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just general tips or advice for applicants from anyone? I'm so anxious about it
How to become a good communicator (for interview)
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aren't you applying this cycle...
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So? It's general advice for being a "good communicator" like you asked. Feel free to not take my advice. If you want to, go ahead and intersperse those at all your interviews and look like a bumbling interviewee.
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wow someone's getting a little worked up.
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Not worked up at all lol. Really couldn't care less if you aced or bombed your interviews. If you're skeptical about fellow applicants who are offering genuine advice and call them out on it, then don't take the advice. I'm technically doing myself a disservice by offering advice like that, but I am because it's for the collective good on SDN.
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+1
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1) Smile
2) Be confident
3) Tell the truth
4) Speak load and clear
5) Look at them in the eye
6) Know your own application inside out
7) Try preparing some questions to ask the interviewer
8) Make the interviewer laugh (bonus points)
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I don't think people realize how often they use these. Leave these at home for the interview. And forever. If you use your hands a lot when you talk....don't.
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Here are a few things I learned about interviewing during my interviews (UCLA, USC, Columbia, BU, ASDOH, Creighton, Iowa, Case, etc.)
Group interviews:
-Don't cry (I watched guys cry on three different occasions and a girl teared up once)
-Make sure to use the "second or last" rule. Always try to answer the question second or last. There will always be the guy that answers first each time... The guy I saw answering each question first (in a very pushy way) said "this is my third year applying" and I would imagine there is a reason for that.
-TALK... I saw so many shy (all of them asian) girls never say a WORD in group interviews.
-Never try to talk over anybody, you'll look like an idiot.
-Try to make friends with the other students interviewing with you. When you are in the interview they will be responsive to you and it will feel more natural.
-Don't talk with your hands too much (a little is ok and probably good). You might think to yourself "I never talk with my hands"... try a mock interview and realize that you do.
-When the OTHER people (interviewees) are talking... LOOK AT THEM and (fake) that you are interested in what they are saying (i.e., nod, a quiet mmhmm, a chuckle when they are funny). NEVER keep looking at the interviewer or looking at your notes or looking down, or PRAYING (as I saw in one interview).
1-on-1 interviews (I guess this applies to the interview day, really):
-Joke/engage in lighthearted talking with your interviewer as they walk you to the room.
-Always make mention of little things you notice that would be of interest to you and the interviewer (i.e., At one of my interviews the interviewer had my mom's maiden name... I asked and we both found out that our families are from Mckeesport, Penn. She kept walking by me all day saying "hey there!" and then she sent ME a letter before I could send her a thank you letter. At another interview I asked the secretary about a CD on her desk (only to find out we both like Ska music), she ended up being the one to walk me to my interview and as she dropped me off she told the interviewer, "If he doesn't get in, I will have a bone to pick with you!")
-Never talk to a person of authority when it is not appropriate. I saw person after person try to strike up a FULL conversation with the dean, professors,interviewers, etc. in front of the entire group of interviewees, or while trying to sit with them at lunch, or while they were supposed to be taking a tour. It just makes you look like an idiot. Wait for a natural moment to speak with these people if you desire to, if it never happens, then don't go out of your way to speak with them.
-Don't eat all of your meal if you have interviews after lunch (nerves do weird things).
-If a school doesn't offer lunch at an interview... They are not worth interviewing at HAHA!
-NEVER BRING GIFTS!
-If you are good at joking around, then JOKE AROUND during your interviews (obviously feel out the interviewer first) but, I have to say that all of my interviews ended really well (I was accepted) because I was able to answer questions seriously while also engaging in lighthearted conversation and making my interviewers laugh. (At one of my interviews I sat outside a room waiting for my interview and I could hear the previous interview going on. A question started with "Ok, ten years from now, you're driving around in a BMW and you're thinking 'Today was a perfect day...' etc etc etc.?" and to answer the question, this guy said "well... I don't know if I would have chosen a BMW, haha!" then went on to answer the question... I could hear the interviewers laughing for like 3 minutes). That is the proper way to inject your personality into the interview.
-When you have to write an essay at the interview....DO NOT keep writing as the person is collecting the essays... and then have the audacity to say "Can you come back to me? I'm still writing." Also, the essay is not about length, its about content.
-Be sociable.
-Don't stick around for too long after the interview day is over.
