do nice self-care things along the way, do them! For me, I splurged on airport spa manicures and hair blowouts.

Wash your hands A LOT and carry a travel sized purell. Vitamin C. Carry at least a couple types of OTC meds around -- if you feel a cold brewing, it's easier to pop a day quil you have it on hand than seek out the nearest pharmacy. Try to sleep well if you can.
 
hamsterpants said:
Though I should be clear that I have yet to experience any interviews, so am far from an expert on the topic!

I was not able to arrange any interviews in Dec and so am still playing the waiting game presently. I am a bit worried about January as my interviews are pretty much back to back with little time to recover. Interviewees past and present, what are you doing now to prepare for Jan interviews and "hit the ground running"?
Click to expand...

I'm in a similar situation. Though SO grateful for the interviews and this "problem", I have been a bit stressed on how to manage the traveling and go-go-go for several days in a row. I think this is where our therapy skills come in and can be applied to ourselves. For me, there's a lot of positive self-talk and deep breathing and staying in the present/one day/one hour at a time mentality. That helps me from feeling overwhelmed or worrying about all the "what ifs" along the way. I think acknowledging and accepting that, despite lots of planning and thought, things will happen beyond our control (flight delays, weather) and it'll be okay. I already went to one interview and the TD seemed very aware of the stress this process causes. She commented that one year, an applicant arrived an hour late due to unforeseen circumstances and she understood. Hopefully most sites and TDs can also be so understanding.
 
Has anyone changed scheduling with a site, after they agreed on a date? I originally tried to save a date for a site that was most favored both due to clinical interests and location. When I received an invitation from another site that I also liked but was lower in preference due to location, I opted to try to get a phone interview. Now they set me for a phone interview for another date, but I unfortunately did not get an offer from the site I most preferred, allowing me to actually go to the in-person interview for the second site now. To be fair, I do like both programs but one was mildly higher mainly due to location. I am wondering if I should leave it be, as the phone interview has been agreed for almost two weeks and seemed like a hassle for them to schedule...or should I try to see if I can still get the in person interview now. I've heard that phone interviews can be viewed negatively by some sites but doesn't make too much of a difference for others..

Any suggestions and advice are welcomed!
 
hamsterpants said:
I was not able to arrange any interviews in Dec and so am still playing the waiting game presently. I am a bit worried about January as my interviews are pretty much back to back with little time to recover. Interviewees past and present, what are you doing now to prepare for Jan interviews and "hit the ground running"?
Click to expand...

I had the same issue (all but one were in January). I agree with what others said: self-care, resting as much as you can, sleeping, doing fun things, listening to music on the plane. And yes, if you don't want to talk to anyone because your all socialized out at the end of the day, don't feel like you have to. Silence is golden 😉

However with my schedule I either had interviews back to back with no days in between (very exhausting when you throw in travel) or a day in between (love those Saturday interviews)-- so my off days were often flying, getting to the hotel and prepping for the interview the next day. If this is similar to what you are going to experience, just know that although you feel very grateful for many interviews (and was a great driving force for me), you will feel exhausted, a level of tired you have never felt before especially by the end BUT that its possible, it's an accomplishment in itself, it will end, and you can do it! 🙂

Once I was done (because I had a sweet advisor) I took over a week off to just sit in my pjs at home watching Netflix with my dog, eating yummy food and hanging out with friends! Good luck!
 
Member6677 said:
Hi y'all

Anyone hear from University of California- Santa Barbara? I don't see it on the list, yet see all the other UC Univ's.
Also, any news on Northern Illinois University? I was really hoping sites wouldn't go until the bitter end =/
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Nothing from UCSB on my end. Their listed notification date is 12/18 though so they have till Friday.
 
r16g said:
For those who went on interviews before -- when you bring copies of your CV, did you have to give it to every single interviewer? I found that most people had a copy already and the transaction of asking them if they needed one was almost little awkward...
Click to expand...
I can't speak about internship interviews yet but when I was out in the working world for a few years post-master's, I always just brought copies with me and only gave them one if it was requested.
 
Site name & Match ID number: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
- Track: General Track
-Invite or rejection: Invite
-Date notified: 12/14
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email
-Interview Dates: 1/6; 1/8; 1/11; and 1/15; at 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., or 1:15 p.m.
 
Anyone hear from Virginia Treatment Center for Children? Their notification date was supposed to be 12/11, but I haven't heard either way and it's not on the main list here.
 
r16g said:
Has anyone changed scheduling with a site, after they agreed on a date? I originally tried to save a date for a site that was most favored both due to clinical interests and location. When I received an invitation from another site that I also liked but was lower in preference due to location, I opted to try to get a phone interview. Now they set me for a phone interview for another date, but I unfortunately did not get an offer from the site I most preferred, allowing me to actually go to the in-person interview for the second site now. To be fair, I do like both programs but one was mildly higher mainly due to location. I am wondering if I should leave it be, as the phone interview has been agreed for almost two weeks and seemed like a hassle for them to schedule...or should I try to see if I can still get the in person interview now. I've heard that phone interviews can be viewed negatively by some sites but doesn't make too much of a difference for others..

