Interview Questions - Answer Length

[DoctaFuture]

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Hey guys, quick question for answering interview questions. How long do you guys usually spend on answering a question? For example "why do you want to go to our school" or the "why doctor" question. Because I feel for some schools I have a lot say about why I love their particular schools. I'm trying to figure this out right now in case answering a question too long is bad. Thanks guys.

 

[justdoit31]

usually just a minute or two and see where it goes, most interviews I had turned into a normal conversation very quickly with exception of one where I felt interegated with rapid-fire type questions

 

[DoctaFuture]

usually just a minute or two and see where it goes, most interviews I had turned into a normal conversation very quickly with exception of one where I felt interegated with rapid-fire type questions

ah Just what if I have a lot to say about a school. Should I just bullet point them when speaking or try to elaborate? B/c I feel elaborating is more meaningful but yeah longer haha.

 

[Kuune]

My process is to have 2 or 3 main points, and elaborate on those. Spend about 30 seconds on each, and try to tell a narrative. You don't need to fit who you are, why doctor, why this school, what makes you special, and what you're interested into one response. If they want to know, they will ask you. Remember, keep it a conversation. You are not there to give a speech. If you don't pause to let the interviewer respond, he/she will probably get bored.

 

[coup de chance]

ah Just what if I have a lot to say about a school. Should I just bullet point them when speaking or try to elaborate? B/c I feel elaborating is more meaningful but yeah longer haha.

I like hearing bullets. That way I know what my options are 👍👍
And I'll ask about the options that seem most entertaining.

But student interviews are chillax. And any med student who tries to give you a hard time is a tool and you wouldn't want to be their classmate anyway.

Faculty interviews are all about how well you can jam-pack your answers full of contentwhile being concise. Watch some Letterman/Larry King/Piers Morgan/Parkinson for good interviews.

Just like on TV, if you make them laugh, you're golden.

 

[DoctaFuture]

I like hearing bullets. That way I know what my options are 👍👍
And I'll ask about the options that seem most entertaining.

But student interviews are chillax. And any med student who tries to give you a hard time is a tool and you wouldn't want to be their classmate anyway.

Faculty interviews are all about how well you can jam-pack your answers full of contentwhile being concise. Watch some Letterman/Larry King/Piers Morgan/Parkinson for good interviews.

Just like on TV, if you make them laugh, you're golden.

ah coup do faculty members like hearing stuff in bullets too?

 

[coup de chance]

ah coup do faculty members like hearing stuff in bullets too?

No way I can answer that. Faculties vary SO much. Probably depends on the specialty? But even that is a gross generalization. I've seen some psych attgs behave like Ortho! Some Gen Surg behave like camp counselors. Etc.

So that's where your social skills (and interview prep) comes in.

Might be a good excuse to watch some TV 😀

I hear that Piers Morgan is taking over Larry King's time slot. I'll be watching that fo sho 👍👍

 

[eablackwell]

I think this 100% depends on your interviewers. I was lucky enough to get 2 chatty interviewers and it became a friendly conversation quite fast. The place I interviewed had strict time limits on interviews and we ended up getting the "you have to leave the room" knock. LoL

I'd say just don't ramble. Try to make the answers cohesive. Just my opinion though. Good luck!