Interview Tips

[Commando303]

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Is anyone willing to share some of the questions that are likely to be asked during an interview by a college of optometry? As well, what are some of the more favorable responses to those questions? I'm not looking to script myself like a parrot, but I'd like to go in (if asked to do so, at all...) with some foreknowledge of the interaction, and with an idea of what committees tend to appreciate and be averse to.

Thanks, all.

 

[EYEou]

Check out the interview feedback, there is a link at the top of the page for it.

 

[Commando303]

Thanks.

 

[cis4cookie]

what ever they ask, don't respond with "pile o' poo"

 

[Commando303]

what ever they ask, don't respond with "pile o' poo"

"So, what do you think of our campus? "

"Well... "

 

[alferec]

Is anyone willing to share some of the questions that are likely to be asked during an interview by a college of optometry? As well, what are some of the more favorable responses to those questions? I'm not looking to script myself like a parrot, but I'd like to go in (if asked to do so, at all...) with some foreknowledge of the interaction, and with an idea of what committees tend to appreciate and be averse to.

Thanks, all.

Here is a very thorough list of interview questions that I've compiled...others have found it very useful:

http://www.optstudent.com/interviewing.html

 

[Commando303]

Thank you. I'll look through the page, soon.

 

[NeverGiveUp]

Here is a very thorough list of interview questions that I've compiled...others have found it very useful:

http://www.optstudent.com/interviewing.html

Very well compiled list. I would recommend role-playing some of these questions with someone who can constructively guide you along.

 

[blysssful]

Along with making sure you know the answer to the "big" questions (why optometry, why this school, etc), read over your application before your interview and do your research about the school you're interviewing at.

You will inevitably be asked a question or two that throws you for a complete loop and you need to be able to think on your feet. My advice (as lame as it is) is to just be yourself and answer the questions honestly. They don't want robots with memorized generic answers. Think of general examples that you can give about yourself from various situations and experiences that put you in a good light. Use those examples to answer the questions.

ALSO, you'll probably be asked at the end of the interview if YOU have any questions for the interviewer(s).

 

[Commando303]

I'm almost sure an interview session will end by asking you to make any inquiries you may have, and I'm just not sure what to prepare. Also, "Why our school?" I find to be a tricky query.

 

[cloud99]

which ones make you write an essay during the interview?

 

[alferec]

Very well compiled list. I would recommend role-playing some of these questions with someone who can constructively guide you along.

That's exactly what I did, and it helps tremendously.

BTW, SCCO made us write an essay during the interview day.

 

[KHE]

Here is a very thorough list of interview questions that I've compiled...others have found it very useful:

http://www.optstudent.com/interviewing.html

Interesting.....are those actual questions? I interviewed at SUNY (though it was 15 years ago) and other than "how did you get interested in opometry?" they asked me NONE of those things.

 

[misstd]

What do schools mean when they ask what you will bring to their schools?... Like maintain their high stats?.. A good legacy later when we graduate?.. I'm not sure what they mean..

Thanks

 

[blysssful]

What do schools mean when they ask what you will bring to their schools?... Like maintain their high stats?.. A good legacy later when we graduate?.. I'm not sure what they mean..

Thanks

Rephrase: What qualities do you have that other applicants might not? I think they're asking more for qualities that they can't see on paper.

 

[Commando303]

All right, let's talk about how to answer a few of these questions:

1. What can you bring to our school?

A: (Take the opportunity to talk yourself up: cite good grades, O.A.T. scores, experience, etc.)

2. Why our school?

(A: I have no idea how to pin this one. Sorry, but most of the colleges of optometry seem to be identical to all the rest.)

3. What will you do if you're not accepted?

A: (Mention commitment to the field. Ask how to strengthen candidacy.)

4. Why not pursue an M.D.?

A: (Honestly express what draws you to optometry, and why the field, specifically, interests you.)

Feel free to add to this list.

