Interview Preparation

[shpate]

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I think it would be great if we could get a list started as to what people did to prepare for an interview. For example: certain books, magazines, articles or even websites. Thanks everybody.

--SHP

 

[Smoke This]

I actually did a pretty poor job of preparing for most of my interviews. I would look on interviewfeedback.com (it's on the fritz this year, unfortunately) for any tips I could glean and maybe check out SDN for good measure. I would also try to thoroughly read the school's webpage for insight into the place and sometimes bring a printout of some web pages or their bulletin (if I had it) with me. I tried to think of answers to typical questions, and I never did any mock interviews or anything. In hindsight this was a mistake since a few times I ended up putting my foot in my mouth so many times I swear it bruised the back of my throat, but on the other hand, I had some really first-rate interviews through spontaneity and candor.

 

[WaitingImpatiently]

I HATE interviews. All kinds. Always have. But for some strange reason, I went into my first one without being too nervous. I guess I figured it was only the first of many (hopefully, least), so it wasn't a do-or-die thing. And because the interviewer wasn't a maniac, things went relatively well for the most part.

What I'm trying to say is that it's not as difficult and daunting as it might seem beforehand. Don't do anything stupid, and you'll be wondering what it was you were so worried about.

 

[Spiderman [RNA Ladder 2003]]

Originally posted by Smoke This
I actually did a pretty poor job of preparing for most of my interviews. I would look on interviewfeedback.com (it's on the fritz this year, unfortunately) for any tips I could glean and maybe check out SDN for good measure. I would also try to thoroughly read the school's webpage for insight into the place and sometimes bring a printout of some web pages or their bulletin (if I had it) with me. I tried to think of answers to typical questions, and I never did any mock interviews or anything. In hindsight this was a mistake since a few times I ended up putting my foot in my mouth so many times I swear it bruised the back of my throat, but on the other hand, I had some really first-rate interviews through spontaneity and candor.

I am trying to work something out with Dr. Redgrave so I could host that website or at least part of it.

 

[BlackPuma]

Originally posted by shpate
I think it would be great if we could get a list started as to what people did to prepare for an interview. For example: certain books, magazines, articles or even websites. Thanks everybody.

--SHP

in cases of extreme anxiety and stress...always imagine ur interviewer asking u questions in their underwear...

heck, that happened to me so many many times, and it always managed to put a smile back on my face

but then again, it would look somewhat strange if ur grinning from ear to ear, even after the interviewer has said you have no place in medical school

 

[exigente chica]

I think getting a list of all of the past questions people have been asked helps. Read them and be sure you can answer them, don't make it sound rehearsed, be natural.
Make sure you are up on your current events/ethical issues.

 

[mpp]

The University of Washington Bioethics Website (link) and the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity resources (link) are good websites to learn about ethics in medicine.

 

[silvercholla]

You guys had to know that I would eventually find this thread!!!! SDN INTERVIEW FEEDBACK CAN HELP YOU!!!!! IF YOU"VE HAD AN INTERVIEW FILL ONE OUT!!!!!!

 

[Sweet Tea]

okay, here's a silly interview question...

is it appropriate to take notes during an interview, or to bring in prepared questions. i'm nervous that i'll be nervous in my interview and won't be able to think of any questions besides "so, how many students are in a class?" or something silly like that. but at the same time, i don't want to seem overly prepared.

 

[jot]

i dunno about taking notes during the interview, maybe jot (heh. hehehe. hehehehehe.) down their name or e-mail address for thank yous - but bringing in questions in your folder you will be carrying around seems reasonable.

 

[Sweet Tea]

thanks, jot!!!

 

[JessicaF]

poeple who interview you are usually on admissions committees, and they will interview you just like it is the real thing. Afterward, they will give you constructive feedback about your interviewing skills, etc.

If you are in So California I know that UCSD usually has a conference in Sept./Oct.

Sweet tea- I think that it would be fine to bring in a sheet with prepared ?s. As a matter of fact, I should have done that myself. I had some really good questions to ask during my interviews, but I was so excited I forgot them when asked... "so, do you have any ?s." IMO, taking the time to prepare ?s shows that you were interested enough to do your research about the school.

Also - when your interviewers ask why X school is a good fit for you, don't just focus on what their school has to offer you (ex. I like PBL) - tell them what YOU have to offer THEM (research skills in an area that they are active, community service experience would be a help in their outreach projects, etc etc)

 

[Sweet Tea]

Originally posted by JessicaF

Also - when your interviewers ask why X school is a good fit for you, don't just focus on what their school has to offer you (ex. I like PBL) - tell them what YOU have to offer THEM.

Oooh-- good point, JessicaF! I'll have to write that down