Interview Conversations

[fourthyearmed]

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I was just wondering what you guys were experiencing during your interview conversations with interviewers. Mine range from getting to say practically nothing while the interviewer rambles on to friendly conversations and then the worst one was all the "why peds", "what are you looking for in a program" questions plus asking about my typical patient loads (at my smaller sized medical school) and my most challenging patient. Then the interviewer ended with saying "I hope you find the right program for you." (is that the kiss of death or what?) So my point is, no one every really asks me my strengths and I never really try to "sell" myself to the program or get to tell them how interested I am in their program. What are you guys talking about? Am I doing this all wrong?

 

[Noelle]

I was just wondering what you guys were experiencing during your interview conversations with interviewers. Mine range from getting to say practically nothing while the interviewer rambles on to friendly conversations and then the worst one was all the "why peds", "what are you looking for in a program" questions plus asking about my typical patient loads (at my smaller sized medical school) and my most challenging patient. Then the interviewer ended with saying "I hope you find the right program for you." (is that the kiss of death or what?) So my point is, no one every really asks me my strengths and I never really try to "sell" myself to the program or get to tell them how interested I am in their program. What are you guys talking about? Am I doing this all wrong?

Yeah, I know what you mean. Many of mine have been conversational. I had one "real" interview i.e., tell me about a patient that was a highlight in your medical career, what would you have changed about your medical school experience, tell me about your research experience, why peds. UGH. Why peds - did I not explain that in my PS?? My interviews have been pretty equal in who's talking - interviewer vs. me. I was told by all my interviewers that the important thing is they want to get to know me and they want me to get to know the program so that I can make the best decision for my training. I did not take that as a kiss of death at all. Both my interviews went great and I just took that as a genuine comment (maybe I'm too optimistic). No one has asked me my strengths either but one of my last interviewers mentioned my strengths for me (that was nice 🙂 ).

I think it would be good if we list interview questions we've had on the trail. I'll have lots to add in the next 2 weeks (I have 5 coming up). Good luck everyone!

 

[NYtoCA Peds]

I have also had very similar interview experiences/conversations. Mostly the interviewers ask what I'm looking for in a program, why "this" program, etc. I've only got the "why peds" question once so far which is good. Actually I've gotten asked a lot about what I've done for fun outside of medical school or volunteer activities outside medical school. Also, most programs just seem to be concerned with answering questions that I have about the program during the interview. Now I feel like I'll be caught totally off guard if someone actually asks me a tough interview question!! Anyone want to give us a heads-up about programs that ask tough questions? 🙂

 

[genieinabottle]

I think mine have been very conversational as well. People tend to ask why Southern CA which is easy bc I am from there.. I had one Dr. at USC that asked why peds, why USC, and that was the first interview I had period. I was then asked what do I bring to the program by the director. Ever since then though, the people have asked about my extra-curricular activities, or have talked more than I did! The director at Loma Linda gave us survey questions for her research project! She mostly talked about my strengths, and I swear I didn't get to say much. It really differs, but people are usually very nice and just want to get to know you. I had one interviewer who was not a good interviewer and he would run out of things to ask me!!! Wow!

 

[Doc-Hollywood]

If they ask "why peds" just be honest and say I didn't have the grades for Derm.

seroiusly, JUST BE YOURSELF. Make conversation like you were sitting on an airplane next to somebody or at a bar or a dinner party.
95% of applicants are total zero's when it comes to personality. Just show that you are a cool person who is confident. You will impress the interviewer.

If not then lie. Lie well.
Look at bill Clinton. This man lied to America for 8 years. He is beloved.
Joseph goebbels said "the bigger the lie. the more it will be believed"
Convince them you are interesting, even if you are not

If you are not naturally interesting, the nwork on your "act" to BS them into thinking you are somebody they cannot live without.