 

[jymezg]

All right, let's talk about how to answer a few of these questions:

1. What can you bring to our school?

A: (Take the opportunity to talk yourself up: cite good grades, O.A.T. scores, experience, etc.)

2. Why our school?

(A: I have no idea how to pin this one. Sorry, but most of the colleges of optometry seem to be identical to all the rest.)

3. What will you do if you're not accepted?

A: (Mention commitment to the field. Ask how to strengthen candidacy.)

4. Why not pursue an M.D.?

A: (Honestly express what draws you to optometry, and why the field, specifically, interests you.)

Feel free to add to this list.

Add "Discuss the current legislation in your state"
Thats a toughy that stumps students sometimes

 

[Commando303]

Add "Discuss the current legislation in your state"
Thats a toughy that stumps students sometimes

I can't tell whether you're being facetious or aren't (damn this "Internet," with its poor-substitute-for-vocal-tone emoticons, and its endless line of acronyms and abbreviations [which aren't vexing this exchange, really, but, generally, just stick in my craw]).

 

[cloud99]

I can't tell whether you're being facetious or aren't (damn this "Internet," with its poor-substitute-for-vocal-tone emoticons, and its endless line of acronyms and abbreviations [which aren't vexing this exchange, really, but, generally, just stick in my craw]).

No, that's a real question for some schools (SUNY for sure).

 

[jymezg]

I can't tell whether you're being facetious or aren't (damn this "Internet," with its poor-substitute-for-vocal-tone emoticons, and its endless line of acronyms and abbreviations [which aren't vexing this exchange, really, but, generally, just stick in my craw]).

Yea my posts sometimes come off as facetious, I do apologize for that. However this is a legitament question.

Laws for practice vary from state to state. IE for my position, in Florida they do not allow ocular injections, but in Tennesse its fair game.

Read up on laws in your current state, states you wish to practice in, and the states the schools you are applying to are located to find out the details. This will make you knowlageable and you can talk about how the school is right for you because it will prepare you for practicing in _________ insert state here. Ask your optometrist as well, it can make the research a heck of a lot easier than looking it up on your own IMO.

 

[Commando303]

Yea my posts sometimes come off as facetious, I do apologize for that. However this is a legitament question.

Laws for practice vary from state to state. IE for my position, in Florida they do not allow ocular injections, but in Tennesse its fair game.

Read up on laws in your current state, states you wish to practice in, and the states the schools you are applying to are located to find out the details. This will make you knowlageable and you can talk about how the school is right for you because it will prepare you for practicing in _________ insert state here. Ask your optometrist as well, it can make the research a heck of a lot easier than looking it up on your own IMO.

Wow, thanks a lot — I'd never considered this, and it might be nice to walk in to an interview (if I'm invited to one — ) with the information.

 

[NatashaColorado]

My SUNY interview felt like conversation, with questions like "what do you do for fun?" (mountain biking while listening to audiobooks), which lead to "then, what's the last book you've heard?" ( Freakonomics), and it turned out that one of the interviewers read that book as well, so we talked a bit about it. "why optometry?" was there too, of course, but that was the easiest question.

 

[Commando303]

What, then, was your answer to, "Why optometry?"?

 

[Framecontrol]

Hey buddy.

You need to understand that the admissions people don't want you to be a robot! They can tell if you memorized your answers to the questions that EVERYONE studies.

What you need to do is be natural and comfortable with your passion for optometry and your awareness and knowledge of the field.

Of course practice answering the common questions but make sure you make it clear that optometry is for you.

Read this article I just posted. It will give you a unique angle on this subject..

http://optometrystudents.com/optometry-school-interview/

 

[Commando303]

Hey, umm, buddy...

I'm aware admissions committees don't seek robots, but, on the other hand, they sort of do. It's a duplicitous situation: you want someone not to sound like a parrot, but, often, it's not a matter of not "memorizing" answers, but of reciting them as though you were doing so extemporaneously.

