Interview

When were your interviews? Perhaps they didn't have sufficient time to make a decision yet?

I think one of the problems with interviewees is trying too hard to behave in suggested ways to impress the interviewer. Just be yourself! It's expected, espeically during your first interviews, that you'll be nervous and all. Of course you should go to the interviews prepared. Do your research on the school, keep in mind some questions that you may want to ask, and think about the typical questions that are asked at interviews. Other than that, just be yourself... and smile a lot...

 

seriously, i think the best thing you can do on interviews is to let the interviewers see who you really are. don't put on some fake facade for the interview day otherwise you will resemble the typical applicant. and definitely do not think too hard about the "right" thing to say or the proper way to say it. just express yourself like you normally would (but of course in a professional manner) and let the interviewer see that you are a normal persion with a passion for dentistry.

 

interview tips:

- relax and be yourself, really*

- keep it short, don't ramble or try to sound smart

- listen to what your interviewer says, don't just think about what you'll say next

- backup your statements with examples or anecdotes

- know yourself and what makes you unique, stress it, but not repetitively


*most important thing to remember

 

I know that LLU is very slow at giving out acceptances. They have a rolling admissions schedule, so just wait; and I bet you will get an acceptance from them at least.

 

BE YOURSELF!
If you dont have a truthful or sure answer, say so. Let them see who you really are. I remember talking to an admissions person about high heels (shoes) cos that's where the conversation led and then we got right back to business. Just go with the flow, be human and keep the objective in mind that way it influences all you do but does not overshadow WHO you are.

Be informed about the school. That way they know you've done your research. Ask Questions. INTERact at your INTERview!

 

These are all excellent suggestions. Additionally, something that may help you to "be yourself" and to smile is to try to interject some appropriate humor into the interview.

For instance, you could say something like "I had a great time writing my biology comic strip for the school newspaper. Yes, I know I'm a terrible nerd, but I love being one!" and then make a big grin. Or, if they comment on the fact that you seem serious (one of my interviewers said this to me, which wicked surprised me since I'm usually laid back), you can say something like, "well, I automatically get a little stiff when I'm being choked by this rediculous tie."

I mean, humor is SO relative and it's hard to know which jokes still seem professional and cute and which just seem out of place, but it's SO important to try to laugh during the interview, and make your interviewers laugh with you. It helps to break the tension!

 

If humor doesn't come to you naturally, don't force it or you'll end up looking like a jerk!

 

Wow! I guess you had to be there huh? It's a great thing your going to be a dentist because I don't think you could make it in stand up comedy.

 

haha, shut up. These were EXAMPLES I made up because I'm sure in REALITY, I said something much more idiotic!

Hey, I had my interviewers laughing at several of my interviews, so I had to say SOMETHING funny. Either that or I had a piece of lettuce in my teeth.

 

I thought it was pretty clever. Maybe I have a weird sense of humor

 

aaww. you poor widdle baby. LOL!

 

I am NOT a widdle baby!!!


I am a BIG baby now!