The interview is killing me!

[Scorpiomd]

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We're non-traditionals so this should be easy right? I thought it was going to be easy but now thinking about the one upcoming I am totally stressing. Thing and re-thinking answers to questions, double guessing every decision from what to wear, hairstyle, makeup, shoes. WTH? Somebody slap me!

I thought the MCAT was bad but now I can't imagine the torture I will put myself through after the interview. Why did you say that? What was that supposed to mean? That was a dumb answer! And to think I'll have at least 2 solid months to go through it. The possibility of having to reapply, I can't stomach the thought.😱

I'm used to stress but this is a new dimension of stress.

 

[drimpossible]

Relax. Know that you are bringing something to the table that most of your fellow applicants can't compete with: life experience. Try to be cool, calm, confident, and unrehearsed. All of the interviews I have been on have been friendly, conversational, "getting to know you" type deals.

Take a deep breath, and remember that you're interviewing them too.

 

[MightyMoose]

We're non-traditionals so this should be easy right? I thought it was going to be easy but now thinking about the one upcoming I am totally stressing. Thing and re-thinking answers to questions, double guessing every decision from what to wear, hairstyle, makeup, shoes. WTH? Somebody slap me!

I thought the MCAT was bad but now I can't imagine the torture I will put myself through after the interview. Why did you say that? What was that supposed to mean? That was a dumb answer! And to think I'll have at least 2 solid months to go through it. The possibility of having to reapply, I can't stomach the thought.😱

I'm used to stress but this is a new dimension of stress.

I was a little nervous before my first interview as well, but what you'll find is that it's really painless and half the time they even feed you! Now I just look at interviews as mini vacations and am enjoying the ride. It's a great opportunity to see the country, and as drimpossible stated, to interview possible med schools.

Don't sweat what to wear either and err on the conservative side. If you are unsure read the SDN article about what to wear on an interview (I think it was last weeks). You will be surprised at how tacky some of the people on interviews look. I know I was. Some people don't tailor their suits, wear hideous shirts/outfits, etc..

 

[ruraldocmom]

What helped me was practice questions... I made a list, asked friends for questions, and asked current med students for questions. Then my husband interviewed me a few times & we worked on the answers and staying on message (which is the hardest thing!).

Then, the night before the interview, my sister and I ordered room service and did a few practice questions and drinking wine--now THAT is a relaxing interview!

So, did they ask any of those questions? nope.

My interviewer just asked for basically a chronological explanation of my interest in medicine. And then we just chatted easily about a few things I was interested in, and I asked him a few questions. And that was it. Totally chill--kind of freaky after all that stress & practice. 🙂

Anyway, relax, enjoy it, (easy to say now, right?) Good luck!

 

[OneTyme]

I make my significant other interview me using questions from the interview feedback data base here on SDN a few times in the days leading up to my departure for an interview. She uses questions from the specific school I am going to interview at. It really helps. Good luck!!

 

[MightyMoose]

I make my significant other interview me using questions from the interview feedback data base here on SDN a few times in the days leading up to my departure for an interview. She uses questions from the specific school I am going to interview at. It really helps. Good luck!!

I kind of like the element of surprise.

 

[ucsfstudents]

You should do one or more practice interviews before your actual interview. It is best to do this with someone in medicine (a medical student, doctor, etc), or your med student advisor. If you do the practice interview with someone in medicine, they should be able to help you iron out your statements. The more practice you have, the less nervous you should be, and the more confident you will be. Regardless, you need to psych yourself into being confident, even if that means repeating that in your head several times a day. If you do not believe in yourself, who will? Good luck!

 

[Scorpiomd]

Thanks for the advice everyone. My nerves did settle when I went on the interview. It was however a little more taxing than I expected. I was blind sided by a few of the questions and sometime I felt that I was playing defense. It was a real experience. After the interview, I was mentally exhausted! I had to think of an answer to every question and then think about everything that the interviewer could read out of the answer and fix the answer when needed (all really quickly to make sure that it seemed natural). I spent the entire day after the interview going over it in my head and second guessing. I'm just really glad that it's over with. Praying to God that I don't have to do this again next year.

 

[OneTyme]

I kind of like the element of surprise.

That is the key. You don't need specific answers for each and every possible question. Rather, have a framework to base answers off of.

Let's say the interviewer asks, "If Obama asked you for advice on the healthcare system what would you say?" Now, I don't have a specific suggestion for Obama memorized. However, I do know several things about the healthcare bill, a few concerns about constitutional law, some top health ailments, and some problems that the reform act could solve. Based on that I can review a few things I know, outline some benefits I see and some problems, and then give my take on the systems needs.

An interview really is all about introducing yourself to the interviewer through the act of verbal reasoning.