Interview prep!

[hpinvent]

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I'm not sure if there's an ongoing thread on interviews other than the interview schedule one..
One question I had about the interview was what to bring to them..
Any comments on items to remember (e.g. note book) are welcome!
Also if there's any other things to know about preparing for the interview please let us know!
thanks

 

[irish80122]

The best advice is know your stuff about the profs and the research that they do. Also, I would read the interview reviews on this site as they will help you. Also, practice common questions with a friend so you have gone through them and thoguht about them before they count for real. Good luck!

 

[hpinvent]

thanks for your advice. do you have any suggestions on specific items to bring on the interview dates? for example, do people usually bring a brief case as in a business interview? should applicants have copies of cv?

 

[JockNerd]

At least skim one article by all the profs you might get for an interview. Also, find faculty profiles and match names to faces so you don't have to learn prof AND other applicant names when you're there.

No one anywhere I interviewed brought anything more than a notepad (and some of us didn't even bring those).

 

[Ollie123]

I brought one of those nice leather "Portfolio" things around with me to take notes on. I bought it back when I was planning on a business career and figured I might as well get some use out of it, even though it made me feel like kind of a tool when I'm being interviewed by people in jeans and a t-shirt scribbling notes on a coffee-stained napkin (yes, this happened).

What JN said, only I'd say read a hell of a lot more than one article by your major professor. I read every article by my major professors I could track down full text for, though that isn't feasible if you're interviewing with some of those folks with 100+ pubs. At the very least, I'd read everything by them that is tangentially related to your interest, or published in the last couple years.

 

[psychwanabe]

Bring extra copies of your updated CV if there have been any changes since you submitted your application. You also might want to bring a writing sample if the admission committee didn't require one. I had a friend who was asked for one during interviews.

Definitely a notebook of some sort so you have something to take notes on. Schools usually give you a folder full of info about the school and sometimes it has note pages in it but not always.

 

[lovepsycholgy]

Glad to see another one pop up.
Also thanks for the tips! 🙂

There was another thread about the interviews, so just in case you haven't checked it out here's the address. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=475140

 

[hpinvent]

thanks for all the replies. do people usually bring brief cases or is it too formal?

 

[Psychie1]

thanks for all the replies. do people usually bring brief cases or is it too formal?

I did bring a brief case (it was a real thin one that was easily carried over the shoulder). I thought it was helpful to have, I carried extra CV's, info about the program, my list of questions to ask, and something to write on. It was also nice to have somewhere to put the materials they may give you so your hands are free (lots of hand shaking!) I also used it as my purse to carry personal things I wanted with me during the day.

I don't think it's too formal, I don't think many people will pay attention to whether or not you have one.

 

[Ollie123]

I only went on 2 in-person interviews, but did not see anyone with a briefcase at either.

Honestly, I don't see the need. I don't know of any school that gives you more than a single folder or binder. Coupled with my leather portfolio, it wasn't a problem to carry that around, and I could put it down on a table/desk/floor when I felt the need for wild gesticulating when talking about my research (if you knew me, you'd know I'm entirely serious about that). I don't think you'd be an outcast if you brought one, but nor do I think there is a need to.

 

[psychwanabe]

At every interview I went to the men carried a portfolio of some sort. I don't remember any with a briefcase. If the women had a bag it was more like a large purse or a satchel. You really won't need a whole briefcase, I don't think.

 

[hpinvent]

thanks all for your inputs..
one last(?) question..is there any way to obtain a list of internship placements for each program?

 

[lovepsycholgy]

I know this might sound pretty stupid but what would you say if they asked you to briefly introduce yourself at the interview?

 

[Ollie123]

thanks all for your inputs..
one last(?) question..is there any way to obtain a list of internship placements for each program?

Any program on top of its game has this on record. Whether or not they will share it with an applicant is another matter though. You can ask your potential advisor where some of his previous students have interned.

If a school doesn't have this information, or seems unwilling to share it, that seems REALLY sketchy in my book.

As for introducing yourself...umm "Hi, my name is ______________, I'm coming from University ______ and I'm interested in working with Dr. ___________ ".

That's along the lines of what I'd say anyways. I hope you aren't stressing over something like that!

