Interview Tips

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I think it's not so much about what you say, but how you say it. You could have a great answer on paper, but if you can't get that point across in a coherent and personable manner, it doesn't matter! As long as your answers come from the heart and don't sound too rehearsed, you'll be fine! What I did to prepare was make everyone I know ask me questions. I practiced on my feet coming up with answers. Sure you can find lists of possible questions, but they can ask you anything! If you're still in school check your career center if you have one! Mine would do mock interviews and record you and then play it back and go over how you responded! Try finding something like that!
 
Is there anyone out there who did good on their interviews and would like to give me feedback on my answers?

Thank you in advance

Be confident. Maintain eye contact and have a great first handshake. Confidence is key .. We all get nervous even the person interviewing you. You've done the hardwork.. The interview is the easy part and if this is your passion you should have nothing to worry about. Also, don't be fake , be honest they can see that.


And I agree .. Mock interviews are beneficial 🙂
 
Thank you both so much. My school doesn't have the most helpful career center and my academics aren't great either. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't screwing up with my answers

I have done mock interviews with my friends as well already but I wanted some critique from professionals or those who are pre-opt >.<
 
Thank you both so much. My school doesn't have the most helpful career center and my academics aren't great either. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't screwing up with my answers

Ask a friend or parent or perhaps a boss or professor you are close with to do a mock interview with ... If anything practice in front of a mirror to see what you do wrong or distracting. Record yourself! Anything helps 🙂


And you can prepare answers prior to the interview but I've found it doesn't feel as natural when I speak and I usually end up talking about something else. I've done interviews at my job and have found those with the best interviews were the most natural when they spoke even if they didn't quite say something right. Don't be nervous at all! You got this!
 
One useful tip to prevent rambling is discussed on the SCCO optometryadmissions blog: Use the “Tell Them” format. It’s a method for answering a question in an effective manner. When you are asked a question, you respond with using these three points, 1) Tell them what you are going to tell them, 2) tell them, and 3) then tell them what you told them. This method helps to give your listener an overview of where you are taking them with your answer and what supporting points you will use. Here is an example:

“Do you like spaghetti?”
“Yes, I love spaghetti. It is nutritious, versatile, non-perishable when stored, inexpensive, low fat, and very tasty. Spaghetti is one of my favorite foods.”
It’s all there:
  • Tell them what you are going to tell them: “I love spaghetti.”
  • Tell them by supporting your argument with facts and experience you have with spaghetti.
  • Tell them what you told them with a summation of the facts and make your conclusion.
There are quite a few interviewing tips on the SCCO blog!
 
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