The Place to Get Great Interview Advice is Finally Here!

[Ypo.]

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(I hope).

My searches didn't turn up anything recent for general interview advice.
This thread is for general advice and questions about preparing for interviews. I thought this would be a good idea as they are coming up, soon.

I'll start out with this question: Do you think that job interviews do a good job of preparing you for medical school interviews? I have been having a lot of those recently, and I suspect that I am able to take them more seriously than I would a mock medical school interview.

Obviously, they don't prepare you for medical questions-but they do prepare as far as keeping poise while under scrutiny, no?
😎

 

[marr]

Sure, the more practice you have the less nervous that you will be.

 

[deuist]

No, job interviews serve a different function than medical school interviews. Employers are looking for skills, whereas medical schools are looking for you as an individual. Just look at the interview feedback portion of the SDN to get an idea of all of the questions that you might be asked. For an employer to ask extraneous questions about relationships, mental health, childhood, etc is very illegal. Med schools are not bound by these regulations.

 

[EvoDevo]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=99549

 

[Caesarsgrl]

I was recently on vacation and while decked out in full scuba gear about to dive into the ocean I realized I was gonna be diving with a group of medical school professors

I told them I was applying to med school and we started to talk about the interview process. here's a couple things they said.

*A sweaty palm is ok.
*Don't let yourself talk too much because your nervous, as the interviewer may let you ramble on and they'll only get to ask you a few questions and that limits how well they can get to know you, plus rambling is obnoxious.
*Be honest, if you don't know the answer to an question admit it, say you've never thought about it before or simply that you dont know and you'd like to think about it for a second, and then progess forward in brainstorm discussion manner.
*The main idea about crazy/ hard questions is not that you know everything about the medical feild, but rather to see how you handle the situation. They want to see how you think under pressure since this is a lot about what being a doctor is all about.
*one question one lady gave me was "If you could have diner with three people who have died, who would they be and why?" 🙄 interesting.
*They also told me a story about theis kid who showed up to his interview in short and sandals. They kinda mentioned that he was looking a little casual. Apparently he had lost his luggage on the plane and had no appropriate interveiw clothes. He was honest and offered to wear a coat and tie if they had one available and pay for the cleaning service afterward. They said the imprtant pert here is honesty, and maybe wear somewhat professional clothes on the plane and make sure you tip the skycaps well lol.
* The most imprtant thing is that you learn how to convey your ideas to people you don;t know who may be intimidating. Perhaps find a teacher who you think is really hard or a person who you're nervous around because maybe they are a big head hancho at your school, and ask if they can help you with your interview skills.
*Lastly, It's all about poise.

If your job interviews are helping to become more poised in stressful situations talking to people with autority, then that's great. but just remember all the questions for med school, may not be nearly as straight forward. Oh yeah and be positive and smile because it helps stave off stress. 👍

good luck to us all on getting the interviews and getting through them.

 

[leechy]

No, job interviews serve a different function than medical school interviews. Employers are looking for skills, whereas medical schools are looking for you as an individual. Just look at the interview feedback portion of the SDN to get an idea of all of the questions that you might be asked. For an employer to ask extraneous questions about relationships, mental health, childhood, etc is very illegal. Med schools are not bound by these regulations.

I actually think job interviews do offer useful practice for medical school, insofar as you get practice getting nervous, having to think on your feet, defend your choices, and so on. If you're a current college student or recent grad, interviewers often ask you about your activities, academic pursuits and leadership roles in college, so you do get practice in explaining your history in a coherent manner. I still suck at interviewing though even after a couple dozen interviews, so I'm not sure how far practice can help people. I'm probably better than I was before, at the very least.

 

[DocMizzle]

I actually think job interviews do offer useful practice for medical school, insofar as you get practice getting nervous, having to think on your feet, defend your choices, and so on. If you're a current college student or recent grad, interviewers often ask you about your activities, academic pursuits and leadership roles in college, so you do get practice in explaining your history in a coherent manner. I still suck at interviewing though even after a couple dozen interviews, so I'm not sure how far practice can help people. I'm probably better than I was before, at the very least.