Usually, as you agree, it's better to go in with an idea of how you'll respond to certain questions, and I'm trying to figure out how best to reply to some of the "bull-****" queries. For example, most students apply to a school to which they do, from its location, but saying — to the inquiry, "Why did you choose our university?" — "Because it's close to where I live," probably would be a bad decision. A better answer, I expect, would lie along the lines, "I like what your school has to offer, academically. You guys have a high pass-rate. I've heard I can enjoy myself on your campus, yet the education you offer is unsurpassed. You have a class-size that meets my style. You have wonderful diversity in your clinic." It's a bull-**** answer (most colleges of optometry are identical to one another, in most respects), but it sounds better than the plainer truth.

That's what I'm trying to do — figure out what works, and what doesn't, in an interview. Of course, it's important to be relaxed and cognizant, and to answer freely when an interviewer asks you what is your favorite sport, rather than why you want to be an eye doctor, but preparing for the "typical" questions, I feel, is a respectable idea.

Thanks for your link — it is helpful.

 

[QueenieCSS]

Usually, as you agree, it's better to go in with an idea of how you'll respond to certain questions, and I'm trying to figure out how best to reply to some of the "bull-****" queries. For example, most students apply to a school to which they do, from its location, but saying — to the inquiry, "Why did you choose our university?" — "Because it's close to where I live," probably would be a bad decision. A better answer, I expect, would lie along the lines, "I like what your school has to offer, academically. You guys have a high pass-rate. I've heard I can enjoy myself on your campus, yet the education you offer is unsurpassed. You have a class-size that meets my style. You have wonderful diversity in your clinic." It's a bull-**** answer (most colleges of optometry are identical to one another, in most respects), but it sounds better than the plainer truth.

While I don't doubt that a lot of people apply to schools near home there are also other reasons to choose a specific school. Look into how the schools you are applying to differ from each other and just talk about those points. Even though we are basically taught the same thing at each school, the specialties and personalities of each school are different.

I learned that the personality of a school was really important to me when I was interviewing. It made me pick a school much farther away from home instead of going for the instate tuition. It is different for everyone but all of the schools really aren't "identical to one another".

 

[Rube5309]

Commando303:
You need to start thinking of your own answers to these interview questions and not be so quick to bash others who call you out. Every school is different, so along with different eduacation philosophies each has its own "feel."
I wish you all the best, and if optometry school doesn't work out, I'm sure the Tool Academy will.

 

[hurricaneuro]

^^^ Ouch...and unecessary. Commando is not a tool, and everyone can get off of his case. He's just trying to help...

 

[Commando303]

While I don't doubt that a lot of people apply to schools near home there are also other reasons to choose a specific school. Look into how the schools you are applying to differ from each other and just talk about those points. Even though we are basically taught the same thing at each school, the specialties and personalities of each school are different.

I learned that the personality of a school was really important to me when I was interviewing. It made me pick a school much farther away from home instead of going for the instate tuition. It is different for everyone but all of the schools really aren't "identical to one another".

I've been looking through the "Why to Attend Our School!" (paraphrasing...😀) sections of many colleges' Web sites, and what I'm finding is, most of them seem to boast the same "unique" credentials: high pass-rates, small class sizes, patient diversity, etc. If I'm fortunate enough to be asked to an interview, I think I'll end up just regurgitating these sorts of points, probably adding that, honestly, location is a factor in my decision (I don't feel it's necessary to try to conceal this point — only to mask it with some "filler").

May I ask, were there any specific aspects of your school's "personality" that attracted you to it in preference to the others you were considering? Of course, I understand, this sort of thing may be easily "felt," but quite difficult to place into words, but perhaps there are a few thing you could identify. Was it simply an aesthetically-pleasing campus? Friendly faculty? Did some of the students just leave you with the impression they were genuinely happy with their life there? Did the tour guide simply have a set of huge... 😎?

Thanks.