 

[shock-me-sane]

I have an attire question. I have a kick ass suit, but I am a bit sketchy on the shoe situation. Two of the places are going to be cold, maybe snow/ice? I am a southern cal girl and don't know the implications of a heel and potential snow/ice (I rarely wear heels to begin with). Also I am super tall as is and am thinking that maybe flats are the way to go to not further excentuate my skinny uber tallness. I know it is pretty inconsequential, but I don't want to fall on my ass in heels or just be thought of as that really tall girl.

any thoughts?

 

[Ollie123]

I'm a guy so take this with a grain of salt, but I'm also one who has witnessed many a girl fall on her ass because she "wanted to look pretty" (not that heels do this in my opinion) and ended up sinking into the snow/skidding on the ice/etc.

I'd say avoid anything that increases your risk of falling down and hurting yourself before you even get into the interview. That goes double for anyone not used to walking around on ice patches😉 I doubt a professor is likely to notice heels vs. flats, but they WILL notice ambulance vs. no ambulance.

 

[RileyG]

Also I am super tall as is and am thinking that maybe flats are the way to go to not further excentuate my skinny uber tallness. I know it is pretty inconsequential, but I don't want to fall on my ass in heels or just be thought of as that really tall girl.

I have been struggling with the same dilemma. I've decided to wear pointy-toed flats, and since the bottom of my pants cover most of the shoe, you can't tell they are actually flats (unless you see the back of them when I sit down). This helps alot not only for not falling, but makes the tour of the campus alot more bearable. It never fails - heels or not...if I hit ice, I'm going down. Watch out, Denver.

I doubt a professor is likely to notice heels vs. flats, but they WILL notice ambulance vs. no ambulance.

hahahaha!!

 

[ny1020]

I have an attire question. I have a kick ass suit, but I am a bit sketchy on the shoe situation. Two of the places are going to be cold, maybe snow/ice? I am a southern cal girl and don't know the implications of a heel and potential snow/ice (I rarely wear heels to begin with). Also I am super tall as is and am thinking that maybe flats are the way to go to not further excentuate my skinny uber tallness. I know it is pretty inconsequential, but I don't want to fall on my ass in heels or just be thought of as that really tall girl.

any thoughts?

I never wear heels, so I didn't want to risk the pain of taking a 2-hour tour in heels. I decided on a pair of low heel boots - also didn't want to run the risk of getting my feet/socks wet in case of rain. That might work for you! Good luck everyone!

 

[shock-me-sane]

thanks for your advice. I am going to wear some flats for miami, and look into the nice boot situation for the cold ones. I just need my uber hot suit to get sent to me after being altered. No high heels for me. I hate towering over other people anyhow.

 

[chinaKat]

Here's another issue: do I mention my kids?

I assume that school interviews are like employment interviews, in that they are prohibited by law from asking about my personal life. But, it would take a concerted effort on my part *not* to mention that I have children. Not that I'm going to get out photos and brag about them, lol, but it tends to come up when people make small talk over the course of a whole day.

I'm concerned that being a parent will be held against me in general. You know, the whole "mommy track", glass ceiling sort of stuff. That my priorities will be considered to be elsewhere, and other candidates will be given priority over me.

Anybody with experience on this?

 

[Ollie123]

Its school dependant. We have plenty of folks here with kids, so it doesn't seem like most of the faculty care.

Other schools its assumed that if you have kids it means you'll want to be home by 3PM every day, won't be willing to do those 60+ hour weeks we all know and (don't) love, etc.

Unfortunately its hard to know in advance what kind of school you're at. I wouldn't lie about it, but I also wouldn't bring it up. Then again, it depends how important the issue is to you. Once you have a confirmed acceptance it might be worth bringing up in any future interviews to try and get a sense of people's attitudes towards it. Its a tough call.

 

[JockNerd]

Here's another issue: do I mention my kids?

I assume that school interviews are like employment interviews, in that they are prohibited by law from asking about my personal life. But, it would take a concerted effort on my part *not* to mention that I have children. Not that I'm going to get out photos and brag about them, lol, but it tends to come up when people make small talk over the course of a whole day.

I'm concerned that being a parent will be held against me in general. You know, the whole "mommy track", glass ceiling sort of stuff. That my priorities will be considered to be elsewhere, and other candidates will be given priority over me.