I agree completely. After going through several interviews for coop jobs, I feel much more confident in my interviewing abilities. Confidence and poise are very important for any type of interview; job interview definitely help with this.

 

[Truce57]

Great post, Caesarsgrl!

 

[Ypo.]

Yes, thanks Caesargirl, that was very informative.
I do feel like I'm getting valuable prep with all these job interviews. I did a mcok interview with my boyfriend which was not very helpful-because he has no idea what they'll ask-and I'm not intimidated by him.

I have another question-I just moved to another state and don't know anyone here at the local university (aside from the assistant dean on admissions). My question is-does anyone have advice on how to get an appropriate mock interview set up? Should I ask the assistant dean on admissions at MSU-(or no?). On the one hand-I don't want to appear 'weak' or needy if that would in any way affect my admission, on the other hand, interviewing with someone I don't know who knows what they are doing and would give me honest feedback could be helpful (as long as I don't get more freaked out by that).

Honestly, I probably just need to relax and think about being confident-that is my biggest problem. I have confidence in my ability to thoughtfully answer questions-but as soon as I get nervous that goes out the window.

Oh, another thing I am doing to get my mind in gear for medical school questions is reading a medical ethics textbook.

Well, thanks to everyone for their comments-I will check out that other thread as well.

 

[DoctorFunk]

Oh, another thing I am doing to get my mind in gear for medical school questions is reading a medical ethics textbook.

And here I thought I was the only applicant anal enough to read a medical ethics textbook to prepare for interviews (specifically Beauchamp & Childress). Which text are you using?

 

[beanbean]

When I interview students I often ask the same questions I did when I interviewed job candidates in my previous career. If you are interviewing for a job at Starbucks, that might not help you feel more practiced and polished for your med school interviews; however, interviewing for "Professional jobs" (no offense to Starbucks) is often very similiar to the med school interview.

Medical schools are looking for skills, intelligence, poise, and personality - the whole package!

One of my favorite questions to ask is: " tell me about a mistake or an error in judgement that you made in your personal, academic or professional life and what you learned from the experience"

Good luck to everyone on the interview trail!

 

[Senor.Frog]

Job interviews are a definite plus, but I also think that they don't mimic the actual "interview" so they have a limited value in preparing.

Here are some tips that I have read/heard:

1. Practice your answers ahead of time, not to the point that it sounds automated or rehearsed, but to the point that it is cohesive and worded with "effective" vocabulary. This includes mock interviews, practicing in front of the mirror all dressed up, video taping yourself, and such.

2. Be humble and honest (i.e. if you don't know, you don't know), but don't belittle yourself. You are there because you deserve to be there, so don't hold back from a "tiny bit" of self-indulgence and a "hint" of glorifying your accomplishments.

3. Have a sense of humor. If it's funny, it's O.K. to laugh. But whatever you do, never ever use profanity. It will only hurt you.

4. Try to be assertive. Don't ask general questions that most interviewees ask, but do a little research into the school. For instance, if the school has recently changed its curriculum ask them a direct pointed question, such as, "With the change in curriculum, do you think it will have any dynamic positive &/or negative changes upon the overall educational experience for the students and the faculty?"

5. If you have any time during the interview, try to examine the room. You can tell a lot about the "type" interviewer you have just from examining their office. (e.g. cleanliness, degrees hanging on the walls, books they read, etc..)

6. Always greet the interviewer with a warm, yet firm hand-shake and smile. And upon leaving do the same and if you feel comfortable ask for a business card.

7. Thank you letters. Follow-up is key. Send one the "next" day after your interview. This is good not only to remind the interviewer about your meeting, but its professional and shows genuine interest. Plus, if no one else does it, then good for you. But if everyone does it, well, at least you can be part of the crowd. Also, send a thank you letter to everyone else you met on your interview day, this includes medical students, admissions officers, deans, etc...