-Do not look down, adjust your clothes, twitch, look up/around, brag, or shake you feet/leg during your interview.
-At the end always say something really simple like "I really enjoyed our interview, XXXXX is a great school and it would be an amazing opportunity to study here. Thank again!"
-SMILE!
-Girls.... Learn what a good pant suit looks like. Huge shoulder pads are WEIRD.
-Guys..... NO SPORTS JACKETS! And learn the f****** rules about what color shoes, socks, belts, and ties you should wear and how they are supposed to all work together.
-Charcoal is always a good interview color for suits. Keep pinstripe thickness to a minimum.
Last but not least:
DO NOT OVER PREPARE!!! If you do, you will REEK of over-preparedness. It is not a good thing.
I hope some of this is helpful. Just a few things to get you ready for interview season.
Group interviews:
-Don't cry (I watched guys cry on three different occasions and a girl teared up once)
-Make sure to use the "second or last" rule. Always try to answer the question second or last. There will always be the guy that answers first each time... The guy I saw answering each question first (in a very pushy way) said "this is my third year applying" and I would imagine there is a reason for that.
-TALK... I saw so many shy (all of them asian) girls never say a WORD in group interviews.
-Never try to talk over anybody, you'll look like an idiot.
-Try to make friends with the other students interviewing with you. When you are in the interview they will be responsive to you and it will feel more natural.
-Don't talk with your hands too much (a little is ok and probably good). You might think to yourself "I never talk with my hands"... try a mock interview and realize that you do.
-When the OTHER people (interviewees) are talking... LOOK AT THEM and (fake) that you are interested in what they are saying (i.e., nod, a quiet mmhmm, a chuckle when they are funny). NEVER keep looking at the interviewer or looking at your notes or looking down, or PRAYING (as I saw in one interview).
1-on-1 interviews (I guess this applies to the interview day, really):
-Joke/engage in lighthearted talking with your interviewer as they walk you to the room.
-Always make mention of little things you notice that would be of interest to you and the interviewer (i.e., At one of my interviews the interviewer had my mom's maiden name... I asked and we both found out that our families are from Mckeesport, Penn. She kept walking by me all day saying "hey there!" and then she sent ME a letter before I could send her a thank you letter. At another interview I asked the secretary about a CD on her desk (only to find out we both like Ska music), she ended up being the one to walk me to my interview and as she dropped me off she told the interviewer, "If he doesn't get in, I will have a bone to pick with you!")
-Never talk to a person of authority when it is not appropriate. I saw person after person try to strike up a FULL conversation with the dean, professors,interviewers, etc. in front of the entire group of interviewees, or while trying to sit with them at lunch, or while they were supposed to be taking a tour. It just makes you look like an idiot. Wait for a natural moment to speak with these people if you desire to, if it never happens, then don't go out of your way to speak with them.
-Don't eat all of your meal if you have interviews after lunch (nerves do weird things).
-If a school doesn't offer lunch at an interview... They are not worth interviewing at HAHA!
-NEVER BRING GIFTS!
-If you are good at joking around, then JOKE AROUND during your interviews (obviously feel out the interviewer first) but, I have to say that all of my interviews ended really well (I was accepted) because I was able to answer questions seriously while also engaging in lighthearted conversation and making my interviewers laugh. (At one of my interviews I sat outside a room waiting for my interview and I could hear the previous interview going on. A question started with "Ok, ten years from now, you're driving around in a BMW and you're thinking 'Today was a perfect day...' etc etc etc.?" and to answer the question, this guy said "well... I don't know if I would have chosen a BMW, haha!" then went on to answer the question... I could hear the interviewers laughing for like 3 minutes). That is the proper way to inject your personality into the interview.
-When you have to write an essay at the interview....DO NOT keep writing as the person is collecting the essays... and then have the audacity to say "Can you come back to me? I'm still writing." Also, the essay is not about length, its about content.
-Be sociable.
-Don't stick around for too long after the interview day is over.
-Do not look down, adjust your clothes, twitch, look up/around, brag, or shake you feet/leg during your interview.
-At the end always say something really simple like "I really enjoyed our interview, XXXXX is a great school and it would be an amazing opportunity to study here. Thank again!"
-SMILE!
-Girls.... Learn what a good pant suit looks like. Huge shoulder pads are WEIRD.
