how long should each interview response be?

[Mr Brain]

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how long should each response to an interview question be (for something like...why should we choose you/why medicine, etc.)? i don't want to drag my response on and on, but i want them to know that i am interested in their school.

 

[redsquareblack]

how long should each response to an interview question be (for something like...why should we choose you/why medicine, etc.)? i don't want to drag my response on and on, but i want them to know that i am interested in their school.

Short Answer: Your responses should be as long as it takes to communicate the answer to the question.

Long Answer: I have always adopted the strategy that you should give no less information than was asked, but no more than you need to. The questions that are asked in an interview can be a valuable tool to help clarify who you are, and why you're interested in a given school. But if you ramble on, or continue incoherently, then those questions can become a handy rope for you to hang yourself.

I find it helpful to write down some answers to these questions a few weeks beforehand, and go over them occasionally. Obviously, you don't want to sound rehearsed, but at the same time, you should have an idea of what your answers to these questions are. You should have already done the work of identifying and distilling your reasons for wanting to become a doctor, and why you might want to go to a school.

Therefore, make your answers straightforward, to the point, and try as much as possible to stay on message.

 

[jvesco22]

It depends on how you talk. If you speak in montone, keep it real short or your interviewer will not like you. If you are really enthusiastic, just talk to the point where feel you've explained yourself fully, maybe about a minute at the most, unless it's a really in depth question?

Basically, just make sure you stop before you see their facial expression change(unless it turns to a smile.) 👍

 

[dw2158]

It depends on how you talk. If you speak in montone, keep it real short or your interviewer will not like you. If you are really enthusiastic, just talk to the point where feel you've explained yourself fully, maybe about a minute at the most, unless it's a really in depth question?

Basically, just make sure you stop before you see their facial expression change(unless it turns to a smile.) 👍

that last part is key-- i try to gauge based on the interviewer's reaction to what i'm saying. if they look bored, wrap it up. if they seem entertained, give more details. etc.

i mean, you've had conversations before, right? this should just be a conversation, albeit one where you're at your best and sounding intelligent and motivated 🙂