8. Whatever you do, when you are on an interview all "eyes" will be on you and your behavior. This includes the secretary, admin assistants, nurses, other physicians, medical students, etc.. So think before you act.

 

[marr]

Job interviews are a definite plus, but I also think that they don't mimic the actual "interview" so they have a limited value in preparing.

Here are some tips that I have read/heard:



2. Be humble and honest (i.e. if you don't know, you don't know), but don't belittle yourself. You are there because you deserve to be there, so don't hold back from a "tiny bit" of self-indulgence and a "hint" of glorifying your accomplishments.


8. Whatever you do, when you are on an interview all "eyes" will be on you and your behavior. This includes the secretary, admin assistants, nurses, other physicians, medical students, etc.. So think before you act.

HUMBLE and HONEST!!!!!! And yes THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

 

[SFAJess]

Thanks for the info...I was wondering what everybody thought about the infamous "Tell me about yourself" and the "Tell me about your family" questions. What kinds of things do they want to know?

Also, thank you notes were mentioned--would a thank you card like the ones in a little boxed set be appropriate or is a typed business style thank you more appropriate? Thanks guys!

 

[Ypo.]

And here I thought I was the only applicant anal enough to read a medical ethics textbook to prepare for interviews (specifically Beauchamp & Childress). Which text are you using?

Its "Bioethics: Heatlh Care Law and Ethics" by Barry R. Furrow.
Its actually pretty interesting. When I read about the cases-I get sucked right in. Thats why I think I'll like problem-based learning (at least the part when you read about the problem-heh heh).

I think its good to read about these kind of issues over a period af time so that you can really debate with yourself where you stand, and get some thoughtful opinions. Its useful both for the interview, and for later in life as a doc.

BTW-everyone, I just signed up for a volunteering position at a orthopedic/neurology ward at a hospital. I've always wanted to be a primary care doc (thats where all my experience has been), but lately I started thinking "hey-I haven't really been exposed to other specialties". I've only done a little ER shadowing.
So, this will hopefully expose me a little more, give me something to talk about, and give me something to think about during the years of medical school. If I wasn't going to do primary care... orthopedic surgery always sounded fascinating to me-but I've never seen it.

 

[calstudent]

Thanks, Senor.Frog.

 

[Ypo.]

Thanks for the info...I was wondering what everybody thought about the infamous "Tell me about yourself" and the "Tell me about your family" questions. What kinds of things do they want to know?

Also, thank you notes were mentioned--would a thank you card like the ones in a little boxed set be appropriate or is a typed business style thank you more appropriate? Thanks guys!

There is a whole thread dedicated to answering this very question-although I didn't bother to read it yet-you should look it up.

Personally, I'm going to talk about my family life growing up, watching my mom go thru med school, then attending college in two different states, my work experience, cultural experiences, hobbies.
Usually when they ask you this they interrupt when they hear something that sounds interesting to them or that cues them in on something else to ask, and then the conversation takes off from there.

You can always ask "would you like to hear about how I grew up/college/ whatever?"
Remember, the way you choose to answer the question can be done in a way that will work for you, ie. lead towards topics you are comfortable discussing-or towards highlighting what makes you unique-(or they can take you to a dead end in the conversation).

 

[jlee9531]

prepare prepare prepare!!
use sdn interview feedback!!
do mock interviews with someone
and be excited!!
what better way would there be to let the interview know how excited you are to be there? a big ass smile everytime he or she looks at you to ask a question.

 

[Ypo.]

Good advice.
I love your little animal picture BTW, its very cute. 😉

 

[SFAJess]

There is a whole thread dedicated to answering this very question-although I didn't bother to read it yet-you should look it up.

Personally, I'm going to talk about my family life growing up, watching my mom go thru med school, then attending college in two different states, my work experience, cultural experiences, hobbies.
Usually when they ask you this they interrupt when they hear something that sounds interesting to them or that cues them in on something else to ask, and then the conversation takes off from there.