Anybody with experience on this?

One person in my interview group at a competitive location was pregnant. Now she's in my cohort, and has a daughter. She works with a pretty high-in-demand male prof. Several people (not a LOT, but some) in my program have kids.

 

[psychwanabe]

Here's another issue: do I mention my kids?

I assume that school interviews are like employment interviews, in that they are prohibited by law from asking about my personal life. But, it would take a concerted effort on my part *not* to mention that I have children. Not that I'm going to get out photos and brag about them, lol, but it tends to come up when people make small talk over the course of a whole day.

I'm concerned that being a parent will be held against me in general. You know, the whole "mommy track", glass ceiling sort of stuff. That my priorities will be considered to be elsewhere, and other candidates will be given priority over me.

Anybody with experience on this?

I am an older student, married, with a son. I was advised by my (most respected, favorite, vastly experienced) professor not to volunteer personal information about myself that could be held against me. While you certainly don't want to be deceitful, I would suggest that if you are not directly asked about children, you shouldn't volunteer it. You are right in recognizing that there may be resistance by some faculty to accept a student who might have priorities higher than their graduate work.

 

[IO1986]

This is a question for those of you who have been on interviews before. I noticed that a lot of programs have day long interviews that involve an orientation to the program (which lasts most of the day) and time slots for actual interviews with POIs and graduate students. I was just wondering if this is the only time one would interact with the POI on an individual basis? Meaning, will this be the most nerve racking part of the entire interview? Is this when all the questions about the applicant will be asked? It doesn't seem as though there will be a chance throughout the day to be interviewed one-on-one. Does anyone know more about this?

 

[edieb]

I used a coach.......*deleted referral information*

*MOD NOTE: We don't allow referrals for people who may gain financially from our membership*

 

[chinaKat]

This is a question for those of you who have been on interviews before. I noticed that a lot of programs have day long interviews that involve an orientation to the program (which lasts most of the day) and time slots for actual interviews with POIs and graduate students. I was just wondering if this is the only time one would interact with the POI on an individual basis? Meaning, will this be the most nerve racking part of the entire interview? Is this when all the questions about the applicant will be asked? It doesn't seem as though there will be a chance throughout the day to be interviewed one-on-one. Does anyone know more about this?

To expand on this question: what about "evening" activities? From reading this site, I get the idea that most schools provide some sort of social events for visiting applicants after the regular interviews are over.

I'm interviewing at a local school, and wasn't planning to spend the night. Am I missing out on an important part of the interview process if I'm not the last man standing at the kegger? 🙂

 

[psychwanabe]

To expand on this question: what about "evening" activities? From reading this site, I get the idea that most schools provide some sort of social events for visiting applicants after the regular interviews are over.

I'm interviewing at a local school, and wasn't planning to spend the night. Am I missing out on an important part of the interview process if I'm not the last man standing at the kegger? 🙂

If it's local, can you still make the evening activities? I wouldn't miss them...they are important for you especially. You can find out a lot more about the reality of the program and its' students/professors in these informal settings than you can during the formal interview day.

 

[kestrelcry]

To expand on this question: what about "evening" activities? From reading this site, I get the idea that most schools provide some sort of social events for visiting applicants after the regular interviews are over.

I'm interviewing at a local school, and wasn't planning to spend the night. Am I missing out on an important part of the interview process if I'm not the last man standing at the kegger? 🙂

I second psychwanabe on this one - the grad students where I work told me how important the social activities with them are, and how no one ever seemed to realize it - often to their detriment.

 

[dontknowitall]

One interview I have has secured hotel room reservations for the doctoral candidates. You must pay for the room, but they provide a flat rate compensation amount for this hotel stay and travel. You can volunteer to stay with another candidate and save money (so that I won't go over my compensation amount because I also have to fly there). Overall I would be saving $50.

What do you think? I could potentially see it as a very good situation. BUT, I think it also has the potential to be a very very bad situation.

It's like that childhood rhyme "When she was good, she was very very good and when she was bad, she was horrid"

 

[chiachia]

had to answer this one!!!!

im a miami girl living in atlanta! i dont do high heels and am in flip flops/open back shoes if i can.

so, what i did was buy flat shoes with a real nice toe. theyre a black pattent leather with a metal thing on them, comfortable and flat but nice under a pant. and play more than one role!!

the key is - you dont want to stand out in any bad way. your shoes should just not be noticable.

