Nervous at interview

[nighthawk3]

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I heard back today from one of the schools where I recently interviewed, and I was put on the hold list. As far as I know, this is the worst possible scenario after interviewing at this particular school. The sad thing is, my stats are well above the average at this school and I am an in-state applicant. I believe I was placed on hold because the interviewers could sense that I was very nervous during the interviews, even though I answered their questions very well.

I honestly do not care about this outcome because it was my dead last choice for med school. However, starting in two weeks, I have a few interviews at schools that are very high on my list. What are some ways to combat getting nervous in an interview? At this point, I don't think there's enough time to do any significant training or therapy, so are there any good medications to control this nervousness? What would you recommend?

 

[Doctor~Detroit]

when you're sitting across from the interviewer talking, just imagine yourself naked.

 

[GeniusofLove]

Do you know what about the interview(er) was making you so nervous? Were the questions particularly challenging? Was it the setting?

 

[CptCrunch]

I think you would be less nervous if you had some more practice under your belt. Set up a mock interview with your school's job/career center. Practice with family, friends, random strangers on the street, etc. Interviewing is a skill that can be learned. I don't think you should take any medications at this point because you don't know how you will react to them.

 

[nighthawk3]

It was actually a really relaxed environment. It is not uncommon for me to get nervous when being evaluated by others with so much at stake, and I've always managed to get by until now. I realize that in addition to succeeding at these interviews, I will need to get rid of this problem for med school, so I'm looking for a viable option that also can be initiated in the next few weeks.

 

[Schaden Freud]

Try to focus on your breathing when you tend to get nervous. The worst part of nervousness is that choking feeling and remembering to take deep breaths throughout should help.

I heard back today from one of the schools where I recently interviewed, and I was put on the hold list. As far as I know, this is the worst possible scenario after interviewing at this particular school. The sad thing is, my stats are well above the average at this school and I am an in-state applicant. I believe I was placed on hold because the interviewers could sense that I was very nervous during the interviews, even though I answered their questions very well.

I honestly do not care about this outcome because it was my dead last choice for med school. However, starting in two weeks, I have a few interviews at schools that are very high on my list. What are some ways to combat getting nervous in an interview? At this point, I don't think there's enough time to do any significant training or therapy, so are there any good medications to control this nervousness? What would you recommend?

 

[Doctor~Detroit]

you should consider the possibility that the school put you on hold *because* your stats are good. maybe *they* don't want rejection and are waiting for a loi.

 

[cubbbie]

you should consider the possibility that the school put you on hold *because* your stats are good. maybe *they* don't want rejection and are waiting for a loi.

That's what I was going to say. You say it was not even close to a first choice school for you, and they probably picked up on that.

In terms of nerves, consider beta blockers.

 

[nighthawk3]

Yeah, I consider that a possibility, especially since both interviewers concluded by asking me what the chances were of my accepting an offer. I told them it was very high and reiterated that in letters sent to them after, but maybe they still didn't believe me. Thanks for the encouragement!

Still, I would like to reduce my stress, even if it didn't impact their decision.

 

[gotmeds?]

In terms of nerves, consider beta blockers.

Yeah, just don't stand up too fast after you take them.

 

[MonkeyNuts!]

I heard back today from one of the schools where I recently interviewed, and I was put on the hold list. As far as I know, this is the worst possible scenario after interviewing at this particular school. The sad thing is, my stats are well above the average at this school and I am an in-state applicant. I believe I was placed on hold because the interviewers could sense that I was very nervous during the interviews, even though I answered their questions very well.

I honestly do not care about this outcome because it was my dead last choice for med school. However, starting in two weeks, I have a few interviews at schools that are very high on my list. What are some ways to combat getting nervous in an interview? At this point, I don't think there's enough time to do any significant training or therapy, so are there any good medications to control this nervousness? What would you recommend?

One thing I have done that has helped me tremendously is to overprepare like crazy. I'm talking about healthcare textbooks, ethics text (UWash module is nice for basics), current events, PS, publications, general novella (see the house of god thread for suggested books) in weeks leading up to an interview.