-Guys..... NO SPORTS JACKETS! And learn the f****** rules about what color shoes, socks, belts, and ties you should wear and how they are supposed to all work together.
-Charcoal is always a good interview color for suits. Keep pinstripe thickness to a minimum.
Last but not least:
DO NOT OVER PREPARE!!! If you do, you will REEK of over-preparedness. It is not a good thing.
I hope some of this is helpful. Just a few things to get you ready for interview season.
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MVP award to jaws
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So making jokes and being goofy works? I've been wondering if I should be like that during my interviews for a while now. I am a naturally goofy guy. I like to make jokesat all times and hate being serious ever. I know I will have to be serious during the interview but its nice to know I can throw in a couple of jokes and not be considered a bad interviewer
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I'm always making people laugh, but my sense of humor is often quite dry... I'll have to be careful!
I'm much less formal in "real life" than on here... but dry humor and sarcasm don't always manifest themselves well in writing. Sometimes, they just seem mean!
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All sound advice JAWSSS 👍
One thing you mentioned that I didn't realize until the interview was that I tend to talk with my hands quite a bit and since I'm now conscious of it, I try to keep it to a minimum. Definitely something to pay attention to!
One thing you mentioned that I didn't realize until the interview was that I tend to talk with my hands quite a bit and since I'm now conscious of it, I try to keep it to a minimum. Definitely something to pay attention to!
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Here are a few things I learned about interviewing during my interviews (UCLA, USC, Columbia, BU, ASDOH, Creighton, Iowa, Case, etc.)
Group interviews:
-Don't cry (I watched guys cry on three different occasions and a girl teared up once)
-Make sure to use the "second or last" rule. Always try to answer the question second or last. There will always be the guy that answers first each time... The guy I saw answering each question first (in a very pushy way) said "this is my third year applying" and I would imagine there is a reason for that.
-TALK... I saw so many shy (all of them asian) girls never say a WORD in group interviews.
-Never try to talk over anybody, you'll look like an idiot.
-Try to make friends with the other students interviewing with you. When you are in the interview they will be responsive to you and it will feel more natural.
-Don't talk with your hands too much (a little is ok and probably good). You might think to yourself "I never talk with my hands"... try a mock interview and realize that you do.
-When the OTHER people (interviewees) are talking... LOOK AT THEM and (fake) that you are interested in what they are saying (i.e., nod, a quiet mmhmm, a chuckle when they are funny). NEVER keep looking at the interviewer or looking at your notes or looking down, or PRAYING (as I saw in one interview).
1-on-1 interviews (I guess this applies to the interview day, really):
-Joke/engage in lighthearted talking with your interviewer as they walk you to the room.
-Always make mention of little things you notice that would be of interest to you and the interviewer (i.e., At one of my interviews the interviewer had my mom's maiden name... I asked and we both found out that our families are from Mckeesport, Penn. She kept walking by me all day saying "hey there!" and then she sent ME a letter before I could send her a thank you letter. At another interview I asked the secretary about a CD on her desk (only to find out we both like Ska music), she ended up being the one to walk me to my interview and as she dropped me off she told the interviewer, "If he doesn't get in, I will have a bone to pick with you!")
-Never talk to a person of authority when it is not appropriate. I saw person after person try to strike up a FULL conversation with the dean, professors,interviewers, etc. in front of the entire group of interviewees, or while trying to sit with them at lunch, or while they were supposed to be taking a tour. It just makes you look like an idiot. Wait for a natural moment to speak with these people if you desire to, if it never happens, then don't go out of your way to speak with them.
-Don't eat all of your meal if you have interviews after lunch (nerves do weird things).
-If a school doesn't offer lunch at an interview... They are not worth interviewing at HAHA!
-NEVER BRING GIFTS!
-If you are good at joking around, then JOKE AROUND during your interviews (obviously feel out the interviewer first) but, I have to say that all of my interviews ended really well (I was accepted) because I was able to answer questions seriously while also engaging in lighthearted conversation and making my interviewers laugh. (At one of my interviews I sat outside a room waiting for my interview and I could hear the previous interview going on. A question started with "Ok, ten years from now, you're driving around in a BMW and you're thinking 'Today was a perfect day...' etc etc etc.?" and to answer the question, this guy said "well... I don't know if I would have chosen a BMW, haha!" then went on to answer the question... I could hear the interviewers laughing for like 3 minutes). That is the proper way to inject your personality into the interview.
