The Interview Day

[LVKE]

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Hi all,

So I've recently been invited to Louisville, Indiana (!!!), and MW-IL for interviews on 9/26, 9/28, and 10/3, respectively. I've got a couple questions about the day of the interview that I'd like to get some feedback on:

1. Portfolio: yes or no? If yes, what would you include? Some say they took one, some day they didn't. I don't even know what I'd include in my portfolio besides some scratch paper, a copy of my resume, and my application itself. I did a couple art classes to improve my manual dexterity (on paper) and could maybe find some images of my scale models or other works I did, images of impressions I've taken, or images of cavities I've prepped.

2. I have a massive, massive problem with remembering names. I'm not socially awkward by any means (talking to the class clown here), but for whatever reason when I meet people I'm so focused on making sure the first impression is good/keeping eye contact/giving a solid handshake/smiling that their name goes in one ear and out the other. This is problematic for following up (thank you letters) and as well as just saying their name periodically throughout the interview. My proposed solutions: 1. Bring a Portfolio and write down their name as soon as I can. 2. Asking for a business card / contact information after the interview. 3. Working on remembering names (easier said than done, might be possible with a couple mock interviews).

3. Navy suit, white dress shirt, what color tie? Thinking red..

4. How long should the "tell me about yourself" spiel be? I've read a lot into this question and I know that you should basically paint a picture of who you are as a person while also highlighting some accomplishments that may or may not be listed on your application. I'm just curious as to how long you should speak for this. If it's a 15 minute minute interview and you spend 4 minutes talking about yourself, well.. you might be seen as conceited or stuck up or just straight up so nervous that you can't stop blabbering on.

5. What type of research questions should I be ready to answer, and how in depth will they want to go? I know for a fact if I start rambling on about using P22 Virus-like Particles for layer-by-layer assemblies I'm gonna get nothing but a blank stare. Would perhaps bringing images of my particles and what I work with be a good idea?

6. Cologne. I've heard several times not to wear cologne, but in all honesty, I'm going to be sweating bullets. Has anyone else heard of not wearing any type of cologne/perfume for an interview? It's going to still be 80 degrees in September in a thick wool suit.. can't see that ending up well.

Anyone is welcome to answer any, a couple, or none of these questions, I'm open to all feedback. Thanks in advance!

 

[fogorvostan]

01: I would bring a nice looking portfolio just in case you hear something that you want to write down. I really only had a legal pad in mine and a nice pen, but scribbling during those long, boring financial aid presentations helped to keep me awake

02: At all of my interviews, I was given a schedule that had my name and who I was interviewing with. If you aren't provided with one, repeat their name back to them when they introduce themselves to you, and try to remember it until you can scribble it down. Even if you can only scribble some of it down, later you can google the faculty members and try to match it up. Worse comes to worse, there will probably be an admissions person or some current dental students that you can ask. If they are wearing a name tag, try to casually glance at it when you shake hands to help remember.

03: Red would be fine!

04: My about me was always pretty brief. "I grew up in X, went to undergrad at Y, did grad school at Z, and currently work as an ABC. As for my interest in dentistry, it began with my brother who was like my mentor. [1-2 sentences to elaborate]" Just keep it short. You don't want to bore them.

05: I was only very briefly asked about my research at one of my interviews and again, I kept my answer to just a couple of sentences. If they ask you elaborate, then elaborate.

06: Don't wear it. Some people are allergic to cologne and what you think smells good to you, may smell bad to the people around you. Just shower, wear deodorant, and have clean clothes. I interviewed in both Florida and Arizona and while yes, it's hot, you will spend most of your time indoors. If think you will be super sweaty walking from the car to the building where you interview, stop in a bathroom to freshen up

 

[LVKE]

@fogorvostan thank you for clearing things up. I appreciate the response! I'll probably get a portofolio

 

[Polkadotfan]

Definitely on the portfolio. I take a lot of notes or I forget and I wanted to be able to look back at the information on the school (like random costs and pros and cons) if I do have to choose between any in the future.

I forget names super easy. Really embarrassing. Write it down ASAP if you can't get a card.

 

[salreq]

Would taking notes on your phone or ipad going to make admissions roll their eyes at you?

 

[Polkadotfan]

Would taking notes on your phone or ipad going to make admissions roll their eyes at you?

I would think both would look unprofessional because who knows if you're really taking notes or on FB?
Maybe if you absolutely NEEDED it and could explain the situation it might change but otherwise I would avoid any electronics. I went to the hall during a break to check if I had a missed call from my family but otherwise phone was away.

 

[fogorvostan]

Would taking notes on your phone or ipad going to make admissions roll their eyes at you?

I would say so. Stick to pen and paper. I'm not going to lie, I didn't really find much need to write down stuff anyway.