 

[Commando303]

Commando303:
You need to start thinking of your own answers to these interview questions and not be so quick to bash others who call you out. Every school is different, so along with different eduacation philosophies each has its own "feel."
I wish you all the best, and if optometry school doesn't work out, I'm sure the Tool Academy will.

I wish you all the best in sucking down a nice hairy glass of ass.

I don't doubt schools differ from one another in how they're experienced by students, but it's a distinction that's seemingly not apparent from "research." One might gain a certain impression from a field trip, fine (and, the impression, itself, might be misleading, as going to check out a campus doesn't always provide an accurate vision of daily academic life, there), but making such trips, for many applicants, is financially unfeasible. By the time you're called for an interview (at which point you might, indeed, shell out what's needed for a plane/bus ticket), you should already have gained insight into the schools to which you're applying.

The best way to understand which college is right for you might be to "ask around," but, again, by doing so, you're really just compiling the opinions of many people, none of whom is bound to share your proclivities, disinclinations, or expectations.

At the end of the day, my feeling is, most of us pick the schools we pick because of location; else, perhaps a family member or close friend was graduated from the institution (in my case, the latter happens to be impertinent).

By the way, I don't feel I attacked the poster who you propose "called me out" on my thread — as I matter of fact, I thanked him, sincerely, for the link he provided; I simply felt a bit put off by his, what I read as condescending, address of, "Hey buddy" (hell, it might not even have been intended to come off that way) — so you can expect I'm perfectly content in having offered you the cup of ass at the start of this post — . (Now, let's hope this entire god-damned thread doesn't turn into a back-and-forth ****-slinging.)

 

[blysssful]

hahahahha...

 

[Arctic]

I am seriously amused by this thread. FrameControl wasn't trying to be condescending (he says things like "hey bud/buddy" all the time); and no the admissions committees don't "sort of" want you to be a robot. They have your stats already, they can read letters to confirm you have shadowed, so why do you think they base their decisions in part on interviews?? They want to see that you have the personality that will allow you to be a successful optometrist, in that you can do a good job interacting with patients and relatedly, handle the business aspect of the profession. The other aspect of the interview is obviously how much you know about optometry // that you understand what you are getting yourself into. That aspect does require learning specific things; I still wouldn't call it "robotic" or anything of the sort but you will see a lot of common responses amongst applicants for those questions.
Your argument that there is little variation amongst optometry schools, however, is misguided. The types of patients you will see, and to some degree the difficulty of the coursework does vary by schools. Student to faculty ratios can vary substantially; I feel this is extremely significant, although others may hold different opinions. However, optometry schools don't vary anywhere as much as undergraduate universities in the U.S. can vary; that's for sure. And yes, cost and location are substantial facotrs as well; that I won't deny. These were all significant decision-making factors for me as to what schools I chose to apply to.

 

[EyEnStein 07]

For the question about Why this school...

might be easier for some than others. For me i know it will be easy since i plan to apply to only 1 school, and it has a lot to do with the location, distance from my home (<1 hour away via public transportation), the support system i will have (family), and the numbers they put up in terms of successful passing rates of board exams and etc...basically a place i feel i would be satisfied getting an education from.

 

[QueenieCSS]

I've been looking through the "Why to Attend Our School!" (paraphrasing...😀) sections of many colleges' Web sites, and what I'm finding is, most of them seem to boast the same "unique" credentials: high pass-rates, small class sizes, patient diversity, etc. If I'm fortunate enough to be asked to an interview, I think I'll end up just regurgitating these sorts of points, probably adding that, honestly, location is a factor in my decision (I don't feel it's necessary to try to conceal this point — only to mask it with some "filler").

May I ask, were there any specific aspects of your school's "personality" that attracted you to it in preference to the others you were considering? Of course, I understand, this sort of thing may be easily "felt," but quite difficult to place into words, but perhaps there are a few thing you could identify. Was it simply an aesthetically-pleasing campus? Friendly faculty? Did some of the students just leave you with the impression they were genuinely happy with their life there? Did the tour guide simply have a set of huge... 😎?