-When you have to write an essay at the interview....DO NOT keep writing as the person is collecting the essays... and then have the audacity to say "Can you come back to me? I'm still writing." Also, the essay is not about length, its about content.
-Be sociable.
-Don't stick around for too long after the interview day is over.
-Do not look down, adjust your clothes, twitch, look up/around, brag, or shake you feet/leg during your interview.
-At the end always say something really simple like "I really enjoyed our interview, XXXXX is a great school and it would be an amazing opportunity to study here. Thank again!"
-SMILE!
-Girls.... Learn what a good pant suit looks like. Huge shoulder pads are WEIRD.
-Guys..... NO SPORTS JACKETS! And learn the f****** rules about what color shoes, socks, belts, and ties you should wear and how they are supposed to all work together.
-Charcoal is always a good interview color for suits. Keep pinstripe thickness to a minimum.
Last but not least:
DO NOT OVER PREPARE!!! If you do, you will REEK of over-preparedness. It is not a good thing.
I hope some of this is helpful. Just a few things to get you ready for interview season.
can I ask which schools employed group interviews (as opposed to 1 o 1)?
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That's what people forget sometimes. You'll hear it a million times: be yourself. You know the line though, the balance between professional and being your fun self. No need to be a robot, stone face at a funeral. You can probably gauge your interviewer too. An academic-type who spent his/her whole in the military probably won't like a laid back, joking atmosphere (Colorado). The life-time semi-retired clinician with a Disney tie will probably tolerate a more relaxed atmosphere (Western).
You can find all of that information in the interview feedback section, here:
http://studentdoctor.net/schools/?view=dental
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that's because you're lazy
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The world's most interesting man, you're always kinda blunt arent ya?
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this profession (and entry into it) rewards motivated self-starters.
you exhibit few if any of those qualities when you fail to find the answers you seek in the link you were provided.
it took me less than five minutes to find the answer to your question.
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Older survey of about 50 schools said this:
~35% of schools: applicants had a single 1:1 interview
~35% of schools: applicant had two or more 1:1 interviews
~25% of schools: applicant interviews with panel/more than 1 interviewer
~3% of schools: small group activity monitored by staff/committee member
This is just to give you an idea. This was 2007! Of course we have more schools and I know several are doing more group things now...maybe that's the trend. And then you have MWU-IL doing MMIs.
From same survey, over 50% had students as part of their admissions committee, 35% had alumni included, 45% had diversity/minority affairs officials (interesting). Most were made up of dental school faculty and staff.
Hours on campus on interview day: 2-7 (2 seems way low and 7 seems sleepy)
56% offered half-day mornings
22% offered half-day afternoons
37% offered full-day weekdays
10% offered Saturdays
24% offered breakfast
80% provided lunch
100% offer a school tour (is Western still locked out of the clinic on Saturday...kind of lame not to see that)
85% offer school information session
66% offer financial aid stuff
91% interviewers have full access to applicant file (including scores and grades)
9% interviewers have no access to file
I'll upload later when I'm home. Old, but entertaining.
~35% of schools: applicants had a single 1:1 interview
~35% of schools: applicant had two or more 1:1 interviews
~25% of schools: applicant interviews with panel/more than 1 interviewer
~3% of schools: small group activity monitored by staff/committee member
This is just to give you an idea. This was 2007! Of course we have more schools and I know several are doing more group things now...maybe that's the trend. And then you have MWU-IL doing MMIs.
From same survey, over 50% had students as part of their admissions committee, 35% had alumni included, 45% had diversity/minority affairs officials (interesting). Most were made up of dental school faculty and staff.
Hours on campus on interview day: 2-7 (2 seems way low and 7 seems sleepy)
56% offered half-day mornings
22% offered half-day afternoons
37% offered full-day weekdays
10% offered Saturdays
24% offered breakfast
80% provided lunch
100% offer a school tour (is Western still locked out of the clinic on Saturday...kind of lame not to see that)
85% offer school information session
66% offer financial aid stuff
91% interviewers have full access to applicant file (including scores and grades)
9% interviewers have no access to file
I'll upload later when I'm home. Old, but entertaining.
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Thank you JAWSSS! Great advice!!
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definition of helpful = this guy
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Something definitely needs to be said about eye contact.... Don't stare or be creepy.
