Bringing "Notes" To (Virtual) Interviews?

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

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Would it be considered unprofessional/unprepared/lazy to prepare some written questions and notes about a school and your interviewer during a virtual interview? I am interested in both of my interviewers' backgrounds, clinical work, and research, but find it difficult at times to remember some of the questions I wanted to ask them. For context, I would only reference these at the end when (and if) they ask me if I have any questions for them.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Probably not. Ask your school.

 

[Butalbusaur]

Honestly, I have tried to ask questions that open up a conversation. For example, “What’s your favorite thing about X school, and what brought you here/keeps you here” or “If you had to leave and take one thing from this school to somewhere else, what would it be.” I think it helps me feel if I can also see myself there based on their answer.

Granted, most of my interviews have informational sessions and Q&A sessions built into the interview day where we can ask questions specifically about the curriculum and stuff.

I don’t think it would seem unprofessional. I will say it can be awkward if the person who interviews you knows nothing about the curriculum or certain resources that students have. That’s why I try to keep the questions fun/open-ended.

Just my 2 cents. 🙂

 

[PickaGodnPray]

The cons outweigh the pros if your interviewer finds out about the notes (and you would be surprised how I and others have been able to see them). Even if it is just for questions, it would be hard to know you didn't have notes for other things unless you explicitly showed them. Just try to remember the questions, you really won't have time for more than 1-2 anyways.

 

[LizzyM]

When I interviewed applicants in-person (winter 2020 and earlier), applicants often had a portfolio with a pad of paper on which they jotted their questions and responses to those questions. There is nothing shameful about that. You could also attach a post it to your screen or on the wall beyond your screen such that you can see it but it would be safely off camera.

 

[PickaGodnPray]

You could also attach a post it to your screen or on the wall beyond your screen such that you can see it but it would be safely off camera.

I have caught students for PhD programs doing this, reflection on glasses gives it away though haha.

 

[LizzyM]

You must have a bigger computer screen than I have.... or better eyesight. haha

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

When I interviewed applicants in-person (winter 2020 and earlier), applicants often had a portfolio with a pad of paper on which they jotted their questions and responses to those questions. There is nothing shameful about that. You could also attach a post it to your screen or on the wall beyond your screen such that you can see it but it would be safely off camera.

Thank you!

I have a follow up question, albeit don't feel inclined to answer if you think it wouldn't be helpful for interviewees. I was wondering if there were any kinds of questions you have been asked in the past that made you think "wow, that's a great question." While I am always able find something to ask about my interviewer's school/curriculum/work/research, I can't help but feel like these sound like broken records and/or can simply be answered in the welcome sessions on interview day.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I have a follow up question, albeit don't feel inclined to answer if you think it wouldn't be helpful for interviewees. I was wondering if there were any kinds of questions you have been asked in the past that made you think "wow, that's a great question." While I am always able find something to ask about my interviewer's school/curriculum/work/research, I can't help but feel like these sound like broken records and/or can simply be answered in the welcome sessions on interview day.

When I say, "that's a great question," it's to remark I don't know the answer and defer to a different source (like tuition increases won't be known until April).

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

When I say, "that's a great question," it's to remark I don't know the answer and defer to a different source (like tuition increases won't be known until April).

Ah, got it! In the past, I have read some anecdotes and "advice" from people saying that "interviewers will like to also talk about themselves," therefor I should make sure that I ask them about their lives and work if I have the time. Do you think this is generally true?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Ah, got it! In the past, I have read some anecdotes and "advice" from people saying that "interviewers will like to also talk about themselves," therefor I should make sure that I ask them about their lives and work if I have the time. Do you think this is generally true?

Generally, that's true of anyone in a traditional interview. Structured interviewers may not be so willing. You have socials/meet and greets where casual questions are more appropriate. Depends on how my interviewers are trained. In general, interviewees are told you need to have questions of your own to cap off an interview, so interviewers can perceive that you asking about something personal about them is a sign you have no questions to ask. Others like that one would at least attempt to be personable. It depends on how you are vibing.

Read

Admissions Committees: The Art of the Decision | SDN Review

Abstract: Faculty serve three to four year terms on admissions committees, so they can vary significantly year-to-year with shifting priorities over time.

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

Generally, that's true of anyone in a traditional interview. Structured interviewers may not be so willing. You have socials/meet and greets where casual questions are more appropriate. Depends on how my interviewers are trained. In general, interviewees are told you need to have questions of your own to cap off an interview, so interviewers can perceive that you asking about something personal about them is a sign you have no questions to ask. Others like that one would at least attempt to be personable. It depends on how you are vibing.

Read

Admissions Committees: The Art of the Decision | SDN Review

Abstract: Faculty serve three to four year terms on admissions committees, so they can vary significantly year-to-year with shifting priorities over time.

www.studentdoctor.net

Thank you!

 

[LizzyM]

People do like to talk about themselves, but in doing so can tell you quite a bit about the school, too. What do you consider some of the strengths of the school? What do you wish you could change? Do you do any teaching? What's that like? What brought you to this school? Why have you stayed?

You can always ask opinions. Everyone is different so even if something was covered in the intro session, there are other points of view you might elicit during the interviews.

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

People do like to talk about themselves, but in doing so can tell you quite a bit about the school, too. What do you consider some of the strengths of the school? What do you wish you could change? Do you do any teaching? What's that like? What brought you to this school? Why have you stayed?

You can always ask opinions. Everyone is different so even if something was covered in the intro session, there are other points of view you might elicit during the interviews.

Awesome, thank you!