Advise for a first time interviewer?

[DrBodacious]

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I got my first interview coming up in a little over a week @ Temple. Even though Temple wouldn't be my first choice because of their probation and location, I still would like to go there should the unfortunate situation arrise where I don't get any acceptances from better schools. I am expecting interviews offers from Finch and Drexel, I might pick Temple over those two. After that things get less certain (i.e. Penn St, Jefferson, Loyola, Pitt, NW, U of Chicago, Penn). Bottom line is that I don't want to screw up this first interview...

I haven't done any mock interviews and unfortunately will not have any opportunities to do so before hand. Any other advise? Any body wish they had done something differently the first time?

 

[Kashue]

Some tips:

Posture: Keep your back straight, head up high, eyes on the interviewer(not staring tho), shoulders back, and hands folded on your lap. Keep a folder to keep the papers they give you in.

Try not to say ummm, you know, whatever, etc. too often.

Formulate in your mind the person you are and project that person in your interview. Be confident and humble and definately don't sound arrogant in any way.

Worked pretty well for me.

 

[oldtimer]

I interviewed at Temple. It's pretty laid back. Just be yourself and you should do fine. Don't let the probation issue bother you too much. Do a search for the threads on the pros and cons of going to Temple.

 

[medstylee]

definitely try to relax yourself and also appear that way to the interviewer(s). i think i was pretty uptight during my first interview. after that one, i've tried to calm down a lot and i feel like the interviewers have been a lot more receptive to me.

i think a lot of us anticipate certain questions (ie. "why medicine" yadda yadda yadda) and thus, we put a lot of thought toward how we might answer them. be careful that, if you get asked an expected question, your answer doesn't sound really contrived or rehearsed. at one of my interviews, we were talking with the dean and he asked someone about how she became interested in medicine and her answer, although respectable, sounded like it was coming straight off a script in her mind. everyone in the room felt a little awkward i think, because it was TOTALLY aparent she had rehearsed her response.

also, it helps to know a lot about the school - you want to make the interviewers, deans, etc aware that you're in fact interested in the school (even if it's your backup or whatever)

good luck

 

[bigbaubdi]

The one thing that helped me during my interviews was that I was very comfortable talking about the activities listed in my application. Also I wrote an unconventional personal statement, so I knew that I would have to answer questions about it.

As for preparation, know a few details about the schools that you are interviewing at so that you can answer and ask questions about the school. But don't overprepare though.

 

[StrngoutAS]

Be sincere...

 

[Clemson Doc]

Call the school and ask who your interviewers will be. I did this before my recent interview (which was not at Temple), and it was nice to work several questions into the conversation showing that I knew some things about my interviewer's background. They were definitely impressed, and I imagine that most students don't go to that much trouble. It shows that you are responsible, organized, and interested in the school. Hopefully Temple will help you out if they can.

I think that the advice about posture, eye contact, etc. are very important. I bet we would be amazed at the number of students who slouch in their seats and let their eyes wander around the room.

You will be nervous at first, but you will relax a few minutes into your first interview and feel comfortable. Let us know how it goes!

 

[DrBodacious]

Thanks everyone, very good advise.

 

[supereagles]

If you are generally a nice pleasant person who would otherwise make a great doctor, then by all means BE YOURSELF. On the other hand, if you are a tool who normally would not get along with anyone, then for your own stake. PRETEND.