But when giving an answer, don't glance away or look down. It reeks of insecurity and comes off very non-confident. It also gives off the impression that you are either lying or have no clue what you are talking about.
When you do glace away, do so for no longer than 2 seconds. If you glance away to long, it then communicates disinterest.
Practice this in regular conversations and mock interviews.
Also, have a firm hand shake.
But when giving an answer, don't glance away or look down. It reeks of insecurity and comes off very non-confident. It also gives off the impression that you are either lying or have no clue what you are talking about.
When you do glace away, do so for no longer than 2 seconds. If you glance away to long, it then communicates disinterest.
Practice this in regular conversations and mock interviews.
Also, have a firm hand shake.
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Here are a few things I learned about interviewing during my interviews (UCLA, USC, Columbia, BU, ASDOH, Creighton, Iowa, Case, etc.)
Group interviews:
-Don't cry (I watched guys cry on three different occasions and a girl teared up once)
-Make sure to use the "second or last" rule. Always try to answer the question second or last. There will always be the guy that answers first each time... The guy I saw answering each question first (in a very pushy way) said "this is my third year applying" and I would imagine there is a reason for that.
-TALK... I saw so many shy (all of them asian) girls never say a WORD in group interviews.
-Never try to talk over anybody, you'll look like an idiot.
-Try to make friends with the other students interviewing with you. When you are in the interview they will be responsive to you and it will feel more natural.
-Don't talk with your hands too much (a little is ok and probably good). You might think to yourself "I never talk with my hands"... try a mock interview and realize that you do.
-When the OTHER people (interviewees) are talking... LOOK AT THEM and (fake) that you are interested in what they are saying (i.e., nod, a quiet mmhmm, a chuckle when they are funny). NEVER keep looking at the interviewer or looking at your notes or looking down, or PRAYING (as I saw in one interview).
1-on-1 interviews (I guess this applies to the interview day, really):
-Joke/engage in lighthearted talking with your interviewer as they walk you to the room.
-Always make mention of little things you notice that would be of interest to you and the interviewer (i.e., At one of my interviews the interviewer had my mom's maiden name... I asked and we both found out that our families are from Mckeesport, Penn. She kept walking by me all day saying "hey there!" and then she sent ME a letter before I could send her a thank you letter. At another interview I asked the secretary about a CD on her desk (only to find out we both like Ska music), she ended up being the one to walk me to my interview and as she dropped me off she told the interviewer, "If he doesn't get in, I will have a bone to pick with you!")
-Never talk to a person of authority when it is not appropriate. I saw person after person try to strike up a FULL conversation with the dean, professors,interviewers, etc. in front of the entire group of interviewees, or while trying to sit with them at lunch, or while they were supposed to be taking a tour. It just makes you look like an idiot. Wait for a natural moment to speak with these people if you desire to, if it never happens, then don't go out of your way to speak with them.
-Don't eat all of your meal if you have interviews after lunch (nerves do weird things).
-If a school doesn't offer lunch at an interview... They are not worth interviewing at HAHA!
-NEVER BRING GIFTS!
-If you are good at joking around, then JOKE AROUND during your interviews (obviously feel out the interviewer first) but, I have to say that all of my interviews ended really well (I was accepted) because I was able to answer questions seriously while also engaging in lighthearted conversation and making my interviewers laugh. (At one of my interviews I sat outside a room waiting for my interview and I could hear the previous interview going on. A question started with "Ok, ten years from now, you're driving around in a BMW and you're thinking 'Today was a perfect day...' etc etc etc.?" and to answer the question, this guy said "well... I don't know if I would have chosen a BMW, haha!" then went on to answer the question... I could hear the interviewers laughing for like 3 minutes). That is the proper way to inject your personality into the interview.
-When you have to write an essay at the interview....DO NOT keep writing as the person is collecting the essays... and then have the audacity to say "Can you come back to me? I'm still writing." Also, the essay is not about length, its about content.
-Be sociable.
-Don't stick around for too long after the interview day is over.
-Do not look down, adjust your clothes, twitch, look up/around, brag, or shake you feet/leg during your interview.
-At the end always say something really simple like "I really enjoyed our interview, XXXXX is a great school and it would be an amazing opportunity to study here. Thank again!"
-SMILE!
-Girls.... Learn what a good pant suit looks like. Huge shoulder pads are WEIRD.