Thanks.

For me a lot of it WAS feel of the program. But to put it into words I chose Pacific for a few key reasons. One was that I didn't feel as if it were as competitive as some of the other schools - they really felt like the cared about everyone doing well. I have had enough of the competitive atmosphere (my undergrad was a little crazy in that respect) and I liked the fact that everyone seemed to help each other out. This is more a feeling I got from the interview day, not specifically stated on their website.

Another is the interaction between classes. One school I interviewed at said that none of the upperclassmen spoke with the first years because they were far too busy to interact. In the month I have been here I have already met and became friends with people from other classes. It is nice, not only to have friends outside of your class, but also to have people to get advice from.

Clinic was a big thing for me. I like that they have 5 clinics. One in Forest Grove (where the school is located), Cornelius (very large Spanish speaking population), Hillsboro (suburb of Portland), downtown Portland and one SE of the city. I personally was drawn to that for the difference in experiences I would have AND I want to work on my Spanish. I think each school probably has a different dynamic for their clinic and it is something I would ask about during interviews if it is important to you.

And finally Pacific offers mini electives during one of the summers. They have one that teaches you how to conduct a whole exam in Spanish and I thought it was great that you could do that in addition to all the classes we are required to take.

I agree that you shouldn't conceal location. If it is a big part of your decision it is important to talk about it. But you should also talk about what sets that school apart from others, be it the feel or the specialties. Good luck!

 

[Commando303]

I am seriously amused by this thread. FrameControl wasn't trying to be condescending (he says things like "hey bud/buddy" all the time); and no the admissions committees don't "sort of" want you to be a robot. They have your stats already, they can read letters to confirm you have shadowed, so why do you think they base their decisions in part on interviews?? They want to see that you have the personality that will allow you to be a successful optometrist, in that you can do a good job interacting with patients and relatedly, handle the business aspect of the profession. The other aspect of the interview is obviously how much you know about optometry // that you understand what you are getting yourself into. That aspect does require learning specific things; I still wouldn't call it "robotic" or anything of the sort but you will see a lot of common responses amongst applicants for those questions.
Your argument that there is little variation amongst optometry schools, however, is misguided. The types of patients you will see, and to some degree the difficulty of the coursework does vary by schools. Student to faculty ratios can vary substantially; I feel this is extremely significant, although others may hold different opinions. However, optometry schools don't vary anywhere as much as undergraduate universities in the U.S. can vary; that's for sure. And yes, cost and location are substantial facotrs as well; that I won't deny. These were all significant decision-making factors for me as to what schools I chose to apply to.

Arctic, I think admissions committees conduct interviews, one, because it's the "traditional" way of going about the business; and, two, to try to "feel you out," as a human being, hoping, among the many people they have to select from (by excluding others), they can gain a sense of whom they'd rather have walking around in their halls. My sentiment that the committees do, to an extent, seek rehearsed answers comes from the fact, there are "good" interviews and "bad" ones, and as you can "practice" for the good ones, you are, again, within a bound, programming yourself for the experience — it isn't an altogether organic scenario.

I agree with you, too, that class-sizes may vary significantly from school to school (of course, whether you prefer large classes or small will stem solely from your personality), but that's about as far as I'd feel comfortable taking it. As for rigor of course-material, I find it would be very difficult to judge without actually attended a couple of universities for a few semesters (by which point, the "application-process" would long be over).

Thank your for sharing your experience.

For the question about Why this school...

might be easier for some than others. For me i know it will be easy since i plan to apply to only 1 school, and it has a lot to do with the location, distance from my home (<1 hour away via public transportation), the support system i will have (family), and the numbers they put up in terms of successful passing rates of board exams and etc...basically a place i feel i would be satisfied getting an education from.

