Some Odd Interview Advice

[Glimmer1991]

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I just read an article about four questions you should always ask at the end of the interview. The top question was, "Is there any reason why you wouldn't hire me?"

So, for us, the question would be more along the lines of, "Is there any reason why you wouldn't accept me?" This just seems like such an odd question to ask. I think it would more than likely turn the interviewers off! Something about it just seems cocky. However, I do see that it could potentially give an interviewer an opportunity to raise any questions they had about your application.

Thoughts?

 

[Teeths]

I'm curious to see what others have to say about this because I too saw an article that asked the same question. At first it caught me off guard and I found it to be odd but when I thought about it more I could see how it might be useful. If the interviewer answers it, like you said, you may have a chance to clear something up or expand on the topic. Or if the interview went poorly, you could sharpen those areas for any future interviews.

 

[Member902507]

I've seen a few other threads about this type of question, but it was more along the lines of "is there anything in my application that would make you hesitant to recommend me for a seat" or something like that, just so the applicant could "clarify" it on the spot. The consensus in the other threads was, why should you try to bring up anything negative at the end. And if there is something that ADCOMs would like clarification for in your application, they'd ask you directly. For example, you don't wanna say anything negative about yourself to them, unless they ask you. I'd agree with that because you would never want to end your interview on a negative note in which you were talking about your mistakes or shortcomings, even though you were trying to provide reasoning for it. Additionally, sometimes, it might be a closed interview so they may have no idea what's written in your app.

 

[Teeths]

I've seen a few other threads about this type of question, but it was more along the lines of "is there anything in my application that would make you hesitant to recommend me for a seat" or something like that, just so the applicant could "clarify" it on the spot. The consensus in the other threads was, why should you try to bring up anything negative at the end. And if there is something that ADCOMs would like clarification for in your application, they'd ask you directly. For example, you don't wanna say anything negative about yourself to them, unless they ask you. I'd agree with that because you would never want to end your interview on a negative note in which you were talking about your mistakes or shortcomings, even though you were trying to provide reasoning for it. Additionally, sometimes, it might be a closed interview so they may have no idea what's written in your app.

I definitely see your point to not end on a bad or 'sour' note but it doesn't have to be the last question. People are allowed to ask more than one thing at the end of interviews... after all, we're also interviewing the school! 🙂

 

[Member902507]

I definitely see your point to not end on a bad or 'sour' note but it doesn't have to be the last question. People are allowed to ask more than one thing at the end of interviews... after all, we're also interviewing the school! 🙂

Very true! But the distinction should definitely be made between interviewing the school and perhaps screwing yourself over! The latter is the only reason why I would avoid asking that question. At UNE, the interviewer GRILLED me on my application. She pretty much told me what was all wrong with my application and then I "clarified" for her then. Surprisingly, I got into that school, wasn't expecting it at all. But I'd rather let them bring it up than shoot myself in the foot.

Additionally, I've always been under the impression that interviews don't really help an applicant much. If your interview goes well, then good, and your application may not change much, but if you screw up your interview, it will hurt you A LOT. I think they don't benefit you in any way, but can definitely hurt you, and that's why one has to perform well in an interview--just so it won't hurt you. Personal opinion though.

 

[telemonster]

That is a risky question. Maybe ask the interviewer if they think you would be a good fit, and then explain why you think that would be so?

I generally asked questions to get to know them, although once I did ask an interviewer, "what do you look for in an applicant who would be successful at this school?" He told me and I tried to link that to my application.

Of course I was also rejected from that school, so that probably isn't a good idea.

 

[Bobby Fischer]

I just read an article about four questions you should always ask at the end of the interview. The top question was, "Is there any reason why you wouldn't hire me?"

So, for us, the question would be more along the lines of, "Is there any reason why you wouldn't accept me?" This just seems like such an odd question to ask. I think it would more than likely turn the interviewers off! Something about it just seems cocky. However, I do see that it could potentially give an interviewer an opportunity to raise any questions they had about your application.

Thoughts?

Sounds like a cheap trick/ gimmick to get attention. I am guessing the article you read was written by one of these marketing types who are always trying to write the latest attention grabbing blather.

Your re-application of the question to a d school adcom interview is aptly done. I would only ask that sort of question, though, later (as in a few months later) if I wasn't accepted. No need to stir the pot and get too much attention like these orange tanned business wanna be guru self-marketers do. Seems like such a tactic/ gimmick, etc would be a huge turn off for professional school, esp. d school.

 

[shootingstar7]

If you want to go to UNC, I highly suggest reaching out to them before you apply. Visit the school, start making connections, shadow a dentist who went there. Most of the people I know who got in this year already knew faculty members at the school or had parents who knew them. GL