Should interviews be a conversation?

[Reader88]

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Obviously if the interviewer asks me why I chose my major and I answer, it wouldn't be appropriate to in turn ask them about their major. However, if we're talking about hobbies, what I like to read, that kind of thing, is it appropriate to occasionally ask the same of them? I'm naturally very curious and love learning about people so without consciously thinking about it I would probably ask these questions, but if it's not appropriate I will make sure to be aware and avoid it.

 

[Phile98]

Depends on the setting. If you're sitting face to face with a student interviewer and he/she starts off with a casual tone, you can proceed to emulate such tone. However, if you're sitting in front of a panel with MD's/PhD's, your best bet is to stay formal and professional.
It's cool that you're curious, but I would imagine that it's best for you to talk about yourself as much as possible. After all, you only have a certain amount of time to advertise yourself.
@gonnif out here with the tough love answer ~ follow his advice.

 

[Reader88]

Alright cool, thanks so much @gonnif and @poohbear7 I really appreciate the feedback

 

[Catalystik]

Obviously if the interviewer asks me why I chose my major and I answer, it wouldn't be appropriate to in turn ask them about their major. However, if we're talking about hobbies, what I like to read, that kind of thing, is it appropriate to occasionally ask the same of them? I'm naturally very curious and love learning about people so without consciously thinking about it I would probably ask these questions, but if it's not appropriate I will make sure to be aware and avoid it.

At the end of an interview, you might be asked if you have any questions. Even then, do not ask personal questions like those you framed above.

 

[Phile98]

you might be asked if you have any questions.

What should be the usual response to this question? I would imagine it would be better to decline rather than say something quite trite.

 

[Reader88]

At the end of an interview, you might be asked if you have any questions. Even then, do not ask personal questions like those you framed above.

Thanks! What about asking what they like about the institution or location, would that be okay?

 

[Catalystik]

Thanks! What about asking what they like about the institution or location, would that be okay?

That is my favorite question. 👍

I also like questions about research opportunities in a given discipline and whether there are free-clinic volunteer opportunities for med students.

 

[Reader88]

That is my favorite question. 👍

I also like questions about research opportunities in a given discipline and whether there are free-clinic volunteer opportunities for med students.

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it

 

[Catalystik]

What should be the usual response to this question? I would imagine it would be better to decline rather than say something quite trite.

The most common response is to say all their questions were answered in group sessions.

 

[Catalystik]

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it

You're welcome.

 

[Goro]

What should be the usual response to this question? I would imagine it would be better to decline rather than say something quite trite.

Goro's Guide to YOUR Interview Questions (2016 edition)

 

[Catalystik]

Let's ask @Goro what he likes to be asked about by interviewees, as this wasn't really covered in the link above.

 

[Goro]

Let's ask @Goro what he likes to be asked about by interviewees, as this wasn't really covered in the link above.

Questions that show the interviewer has read more about the school than merely our mission statement.

 

[Robin-jay]

Questions that show the interviewer has read more about the school than merely our mission statement.

Mission statements are like CliffsNotes for books.

 

[Twelvehens24]

I’ve occassionally had interviews that are very casual, but try not to ask questions (especially personal ones) unless prompted. Sometimes the interviewer will, when you answer questions about your hobbies, say “oh I love XYZ too” or “I was interested in that at your age” or “oh, my research covers XYZ”. At that point, it’s ok to ask a question or two imo, but always let them lead the conversation.

 

[Goro]

The most important question an interviewee can ask is why the student interviewers chose that school.