You can always ask "would you like to hear about how I grew up/college/ whatever?"
Remember, the way you choose to answer the question can be done in a way that will work for you, ie. lead towards topics you are comfortable discussing-or towards highlighting what makes you unique-(or they can take you to a dead end in the conversation).

Thanks for the info and I'll look for that other thread! Got my first one next Friday! Yikes! 🙂

 

[Ypo.]

Thanks for the info and I'll look for that other thread! Got my first one next Friday! Yikes! 🙂

Congrats! Prepare well.

 

[Medikit]

I'm really worried about missing school on Monday and Friday. Is there anyway I can not miss school? Like do they offer certain weekend or vacation times?

 

[Caesarsgrl]

I have another question-I just moved to another state and don't know anyone here at the local university (aside from the assistant dean on admissions). My question is-does anyone have advice on how to get an appropriate mock interview set up? Should I ask the assistant dean on admissions at MSU-(or no?). On the one hand-I don't want to appear 'weak' or needy if that would in any way affect my admission, on the other hand, interviewing with someone I don't know who knows what they are doing and would give me honest feedback could be helpful (as long as I don't get more freaked out by that.

You might want to try the career center at the school. Most schools have some sort of office or center to help people with career advancement. The center at my school often offers practice interviews and they videotape them and go over them with you to help you get prepared.

 

[Ypo.]

I'm really worried about missing school on Monday and Friday. Is there anyway I can not miss school? Like do they offer certain weekend or vacation times?

Why, do you get free pizza on Mondays and Fridays? J/K. No, I don't think they offer interviews on weekends. But, the best thing to do is call and ask.
You could try a later Friday afternoon interview, and come back before Monday. Thats probably the best you are going to get.

 

[cytotech27]

I have a question-What should we bring to the interviews? Do most bring a breifcase or a nice folder? Should we bring supporting documents, a copy of AMCAS application?
I don't want to carry a bulky thing around all day, so I was thinking about just bringing a folder that zips. This thread has been useful so far, thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[EvoDevo]

I have a question-What should we bring to the interviews? Do most bring a breifcase or a nice folder? Should we bring supporting documents, a copy of AMCAS application?
I don't want to carry a bulky thing around all day, so I was thinking about just bringing a folder that zips. This thread has been useful so far, thanks in advance for your responses.

I recommend bringing a slim folio with a copy of your AMCAS app and the secondary app. Plus a sheet to write down address & contact information for your interviewers. That should definitely be enough.

You're going to want something professional looking, so forget about the zipping folder. For about $8 you can find a nice looking folio at Target or your local drugstore (Walgreens, CVS).

 

[wends]

I recommend bringing a slim folio with a copy of your AMCAS app and the secondary app. Plus a sheet to write down address & contact information for your interviewers. That should definitely be enough.

You're going to want something professional looking, so forget about the zipping folder. For about $8 you can find a nice looking folio at Target or your local drugstore (Walgreens, CVS).

can you do the same thing for ladies? or do we need a bag?

 

[EvoDevo]

can you do the same thing for ladies? or do we need a bag?

While I'm no lady (whew!), I would imagine the same folio would apply as well. It's pretty standard for professionals of both genders. You know? As far as the bag, I would recommend against bringing a large/ostentatious bag. Just something with the bare essentials.

Generally speaking, with professional interviews/meetings/etc, less is more.

Ladies, your thoughts?

 

[Davina3000]

There is a whole thread out there dedicated to talking about dress and accessories for us women at interviews. Really good stuff, including links to some bags that you can buy online. The title is pretty obvious if you search for it...sorry, I am too lazy to do the search right now....brain dead from secondaries 🙄

 

[Ypo.]

I recommend bringing a slim folio with a copy of your AMCAS app and the secondary app. Plus a sheet to write down address & contact information for your interviewers. That should definitely be enough.

