Any one else need a motivation booster?

[KEH]

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I have been reading the posts on SDN for awhile now, but this is my first post. I love hearing advice and other's experiences (and acceptances - congrats to everyone!) As the months pass on, I am becoming frustrated, and worried. I am a first time applicant and so far only have one interview, at my state school. I know how important this one interview is going to be, especially if it is the only one I get. I have had two mock interviews so far and have at least one more lined up before the big day. However, I am terrible at interviewing. I get really nervous and can't say what I want the way I hope to when I practice at home. Any suggestions? What other tools can I use to become a confident interviewee? The last mock interview I had really killed my confidence, as the interviewer told me about all of the things that are going to hurt me in my interview -- although he did give some advice on how to turn those negatives into positives. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[j48seconds]

I have been reading the posts on SDN for awhile now, but this is my first post. I love hearing advice and other's experiences (and acceptances - congrats to everyone!) As the months pass on, I am becoming frustrated, and worried. I am a first time applicant and so far only have one interview, at my state school. I know how important this one interview is going to be, especially if it is the only one I get. I have had two mock interviews so far and have at least one more lined up before the big day. However, I am terrible at interviewing. I get really nervous and can't say what I want the way I hope to when I practice at home. Any suggestions? What other tools can I use to become a confident interviewee? The last mock interview I had really killed my confidence, as the interviewer told me about all of the things that are going to hurt me in my interview -- although he did give some advice on how to turn those negatives into positives. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

I found Monster.com's interview quiz and mastery skills to be very helpful for me. It gives you a way to answer the "tell me about yourself, why should I pick you, what are your strengths and weakness" questions. I made a word document with all the correct answers and structured my own responses around that advice. I also have some general points I try to make when answering certain questions, but I don't memorize what I'm going to say precisely just the main points. I also go on the interview feedback on this site for the particular school I'm going to be interviewing at and make a list of all the questions other interviewees have encounter and try to structure general answers to those questions, so that I'm ready just in case the questions are asked. It has worked for me at my interviews.

 

[malumd2b]

Assuming your interviewer is laid back like the majority of them I've experienced, just talk as if you were discussing something you are geniuinely passionate about with a friend at a coffee shop. Don't come off as if you are regurgitating statements because most likely they are trying to find out what type of person you are personality wise that they cannot get from your app. Just relax, there's is no perfect answer to a question they ask. Realize that the fact that you have been given an interview which thousands of others did not is a huge accomplishment and they already know you have what it takes academically succeed in thier school.

Now you just have to demonstrate that you are a down to earth interesting person that has many interests outside of medicine as well. Most interviewers and adcoms like to know things you really have been involved in outside of school like a little league coach, or camp leader or in sports or something. When asked always talk about academic things you've done but let them know you are more than just school and grades. That's what my impression has been that they want. Try not to say Ummm and just smile a lot so they know that you are truly thrilled to be given a chance to be a part of their school and community.

Good luck

 

[cammy1313]

Lots of good advice going around in this thread. The only pearl of wisdom I might be able to add is this. If you are truly flustered and out of sorts, go ahead and state this to your interviewer. Don't sound desperate or unstable, but possibly preface your interview by commenting that you apologize if you appear jittery but that you are slightly nervous. I mean, if you start slurring, stuttering, or wiping your brow through the interview your uneasiness will be obvious so it can't hurt to lay it out on the table before getting under way. It might even make you more at ease because you won't be wondering if your nervousness is obvious. And more to illustrate the point, my most recent interview was about 48 hours after returning from a trip to Europe. The jet lag I was feeling was unbelievable and I really felt out of sorts. I made a point to mention it before starting the interview and it made me feel more comfortable. If I had to take a few extra minutes to gather my thoughts it was okay.

 

[brucecat]

Yeah, I agree with cammy... If you're really nervous, let the interviewer know that this is not your strong suit.. Just be honest and genuine and that will come through. They understand that this is a stressful process and many people (not just you) get very nervous in these situations. Don't try to overprepare.. just be honest and you'll be cool.