interviews

[lexy]

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Hey everyone - I was introduced to sdn 2 days ago - and I've only posted on the international forum until now. My question is : how do you know when you are "overpreparing" yourself for the interviews. I've heard that it is just as crucial not to overprepare yourself, as it is to underprepare. I've gone over what typical questions will be asked, ethical dilemas, personal questions (the infamous "tell me about yourself")....I've been going over things for weeks now, and I'm afraid I'm just going to drive myself crazy worrying about details now. I know, I've been told by many, JUST BE YOURSELF. Any last minute suggestions anyone? 😕 (I'm from Canada and going overseas to Australia for interviews in 3 weeks). Thanks.

 

[surge]

Yes.

RELAX.
Seriously, you've clearly gone over everything you could go over and all you have to do is truly be comfortable with who you are and who you come off as during the interviews.

Relax and it will be okay. Good luck.

 

[lexy]

Thanks surge. I have come this far in the application process, I just don't want to screw anything up now ... getting in means everything to me. I'm reading a great book (by Stephen Covey) that strangely relaxes me, yet inspires me. Maybe I'll just keep up with the thought provoking reading - seems to keep the stress level down.

One more question...all interview prep books/web sites talk about dressing "appropriately" for the interview. I never ever dreamed it would actually be so specific for women. I can understand the minimal makeup, short nails, no perfume, neutral hose, low heels, etc, .....but why are they all saying that a pant suit is under no circumstances acceptable? I intended on wearing a skirt / suit, but this has actually made me a bit uncomfortable. Are these documents being written by old fashioned, out dated men, or are they just being realistic. Any women out there have any opinions on this? I am in no way a feminist, but I think , or at least I would hope that the interview panel would have a modern outlook on this. Sounds like such a stupid, simple thing...pants or a skirt, but they are making it sound so crucial.

 

[KirsteenB]

Hi there,

I think it means more to dress in a way that is appropriate and makes you feel most comfortable than to squash yourself into an outfit that scuttles your level of comfort and may hinder your interview performance. If it means anything, for my interviews up here in Canada I wore a formal pant suit and I did receive an acceptance from the school that I interviewed at that year, with two very high, pants-laden interview scores. Pants vs. skirt should be an irrelevant factor in determining whether you'll be a decent candidate for medicine.

Cheers,
Kirsteen

 

[surge]

Pant suits are in no way inappropriate. I guarantee you that there were many women I met on the interview trail last year that wore pant suits and did exceedingly well in the process (including a very good friend of mine).

Above all, dress comfortably.
I'm not saying wear jeans and sneakers, but don't worry too much. If high heels or some parfume make you feel better, wear them.
I often wore things that were quite unusual (no suits, crazy shirts and ties), and had no problems.

Would you really want to go to a school that didn't accept you because you wore pants and not a skirt?


I know you're nervous, and I'd be surprized if you weren't.
But it sounds like you are definitely on top of your game and you have nothing to worry about. Relax and be excited - all of you guys have quite an adventure ahead of you.
Take care.

 

[canadagirl]

Relax and good luck!! There's a thread in pre-allo somewhere about dressing for interviews. I wore a skirt to my first interview, and then saw that almost all the other women were wearing pants, so I switched to pants for my next three interviews. I got in everywhere I interviewed (Canadian schools), so clearly, they didn't mind. Plus, my suit was purple, not the grey/black/navy that the books say to wear 🙂

Just be yourself! You know, I really stressed myself out for my interviews last year as well. And then before my last one I tried to change my tack. Everybody loves to talk about themselves, right? And there are very few instances in your life when people really WANT to hear you monologue about yourself, right? Well, med school interviews are one of those, so take it as an opportunity to have fun and enjoy yourself.