Any suggestions and advice are welcomed!
Click to expand...
If you prefer to go in person it does not hurt to ask, since sites usually like to meet in person as well when they can. Their schedule may be full however, so just acknowledge that you know that at this late date there may be nothing open but that you could be available if anything is open or anything changes. It allows you to indicate your interest, even if it can't be accomodated and it could work out.
 
Is anyone else still waiting to hear back from Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia? Their stated deadline for letting people know about interviews was this past Friday, and I know they have sent out some invitations. I figure I'll wait a few extra days (maybe until after 12/15?) and then check in with them. Is anyone else in the same boat?
 
internshiphopeful said:
Is anyone else still waiting to hear back from Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia? Their stated deadline for letting people know about interviews was this past Friday, and I know they have sent out some invitations. I figure I'll wait a few extra days (maybe until after 12/15?) and then check in with them. Is anyone else in the same boat?
Click to expand...

I'm still waiting to hear back as well. I figure it's a rejection at this point 🙁
 
BuckeyePsych said:
Anyone hear from Virginia Treatment Center for Children? Their notification date was supposed to be 12/11, but I haven't heard either way and it's not on the main list here.
Click to expand...

I'm waiting to hear from them. I figured I would wait until after 12/15 to email and ask about my status, though, just to be safe.
 
Site name & Match ID number: Lewisville ISD
- Track: General Track
-Invite or rejection: Reject
-Date notified: 12/14
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email
 
sunshine008 said:
I'm going to be extra creepy and ask what time you got this e-mail. 🙂
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Why do you ask 🙂
Are you planning on interviewing there? I just realized I sent them the wrong date and am probably that super annoying candidate now....
 
RejectClinical said:
Why do you ask 🙂
Are you planning on interviewing there? I just realized I sent them the wrong date and am probably that super annoying candidate now....
Click to expand...
Just planning to "patiently" wait by my e-mail in case I get one, too!

We're probably all super annoying candidates. In my experience, everyone has been very accommodating. They know this process is hectic.
 
sunshine008 said:
Just planning to "patiently" wait by my e-mail in case I get one, too!

We're probably all super annoying candidates. In my experience, everyone has been very accommodating. They know this process is hectic.
Click to expand...
🙂 I too got the invite 2 hours ago.

That is probably very true! I try to limit my annoying ness as much as possible 😉
 
Just two sites left to hear from based on this thread and emails from today.

Site name & Match ID number: Cheyenne VA Medical Center 2302
- Track: General Track
-Invite or rejection: Reject
-Date notified: 12/14
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email attachment
-What you've done lately to cope with this crazy internship process - Any sugary treat
 
king.chc.19 said:
Site name & Match ID number: Lewisville ISD
- Track: General Track
-Invite or rejection: Reject
-Date notified: 12/14
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email
Click to expand...
pyschy said:
Site name & Match ID number: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
- Track: General Track
-Invite or rejection: Invite
-Date notified: 12/14
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email
-Interview Dates: 1/6; 1/8; 1/11; and 1/15; at 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., or 1:15 p.m.
Click to expand...

Have not heard anything from either of those sites, and that is the second batch of mass rejections sent out by Lewisville ISD.
 
Last year one of the interviewees asked a question regarding cost of living in the area. One of the current interns then said, "Well I pay [insert random amount] at such and such place, but my parents help out." This was subsequently followed by the interviewee stating, "Well, are your parents going to help out with my finances also???" And in that one instant, dude wasted all of his time and money coming out for the interview. My point, don't say stupid ****.
 
ClinicalTears said:
Just two sites left to hear from based on this thread and emails from today.

Site name & Match ID number: Cheyenne VA Medical Center 2302
- Track: General Track
-Invite or rejection: Reject
-Date notified: 12/14
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email attachment
-What you've done lately to cope with this crazy internship process - Any sugary treat
Click to expand...

Me too
 
I'm sure I'm not the only one needing humor in the midst of this waiting/prepping process. Here is a bit of humor from the Peter Serafinowicz show regarding a job interview. Here's to our interviews being more straight forward! Best wishes to all in the next few days, I am grateful for this forum (especially sms06h)!

 
(Already pm'ed to thread admins)
-Site name & Match ID number: Clemson University (11065)
-Track (if applicable): N/A
-Invite or rejection: Invite
-Date notified: 12/14/15
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): Mass email
-Interview date: 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, & 1/8; all by phone
-What you've done lately to cope with this crazy internship process: Do my best impersonation of Sadness from Inside Out

giphy.gif
 
Hey. Has anyone gotten a rejection from Washington State University Counseling Center, yet?
 
I see that University of Tennessee Health Sciences is up! Any General folks get a call?
 
Opposite of a pro-tip: Don't get so caught up in waiting for new invites/planning trips for current invites that you forget to confirm that you plan to attend your current invite. Guess who just received a phone call telling you that you forgot to confirm attendance from a person their interviewing with next month.... Someone please comfort me and tell me that I didn't just ruin my chances of getting an internship there. I apologized profusely and am still allowed to come. I'm just I assume now that annoying person they had to personally call who couldn't follow basic email directions.
 
Last edited:
Invites from Coatesville General track and Edith Nourse Rogers VAMC messaged to our fearless leader.
 
Site name & Match ID number: McLean Hospital (1323)
-Track (if applicable): Adult
-Invite or rejection: Rejection
-Date notified: 12/14/15
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): mass email

🙁
 
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