To which school did you apply? Aren't you even marginally concerned about not getting into your first/only choice? Not even enough to have one "back-up"?

For me a lot of it WAS feel of the program. But to put it into words I chose Pacific for a few key reasons. One was that I didn't feel as if it were as competitive as some of the other schools - they really felt like the cared about everyone doing well. I have had enough of the competitive atmosphere (my undergrad was a little crazy in that respect) and I liked the fact that everyone seemed to help each other out. This is more a feeling I got from the interview day, not specifically stated on their website.

Another is the interaction between classes. One school I interviewed at said that none of the upperclassmen spoke with the first years because they were far too busy to interact. In the month I have been here I have already met and became friends with people from other classes. It is nice, not only to have friends outside of your class, but also to have people to get advice from.

Clinic was a big thing for me. I like that they have 5 clinics. One in Forest Grove (where the school is located), Cornelius (very large Spanish speaking population), Hillsboro (suburb of Portland), downtown Portland and one SE of the city. I personally was drawn to that for the difference in experiences I would have AND I want to work on my Spanish. I think each school probably has a different dynamic for their clinic and it is something I would ask about during interviews if it is important to you.

And finally Pacific offers mini electives during one of the summers. They have one that teaches you how to conduct a whole exam in Spanish and I thought it was great that you could do that in addition to all the classes we are required to take.

I agree that you shouldn't conceal location. If it is a big part of your decision it is important to talk about it. But you should also talk about what sets that school apart from others, be it the feel or the specialties. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing what helped you make your decision. I'm glad you've found a college at which you feel comfortable.

 

[ucbsowarrior]

Do your research on the previous post.

Get to your interviewing city one or two days before to check out the city and have adequate rest. Hit the pubs/bars the night before the interview for a couple of drinks and make sure the party scene is up your alley. Get a good nights rests.

The morning of make sure you look office casual sharp. Don't look like a douche. Go for another beer or two and then go for your interview. Studies have shown that when you are relaxed you do better in interviews 🙂

I've helped over a dozen folks get into programs before. So you know this is coming from a trusted source!

Is anyone willing to share some of the questions that are likely to be asked during an interview by a college of optometry? As well, what are some of the more favorable responses to those questions? I'm not looking to script myself like a parrot, but I'd like to go in (if asked to do so, at all...) with some foreknowledge of the interaction, and with an idea of what committees tend to appreciate and be averse to.

Thanks, all.

 

[Commando303]

The morning of make sure you look office casual sharp. Don't look like a douche.

 

[NatashaColorado]

I remember my pre-med adviser last words of advice before I left for NY
" get some sleep a night before, have breakfast, show up on time, don't lie and DON'T TAKE ANY DRUGS!" 😱

 

[NatashaColorado]

Do your research on the previous post.

Get to your interviewing city one or two days before to check out the city and have adequate rest. Hit the pubs/bars the night before the interview for a couple of drinks and make sure the party scene is up your alley. Get a good nights rests.

The morning of make sure you look office casual sharp. Don't look like a douche. Go for another beer or two and then go for your interview. Studies have shown that when you are relaxed you do better in interviews 🙂

I've helped over a dozen folks get into programs before. So you know this is coming from a trusted source!

Studies.... I must be an "outlier" then - I always perform better under stress. That beer would be a nail in my coffin. 😀

 

[ucbsowarrior]

Studies.... I must be an "outlier" then - I always perform better under stress. That beer would be a nail in my coffin. 😀

Guess you haven't been to the Coor's factory tour with all the semi-drunk workers 👍

 

[Commando303]

Studies.... I must be an "outlier" then - I always perform better under stress. That beer would be a nail in my coffin. 😀

Lol — one beer, and a candidate ends up arriving at the interview without pants.