I have an attire question. I have a kick ass suit, but I am a bit sketchy on the shoe situation. Two of the places are going to be cold, maybe snow/ice? I am a southern cal girl and don't know the implications of a heel and potential snow/ice (I rarely wear heels to begin with). Also I am super tall as is and am thinking that maybe flats are the way to go to not further excentuate my skinny uber tallness. I know it is pretty inconsequential, but I don't want to fall on my ass in heels or just be thought of as that really tall girl.

any thoughts?

 

[Psychie1]

One interview I have has secured hotel room reservations for the doctoral candidates. You must pay for the room, but they provide a flat rate compensation amount for this hotel stay and travel. You can volunteer to stay with another candidate and save money (so that I won't go over my compensation amount because I also have to fly there). Overall I would be saving $50.

What do you think? I could potentially see it as a very good situation. BUT, I think it also has the potential to be a very very bad situation.

It's like that childhood rhyme "When she was good, she was very very good and when she was bad, she was horrid"

I did both last year (stay with another applicant vs. pay extra to stay by myself). I had a good experience staying with a roommate, it was nice to have someone to share the stress with and find your way around with. But I also liked staying by myself, since I was so anxious during the whole process it was nice to have a room to myself, it was easier to sleep, etc. For me, it was worth the extra money to reduce my anxiety!

It's really up to you, however you think you'll be most comfortable and whether or not you want to spend the extra money. Good luck!

 

[HTS25]

Hi! This is my first time posting on this site but it seems like everyone is giving great advice!

I have a suit that I bought with both pants and a skirt that match the jacket. Is one more appropriate than the other?

Thanks!

 

[deleted176373]

Hi! This is my first time posting on this site but it seems like everyone is giving great advice!

I have a suit that I bought with both pants and a skirt that match the jacket. Is one more appropriate than the other?

Thanks!

Well if you're a guy, I'd probably go with the pants... Just a gut feeling.

😀

Mark

 

[LilBunny]

Hi All,

I just want to say that this site is very helpful and relieving (but at times adding) to the stress of applying. I have a question for those who have been through the process before. During the interview, is it common to be asked what other schools you applied to? If so, how much information should you disclose? I feel somewhat hesitant about this question, as it may be interpreted as indecisive. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[psypsypsy]

Hi All,

I just want to say that this site is very helpful and relieving (but at times adding) to the stress of applying. I have a question for those who have been through the process before. During the interview, is it common to be asked what other schools you applied to? If so, how much information should you disclose? I feel somewhat hesitant about this question, as it may be interpreted as indecisive. Any ideas?

Thanks!

I was asked this by at least 3 or 4 professors when I was interviewing, and by a couple of them, what professors I was interested in at that school. In fact, I was asked this by the mentor I ended up choosing! He told me later that he always asks this question (although I think it's not really a fair thing to ask). I honestly think what they're looking for is consistency in your application. For example, if the person asking is a neuropsych professor at a research-oriented university, you want to be able to name other programs that are research-oriented with professors who do neuropsych stuff. You don't want to list off professors and schools where you would be doing family interventions. Similarly, if you're research-oriented (all the places I was asked this were the most research-oriented places I applied to), I would think they don't want to hear you're applying to PsyDs, or clinically-oriented programs. It's kind of like a check to see if you're really interested in what they do.

Also, I would just say what you're doing, and then move on. Don't show too much enthusiasm for another school, but don't say anything negative about them either. I think I made some sort of comment like, "as you can see, I'm really interested in (this subject)."

 

[psychanon]

I don't see asking about other schools you applied to as inappropriate. It's not super personal information. They know that you are applying to other programs-- that's no secret, and in fact if you weren't they would be confused. There are many reasons to do so: Seeing that your choices are consistent with your stated interests; seeing how many (and what kind of) programs will be "fighting" of you, and just general curiosity. My bet is that the 3rd choice is the biggest motivator. In any case, I think it's a perfectly legitimate question.

