How to answer general interview questions.

[kvcastil]

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Harro Pre-dents, I'll try to keep this short... I have been practicing how to answer the most general interview questions, like "why dentistry" or "why this school" etc. I'm curious. How long should I spend on each question. Interviews are typically around 30mins and I could go on forever on "why dentistry," but I can only say a few things about questions like "why this school," or "tell me about what happened during this quarter/semester"

Should I allocate more time on some questions, and be brief on others?

I know that I should be concise, but the point of the interview is to get to know the individual. I think some questions can reveal more about myself than others.

Thanks.

 

[MUSCDMD]

Don't can answers for interview questions. Have a general idea of how you would answer a question, but certainly don't over "practice" and have a scripted response. Go into interviews and be yourself. That's the point. They want to know who you are genuinely. My interviews have been so laid back at MUSC, Chapel Hill, and especially Columbia. They just want to get to know you. They won't ask questions you aren't prepared for, as long as you didn't lie in your application. Be yourself, think on your feet, and be confident. The end.

 

[Philippines03j]

+1 to MUSCDMD

Each interview is going to be different. You may feel it more appropriate to take longer in one interview and in another you may feel you need to take a shorter amount of time.

With that said I would plan a 2-3 minute response for the vague questions such as "why dentistry", "why this school", and "tell us more about yourself". Depending on the situation you may end up taking an extra minute or two.

 

[dentalWorks]

Harro Pre-dents, I'll try to keep this short... I have been practicing how to answer the most general interview questions, like "why dentistry" or "why this school" etc. I'm curious. How long should I spend on each question. Interviews are typically around 30mins and I could go on forever on "why dentistry," but I can only say a few things about questions like "why this school," or "tell me about what happened during this quarter/semester"

Should I allocate more time on some questions, and be brief on others?

I know that I should be concise, but the point of the interview is to get to know the individual. I think some questions can reveal more about myself than others.

Thanks.

Imagine your having an interview with someone your socially comfortable with (bother, sister, mother, dad, etc)...

Will you spend 3 hours answering a basic question like "why dentistry"? Or will you use common sense and answer it "just right" ?

 

[kvcastil]

Thanks guys! That was a lot of help 🙂