Ok to have CV in front of me during interview?

[sdnstud]

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Do you think it is ok to have my CV in front of me during the interview so that I can use it as a reference? On the CV, I want to make a list of EC I have engaged in since the beginning of college and under each EC, several bullet points to highlight what I wanna talk about if asked about the EC.

 

[MWillie]

I always had my portfolio with me, just leave it on the front page of your portfolio.

 

[sdnstud]

Sorry. What is a portfolio? is that the same thing as AMCAS print out?

I always had my portfolio with me, just leave it on the front page of your portfolio.

 

[MWillie]

No, it's a leather folder most people seem to have at interview where they can conveniently store their paperwork.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

I think that if you can't remember what you want to say about an experience without a reference sheet, then the experience probably isnt worth mentioning. How bad would it look if you are asked about a volunteer experience, and then you hesitate to look up your points on the CV? I say ditch the CV, and go through a few practice interviews to get a hang of it.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

Yeah, I would agree with SanDiego...if the experience was really that important/meaningful you should be able to talk about it from memory. Your interview should be conversational, and its hard to be conversational when you are trying to look at a list of bulleted points. You definitely don't want to seem like you are giveing some pre-thought out answers, because thats what the application is for. And don't be afraid to take your time with your answers to gather your thoughts. Most of the time you forget things when you rush into answers without thinking them through. Its not a bad thing to take a moment to think, it sounds a lot better if your answer is well thought out.

 

[dopaminophile]

I'm going to sound an emphatic "NO" on this issue. If you have notes that you're trying to look at, even if the interviewer allows it, you're going to look (and be) scripted. Part of what they're looking for is how you operate on your feet. A portfolio is a classy folder in which you bring a copy of your application (AMCAS and 2ndary). If they ask you very specific information (like a grade or a date) you can look in there. But I implore you, DO NOT have a crib sheet. Just go in and have a conversation. Think about points that you want to make before hand, but don't even memorize them. Let the conversation roll. When things come up... talk about what interested you... have examples... just talk to them. Nothing would turn me off an applicant more than if they were reading off of notes. Given, I'm not on an ADCOM so what I think doesn't really matter, but that's my two cents.

-dope-

 

[acl3623]

no cheat sheets!!

 

[Wiggy73]

I brought a printout of my app with me to interviews and glanced over it on the plane and in the lounge before the interview. That helped me remind myself of points I wanted to make if the opportunity arose, but I second dopaminophile. It's really easier than you think just to talk and let it roll.

 

[dopaminophile]

I'm going to sound an emphatic "NO" on this issue. If you have notes that you're trying to look at, even if the interviewer allows it, you're going to look (and be) scripted. Part of what they're looking for is how you operate on your feet. A portfolio is a classy folder in which you bring a copy of your application (AMCAS and 2ndary). If they ask you very specific information (like a grade or a date) you can look in there. But I implore you, DO NOT have a crib sheet. Just go in and have a conversation. Think about points that you want to make before hand, but don't even memorize them. Let the conversation roll. When things come up... talk about what interested you... have examples... just talk to them. Nothing would turn me off an applicant more than if they were reading off of notes. Given, I'm not on an ADCOM so what I think doesn't really matter, but that's my two cents.

-dope-

Then again... watching an applicant eat a poop hot dog might turn me off a hair more.

 

[lilmo]

i'm voting with the majority here, no cheat sheet. your interviewer probably already has seen a copy of your CV or resume. don't bore them by repeating facts that they already know. refresh yourself before the interview, think about what experiences best illustrate your ability to be a fabulous med student and have some great stories to tell. the best interviews are conversational and relaxed, not formal and uptight. good luck!

 

[uclabruin2003]

if you bring any CV to an interview...it should be for the interviewer and not for you. reading off your CV does not impress anyone...having bullet points is even worse. if you want....try to memorize your CV (which hopefully shouldnt be hard...i mean after all its your life history)....