If you go in knowing a crap load of info spreading a wide range of topics, you will feel confident, just as if you were walking into an exam for a class. I went in there with the mind set "psssh u can ask me whatever the hell you want, I got an answer, so let's just have a nice convo." And it made me relax alot.

The only thing you risk is what happened to me at one interview - you might get a couple that realize you actually have some knowledge about a variety of subjects and have also formed your own opinions, they get excited, and make it very challenging and difficult. But it was fun, even though it increased the stress level somewhat (which would be counter to what you're lookin for).

Some other downsides of this is depending on what you read, you might just end up spreading yourself too thin and eventually relying on cookie cutter responses, which you don't want to do that. Also they might not like it that you overprepared, cuz some want to know how you will handle things you have never heard of, and if you know alot, then that defeats the whole purpose of their interview.

Alot of schools will tell you they just want to get to know you and try and calm you down during the interview day orientation lecture, one thing you can do is REALLY start believing those things to get yourself to relax.

 

[RustNeverSleeps]

I heard back today from one of the schools where I recently interviewed, and I was put on the hold list. As far as I know, this is the worst possible scenario after interviewing at this particular school. The sad thing is, my stats are well above the average at this school and I am an in-state applicant. I believe I was placed on hold because the interviewers could sense that I was very nervous during the interviews, even though I answered their questions very well.

I honestly do not care about this outcome because it was my dead last choice for med school. However, starting in two weeks, I have a few interviews at schools that are very high on my list. What are some ways to combat getting nervous in an interview? At this point, I don't think there's enough time to do any significant training or therapy, so are there any good medications to control this nervousness? What would you recommend?

What happens when you get nervous? It may not be as much of an issue as you think. When I interview applicants, I don't necessarily fault them for being nervous. It can negatively impact an interview if an applicant is so nervous that he doesn't talk much, but from what you described it doesn't sound like that is your problem. You could take a medication like a beta blocker, but it might make you sleepy (as well as other side effects). Probably the best thing is to practice interviewing; some kind of "formal" practice, such as with your career or pre-med office, may be especially helpful.

 

[wymo78]

carry a flask of your preferred alcoholic drink...excuse yourself to the bathroom about 20 min before your interview....whalla liquid confidence 🙂


(obviously I'm just kidding)

 

[searun]

when you're sitting across from the interviewer talking, just imagine yourself naked.

will make you relax, especially if your interviewer is ugly. However, if you look awful when you are naked and avoid mirrors when you step out of the shower, then this will make you more nervous. You could invite some close friends over the night before your interview, and get some suggestions as to whether or not this is a good strategy, psychologically speaking.

Good luck. Hopefully, you are hot.

Searun

 

[tae]

Go for a run or do some good aerobic exercise the morning before you go. Also, just don't go in cold, prepare yourself with "self-talk". If you truly feel you're a strong candidate, convince yourself they'd be lucky to have you..that they should be selling you. You don't have to get cocky but talk yourself up (to yourself) to increase your confidence. When you go in, start off with a firm handshake and a smile and you'll be off to a great start.

 

[lina123321]

bump

 

[dopaminesurge]

I heard back today from one of the schools where I recently interviewed, and I was put on the hold list. As far as I know, this is the worst possible scenario after interviewing at this particular school. The sad thing is, my stats are well above the average at this school and I am an in-state applicant. I believe I was placed on hold because the interviewers could sense that I was very nervous during the interviews, even though I answered their questions very well.

I honestly do not care about this outcome because it was my dead last choice for med school. However, starting in two weeks, I have a few interviews at schools that are very high on my list. What are some ways to combat getting nervous in an interview? At this point, I don't think there's enough time to do any significant training or therapy, so are there any good medications to control this nervousness? What would you recommend?

Ehh... I wouldn't recommend sedatives unless you're genuinely having anxiety attacks. They might make you dull and sleepy. Even something like xanax. Just figure out a relaxation routine beforehand.