Breaking Down in an Interview

[ZZtop]

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Well I was able to get some interviews. Now I have had some practice and my biggest issue is how emotional I get when I talk about certain times in my life. I would try to work around these times and not bring them up, but these stories are the reason I want to be a physician. Does anyone have any strategies on how to avoid getting too emotional or ways of pulling yourself together quickly?

 

[punkedoutriffs]

I don't know of a "technique" for that, but your account did remind me of an interview I watched recently w/ the cast of Mad Men on Inside the Actor's Studio.

At 6:00, Jon Hamm starts talking about his tragic childhood. I thought his response was both moving and dignified. I dunno. Maybe it gives you ideas?

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1qd_UpnCFo[/YOUTUBE]

 

[ZZtop]

That's exactly how I want to reply. My mock interviewers say I have great experiences to share, it's just getting to that point of staying composed while telling them.

 

[red7]

Maybe try getting as much practice as you can in responding to different questions and talk about situations that make you emotional. It could be in a mock interview, but even just to yourself in a mirror. This isn't to sound rehearsed or anything, but just to get used to talking about those things so that you're not suddenly immersed in it during your first interview or mock interview.

At the same time, you could also record your own voice and watch yourself in the mirror (or even just tape yourself on cellphone/webcam) so that you can evaluate your vocal tone, facial expressions, body language, etc. and make sure you're coming across the way you want to.

Don't know if it would help or if you've done it already, but it's the first thought I had.

 

[thlaxer]

That's exactly how I want to reply. My mock interviewers say I have great experiences to share, it's just getting to that point of staying composed while telling them.

I had this problem too and the advice I got was to keep practice telling the story until I was desensitized to it. That worked to some degree. Also, try telling the story in a very matter-of-fact way, that might help remove some of your emotion from the story (which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're currently too emotional about it).

There were a few interviews though where I did briefly lose composure. The best thing you can do at that point in my opinion is to take a deep breath to recompose yourself, finish the story and move on. If it helps ease your worries, this happened at ~three interviews and my tearing up didn't seem to negatively affect their impression of me.

 

[punkedoutriffs]

Also, maybe it would help to work through some of your feelings on the events you're talking about? Maybe reflect on them/write down some thoughts and stuff. This way, you get used to the kind of images and emotions that come up and so during an interview, you won't get a deluge you can't handle.

 

[SaintJude]

agreed with above posts. It is critical you don't start crying. It happened to me during 1 of my college interviews and it comes across as if you're this emotionally "fragile" being that needs to toughen up. (whether it's true or not...)

Emergency tactic: If despite all this, you find yourself somehow crying...to stop quickly, a study showed that physically tilting your head slightly backward can help you stop. Gaze at a light fixture for a few seconds while talking obvi (not directly at ceiling so you don't look weird). Your interviewer will just think you're thoughtfully considering the moment 🙂

Good luck! I bet you'll have a powerful interview!!

 

[plumhill]

This seems to happen with people who don't often talk about their problems and experiences. The more you talk and share, the easier it will get. That being said, my personal take has been that a controlled display of emotions is nothing to be ashamed of. I feel like a lot of people feel as though they need to be stoic all the time. As long as you can keep yourself composed, don't feel like you can't show any emotions at all.

[And yes, I realize that a lot of you are going to disagree with me. But that's just my take on this situation].

One trick that's helped me if I feel like I'm about to start bawling has been to think about how my PI would react if he saw me bawling my eyes out in an interview. That usually gets me to pull myself together fairly quickly.

 

[Law2Doc]

agreed with above posts. It is critical you don't start crying. It happened to me during 1 of my college interviews and it comes across as if you're this emotionally "fragile" being that needs to toughen up. (whether it's true or not...)
...!!

agree. During med school and residency you will deal with death and dying a lot. Families are going to expect you to be a rock, not someone blubbering worse than they are. That only flies on bad TV. So interviewers, particular clinicians, are going to regard that a bit as a sign that you aren't ready for this road. Desensitize yourself and fix it.

 

[Geebeejay]

Well I was able to get some interviews. Now I have had some practice and my biggest issue is how emotional I get when I talk about certain times in my life. I would try to work around these times and not bring them up, but these stories are the reason I want to be a physician. Does anyone have any strategies on how to avoid getting too emotional or ways of pulling yourself together quickly?

You got to pull it together man, this isn't extreme home makeovers. Maybe practice saying your story aloud in the mirror? Or watching a sad movie before your interview to get all of the tears out? Whatever your strategy is, crying is bad and can't happen in an interview.

 

[LauraJo08]

Well I was able to get some interviews. Now I have had some practice and my biggest issue is how emotional I get when I talk about certain times in my life. I would try to work around these times and not bring them up, but these stories are the reason I want to be a physician. Does anyone have any strategies on how to avoid getting too emotional or ways of pulling yourself together quickly?

I have had this problem because of a family tragedy. I was told point blank by my advisor that I needed to practice over and over talking about it and what I learned and how it will make me a stronger physician. I skyped with my parents a lot when practicing for interviews, and one of the things we focused on was figuring out how to succinctly say my story without getting emotional while at the same time using it as a springboard for my interest in medicine.

 

[gyngyn]

You are right to prepare for this. Crying must be avoided.

 

[Cinclus]

I had this problem too and the advice I got was to keep practice telling the story until I was desensitized to it. That worked to some degree. Also, try telling the story in a very matter-of-fact way, that might help remove some of your emotion from the story (which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're currently too emotional about it).

There were a few interviews though where I did briefly lose composure. The best thing you can do at that point in my opinion is to take a deep breath to recompose yourself, finish the story and move on. If it helps ease your worries, this happened at ~three interviews and my tearing up didn't seem to negatively affect their impression of me.

I agree with this. The more you tell the story, and the less emotion you infuse into it (if the story is sad enough to get you worked up, they'll understand the emotions involved without you having to actually become emotional), the less likely you will be to break down. Also, make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the interview. People seem to be significantly more emotionally labile when they're tired.

 

[ZZtop]

Thanks for all of the advice. I plan on just telling my story out loud wherever I go and get used to telling my family and friends first. Then I'll practice with the people I am a little less comfortable with who have been supporting me through the application process. When push comes to shove I know I have to hold it together. Anyone else with any other advice, I'll gladly hear it.