 

[NatashaColorado]

Guess you haven't been to the Coor's factory tour with all the semi-drunk workers 👍

Of course, I visited Coors brewery as (get this) part of Microbiology class, getting a first hand experience on fermentation process. Just not before the interview 🙂 (and did not see any semi-drunk Coors workers. It's a very self-controlled environment, computerized, sterile and kinda boring).

Commando, you can mention the location of school as ONE of the factors why you want to go there - they understand. To that question at SUNY I actually enthusiastically answered "Because it's in New York!" And then added compliments about diversity of their student body, clinical cases, experienced faculty members, research opportunities, etc. Practice to give compliments.

Truly yours,

candidate with no pants.

 

[OD4eyes]

And then added compliments about diversity of their student body, clinical cases, experienced faculty members, research opportunities, etc. Practice to give compliments.

I feel that one thing SUNY is lacking is diversity of their student body compared to most schools. Their interviews I hear are brutal... congrats on making it through!👍

 

[Commando303]

I think "diversity" &#8212; while potentially beneficial, overall &#8212; gets a bit blown out of proportion &#8212; as if merely having a group of people who look "different enough" improves the competence of an institution. If you're speaking, instead, of academic diversity (e.g., not everyone's holding a B.S.), again, it might be nice to offer an education to people from a range of backgrounds and interests, but I don't know it makes the education offered by the school, itself, much better (though you might have an easier time making friends, when it's more likely you'll meet someone who shares your predilections).

 

[cis4cookie]

i think i messed up my interview, i wore the same speedo and beekeeper hat but tried to class it up with a bow tie...i think the tie was a little much

 

[achirum]

And then added compliments about diversity of their student body, clinical cases, experienced faculty members, research opportunities, etc. Practice to give compliments.

I feel that one thing SUNY is lacking is diversity of their student body compared to most schools. Their interviews I hear are brutal... congrats on making it through!👍

What is your idea of diverse?

 

[blysssful]

What is your idea of diverse?

SERIOUSLY! We have an INCREDIBLY diverse class... assuming you're referring to race/ethnicity.

 

[OD4eyes]

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

I sincerely hate this question. This is the one question in which I do not know how to answer well. Of course I know my weakness but why would I announce them to the admissions committee. I feel that this question should be eliminated from all interviews because everyone lies about it and end up with an over embellished bs answer. 😎

I know the trick to this question is to answer it and make it sound positive. However, I am struggling with this answer; I almost hesitant and stumble in my response.
Do they really still ask this question? Has anyone been approached with this question????

 

[jymezg]

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

I sincerely hate this question. This is the one question in which I do not know how to answer well. Of course I know my weakness but why would I announce them to the admissions committee. I feel that this question should be eliminated from all interviews because everyone lies about it and end up with an over embellished bs answer. 😎

I know the trick to this question is to answer it and make it sound positive. However, I am struggling with this answer; I almost hesitant and stumble in my response.
Do they really still ask this question? Has anyone been approached with this question????

I HATE this question. Of course you want to answer that you have no weaknesses but that sounds douchy.

I like to answer, "food." Hopefully in the subsequent naming of the foods I just can't control myself with you hit some common ground with the interviewer and can chat about that... then name off something small thats an actual weakness.

to each is own but this has worked for me in the past.

 

[Commando303]

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

I sincerely hate this question. This is the one question in which I do not know how to answer well. Of course I know my weakness but why would I announce them to the admissions committee. I feel that this question should be eliminated from all interviews because everyone lies about it and end up with an over embellished bs answer. 😎

I know the trick to this question is to answer it and make it sound positive. However, I am struggling with this answer; I almost hesitant and stumble in my response.
Do they really still ask this question? Has anyone been approached with this question????

"What are your weaknesses?"

"I'm damned perfect, and people sometimes are threatened by this — 😀."

Or, "I suppose you could say, I'm a bit of a slut — ."

Honestly, I don't think the question is any less bizarre than most of the others that are "typical" of an interview (e.g., "Why should we accept you?" Really? How the hell do you want me to respond, other than by boasting...?).