 

[childphdapp]

I've seen this come up as a potential question at interviews - what have you guys said? A psychology book? A classic? I'm not an avid book reader and though I do have a favorite book, it's not psych related ... it's Things Fall Apart btw 😉

 

[empathiosis]

Hi! This is my first time posting on this site but it seems like everyone is giving great advice!

I have a suit that I bought with both pants and a skirt that match the jacket. Is one more appropriate than the other?

Thanks!

I don't think it makes a difference. Just wear the one you feel most comfortable in.

 

[empathiosis]

I've seen this come up as a potential question at interviews - what have you guys said? A psychology book? A classic? I'm not an avid book reader and though I do have a favorite book, it's not psych related ... it's Things Fall Apart btw 😉

I read Things Fall Apart a long time ago so I don't really remember the specifics but I think you could definitely view it from a psychological perspective. It's all about change and endings and cultural adaptation, isn't it?

 

[childphdapp]

I read Things Fall Apart a long time ago so I don't really remember the specifics but I think you could definitely view it from a psychological perspective. It's all about change and endings and cultural adaptation, isn't it?

Yes, you're absolutely correct. I guess I was looking at the Must Read Psych book thread and felt badly that I hadn't read many of those books! Thanks for the advice!

 

[empathiosis]

Yes, you're absolutely correct. I guess I was looking at the Must Read Psych book thread and felt badly that I hadn't read many of those books! Thanks for the advice!

If you can get your hands on Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning you might want to read that. It's a profound but quick read.

 

[psychwanabe]

If you can get your hands on Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning you might want to read that. It's a profound but quick read.

My favorite psych book so far. AND I used it when asked by a professor during interviews last year. Fortunately I had just re-read it and I could tell him specifically why it was a favorite. 🙄

 

[lt21]

I was invited to interview with one school on a day that I am already interviewing at another. I'm worried that by requesting an alternate date, the program may think I'm not that serious about them.Any advice on how to handle this?🙄

 

[GiantSteps]

I've seen this come up as a potential question at interviews - what have you guys said? A psychology book? A classic? I'm not an avid book reader and though I do have a favorite book, it's not psych related ... it's Things Fall Apart btw 😉

Books not to mention so you do not appear to be a weirdo:
1. Mein Kampf - by Hitler
2. The Little Red Book - by Mao Zedong
3. The Communist Manifesto - by Marx
4. Any Holocaust denial book
5. 120 Days of Sodom - by DeSade
6. Any of the How to for Dummies of the Complete Idiot's Guide books
7. Sex - by Madonna
8. The Anarchist Cookbook
9. The Dictionary - they may think you are a bit dry and boring.
10. Finnegan's Wake - by Joyce, nothing wrong with it but someone will either realize that you did not read it or if you did read that you belong in a Ph.D. in Literature program.

 

[RileyG]

If anyone has interviewed at University of Central Florida's clinical PhD program in the past, I would love to hear some pointers/helpful tips if you have any. Feel free to PM me, if you prefer.

 

[kyril]

actually, if anyone has interviewed for yeshiva's clinical health program, i'd love some feedback as well - also, feel free to pm me if you're willing to share.

thanks!!!!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

We just started building a database on user feedback at various clinical programs. I think the interview thread has a link to it. (It was being worked on my IT, so it may or may not be back up).

-t

 

[RileyG]

yeah, I saw the database and found it really helpful for the schools that I applied to that are on there. Unfortunately, UCF is not on the list and I know some people have interviewed there before. So I figured I'd send out a desperate plea for help and see if there were any takers...

 

[aubmo]

Do you think it's necessary to wear a suit to these interviews? I don't have a suit, and honestly I can't really picture myself wearing one nor do I really want to spend the money right now if I don't have to. Would it be innapropriate just to wear something that I wear to my office, like dress pants and a blouse or something like that? I will look presentable of course, but is it really that formal?

 

[childphdapp]

Do you think it's necessary to wear a suit to these interviews? I don't have a suit, and honestly I can't really picture myself wearing one nor do I really want to spend the money right now if I don't have to. Would it be innapropriate just to wear something that I wear to my office, like dress pants and a blouse or something like that? I will look presentable of course, but is it really that formal?

I've been told that it is inappropriate to not wear a suit to an interview. A suit will come in handy for the future, so it is really important to get one for interviews ... I wouldn't cut costs that way. Eat cup o noodles for the next month if you have to!