-Guys..... NO SPORTS JACKETS! And learn the f****** rules about what color shoes, socks, belts, and ties you should wear and how they are supposed to all work together.
-Charcoal is always a good interview color for suits. Keep pinstripe thickness to a minimum.
Last but not least:
DO NOT OVER PREPARE!!! If you do, you will REEK of over-preparedness. It is not a good thing.
I hope some of this is helpful. Just a few things to get you ready for interview season.
Jaws is spot on, as usual. I bolded a few points I was going to point out as well. Do not try to suck up at an interview! It happened at an interview I attended, and I was so embarrassed for the person who was kissing a** I wanted to crawl under the table. You're not the dean's friend, pal, buddy or anything other than an applicant at the school: your sole purpose is to be likable enough to gain admission. Let your responses and interviews determine that for you.
I'd recommend being very social during your interviews. Don't boast about anything, or rant about specialties like you actually have a clue about them. Just get to know everyone. It'll put you at ease and make you loosen up before the actual interview. Definitely ask questions during the interview. Let them ask you a few questions, then topsy-turvy things; now you're interviewing THEM. Ask them questions! They already know you from your app, so steer the conversation somewhere to simply show you're a likable person and can fit in well.
Some smaller things that I'd point out would be to remember that at many interviews, you'll be interviewing after lunch, i.e. bring a toothbrush/paste. I had a small leather portfolio which had a notepad, and in one of the pockets I stashed a small brush and paste. When you're interviewing for 30 minutes to an hour, you want to feel fresh. Something I also did that apparently impressed my interviewers a few times, was to have a list of questions on that notepad. It seems standard but I guess some people don't prepare questions (go figure). I felt it showed initiative that I researched the school and had genuine interest in the program.
Sit directly across from your interviewer (at my first interview, I allowed them to seat me in-between the two interviewers, so I was looking sideways while speaking). Maintain eye contact (the trick is to look at the nose bridge), and occasionally break it. Give them a nod periodically and a grin/smirk when they say something humorous.
Honestly, the trick is to just speak to them as you would any other adult/professor. Don't let yourself get psyched out that they're someone you have to over impress. Just go be yourself, be calm, and maintain a cool composure. 👍
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whoa buddy.. was just saying that dental school who had interviews like that seem pretty regal! we spelled it differently because i copied and pasted after googling what it meant since i was too lazy to type it. 👍
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this thread makes me lol.
most interviewers just want to see if you can have a normal conversation
most interviewers just want to see if you can have a normal conversation
This is how you do it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisCkxU544c
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Give good eye contact, not staring like a creepy guy, but 70-80% of the time of the conversation, your eyes should be looking at the interviewers face
And do your best to answer things honestly, as thats where your body posture and tone is most comfortable. "Making things up" is okay as long as you keep it at a minimum, but try to be as honest as possible. The person interviewing you (most likely) has interviewed thousands of studnets by now, they can detect B.S fairly quickly.
Avoid cliche answers like "I just wanna be a dentist because I love helping people"..... Well, a good counter question (which will give you trouble) is "there are thousands of fields ~ easier fields ~ out there, WHY DENTISTRY in particular?"
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I agree with you, and what I bolded drives me nuts.
If I were an interviewer and someone said that to me, I'd think - so you're saying you're an idiot who has gone through all of this trouble just to 'help people'?? There are so many easier routes to go if you're just looking to help someone out, haha. Not trying to be rude or mean but it just makes me feel like
for that person because you really haven't given that more thought by this point? It's only going to be your career for the rest of your life...It's ok to say you chose this for financial security, etc etc if those are really the reasons. Be honest without being silly.
I agree with the above post as well. You can talk about the business side of dentistry, if you're interested in that. Higher potential to have your own practice with a potential high return. You can talk about closer connections you build with your patients. There's a lot of other reasons other than 'helping others,' and they'll see right through it. Most of all, don't just let them ask the questions. Ask about the interviewer's interests in dentistry, where they see it going, where they graduated from, etc; Have a normal conversation. I remember giving weight loss tips to my interviewer since I lost 120 + lbs. I remember making plans with one adcom to go abroad to my hometown, Vietnam, to volunteer dental work. None of these were planned, just interests and experiences that happened to come up.
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Sensitive things like weight loss tips can be a disaster in an interview of this scale. I would steer clear of those topics, unless your verbal skills are top notch.
