Is this considered a bad thing to do in interviews? What could I do to fix it?

[veryborderlineapplicant]

I give very structured and concise answers and I'm pretty formal and polite. I also change my tone to be more of a serious interview type tone like in job interviews, instead of a conversational tone, is that an issue? I know interviewers want more conversational type answers, but it's hard not to get out of the business mindset of "I'm here, let me say my answer and my points, and move on", especially in MMIs. The tone I have also makes interviewers think I've memorized all the answers before, which isn't the case, but I know interviewers look down upon this because we're supposed to think on the spot and I am, but it doesn't sound that way. How could I remedy this interviewing issue? It really annoys me that I sound rehearsed when I'm not trying to at all. Any advice? I'd like to offset it before my next interview, but I'm just so confused about how to that it's making my head spin.

I'm fine in normal conversations too and am really good at small-talk. I interviews, I just get a business mindset, and it doesn't help that I was a business/finance major in college.

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[FalconSlice]

I give very structured and concise answers and I'm pretty formal and polite. I also change my tone to be more of a serious interview type tone like in job interviews, instead of a conversational tone, is that an issue? I know interviewers want more conversational type answers, but it's hard not to get out of the business mindset of "I'm here, let me say my answer and my points, and move on", especially in MMIs. The tone I have also makes interviewers think I've memorized all the answers before, which isn't the case, but I know interviewers look down upon this because we're supposed to think on the spot and I am, but it doesn't sound that way. How could I remedy this interviewing issue? It really annoys me that I sound rehearsed when I'm not trying to at all. Any advice? I'd like to offset it before my next interview, but I'm just so confused about how to that it's making my head spin.

I'm fine in normal conversations too and am really good at small-talk. I interviews, I just get a business mindset, and it doesn't help that I was a business/finance major in college.

Not to be insensitive, but maybe you are worried that you might sound like a robot during interviews? Why don't you do some mock interviews with some people who will give you honest feedback and how you can fix it? Also try to find out the deeper reason why you sound like that (nervousness? socially awkward? etc.).

Concise answers are good but not if it seems like you memorized them. Btw, interviews that turn out to be conversations are some of the best because not only does it show your true personality, your strengths and your interest in the program but also the interviewers' interests. Just my two cents.

 

[veryborderlineapplicant]

Not to be insensitive, but maybe you are worried that you might sound like a robot during interviews? Why don't you do some mock interviews with some people who will give you honest feedback and how you can fix it? Also try to find out the deeper reason why you sound like that (nervousness? socially awkward? etc.).

Concise answers are good but not if it seems like you memorized them. Btw, interviews that turn out to be conversations are some of the best because not only does it show your true personality, your strengths and your interest in the program but also the interviewers' interests. Just my two cents.

I'll definitely do more mocks. I'm not socially awkward and I wasn't nervous at all in interviews until I started getting this negative feedback, then I got more nervous in interviews. I don't think I'm robotic exactly though that is a valid concern. I'm just very "straight-to-business" and "rapid fire" with my answers.

 

[LizzyM]

Imagine yourself in a more relaxed setting.... how would you respond if this were an old friend's parent or grandparent or older sibling (depending on the age of the interviewer)? Imagine you are talking with them over a cup of coffee? Don't smile when asked a question (it can look like you are pleased to be asked a question you've memorized the answer to) but smile at the end to signal that you welcome a follow-up question. You could in some circumstances, end your response with a question that can convert the interview into more of a conversation than a strict Q & A. Of course, I don't recommend asking questions in a MMI.

Being all business-like with short, curt answers is not what people want from a doctor. Rote answers that don't feel personalized to the listener are not what people want from the doctor. Keep that in mind and respond as if these folks are seeking your clinical advice. If you can manage that, you deserve to be admitted. If not, maybe you are better suited for business.

 

[referee3]

LizzyM is spot on. I know when I was interviewing I used to imagine the interviewer was one of my peers. If you can mentally pull this off it helps to make them seem less intimidating to you and allows you to carry out the interview in more of a conversational fashion.