You're going to want something professional looking, so forget about the zipping folder. For about $8 you can find a nice looking folio at Target or your local drugstore (Walgreens, CVS).

This may be a stupid question -but why are you bringing your primary and secondary app to the interview? Is this so you can pull it out and look at it at the same time the interviewer is? (wierd)

I practically have mine memorized by this time, so I'm just curious. I've heard advice to read them before the interview, but bringing them- would that be so that you can refresh yourself right before you go in?

 

[EvoDevo]

This may be a stupid question -but why are you bringing your primary and secondary app to the interview? Is this so you can pull it out and look at it at the same time the interviewer is? (wierd)

I practically have mine memorized by this time, so I'm just curious. I've heard advice to read them before the interview, but bringing them- would that be so that you can refresh yourself right before you go in?

Sometimes you'll get to an interview and your interviewer won't have their copy of your information (it happens..see interviewfeedback). Also, for some schools there may be something that you specifically mentioned about that school that will be brought up. And since no two secondaries are the same (hence your answers will be slightly different), it always pays to review the info before you walk into an interview.

But mostly, it's a justincase thing.

 

[Ypo.]

OK, thanks-I think I'll bring mine, too. 😀

 

[drguy22]

personally, i think that interviews are really really easy..IF you write a clear and through personal statement. I was able to do that for my BA/MD interview and when i walked in I was only asked one question. "Why do you want to go to NJMS?" and that was the only question I rehearsed and rehearsed over and over again. he told me that my PS was soo through that he didint have anything to ask me. So we just started to talk about his research and stuff like that and we got into a healthy discussion about wat he was doing...at the end he told me...that I would make a good addition to the school and his answer to the adcom was yes. Above all be yourself dont try to hide and most of all dont be scared...sell yourself like you are a rare comodity. AND if you know the interviewer ahead of time look him or her up and look up the research they do....if not look up facts about the school and try to fit them in somewhere along the interview........MOST IMPORTANT is that dont just answer questions have a DISCUSSION!!!!!! AKA INTERACT and you ask questions too, it shows a inquisitive mind!!!!!

 

[Ypo.]

Good for you.

 

[wends]

personally, i think that interviews are really really easy..IF you write a clear and through personal statement. I was able to do that for my BA/MD interview and when i walked in I was only asked one question. "Why do you want to go to NJMS?" and that was the only question I rehearsed and rehearsed over and over again. he told me that my PS was soo through that he didint have anything to ask me. So we just started to talk about his research and stuff like that and we got into a healthy discussion about wat he was doing...at the end he told me...that I would make a good addition to the school and his answer to the adcom was yes. Above all be yourself dont try to hide and most of all dont be scared...sell yourself like you are a rare comodity. AND if you know the interviewer ahead of time look him or her up and look up the research they do....if not look up facts about the school and try to fit them in somewhere along the interview........MOST IMPORTANT is that dont just answer questions have a DISCUSSION!!!!!! AKA INTERACT and you ask questions too, it shows a inquisitive mind!!!!!

good point! 👍

 

[drguy22]

good point! 👍

thnx

 

[rosa]

Job interviews are a definite plus, but I also think that they don't mimic the actual "interview" so they have a limited value in preparing.

Here are some tips that I have read/heard:

1. Practice your answers ahead of time, not to the point that it sounds automated or rehearsed, but to the point that it is cohesive and worded with "effective" vocabulary. This includes mock interviews, practicing in front of the mirror all dressed up, video taping yourself, and such.

2. Be humble and honest (i.e. if you don't know, you don't know), but don't belittle yourself. You are there because you deserve to be there, so don't hold back from a "tiny bit" of self-indulgence and a "hint" of glorifying your accomplishments.

3. Have a sense of humor. If it's funny, it's O.K. to laugh. But whatever you do, never ever use profanity. It will only hurt you.

4. Try to be assertive. Don't ask general questions that most interviewees ask, but do a little research into the school. For instance, if the school has recently changed its curriculum ask them a direct pointed question, such as, "With the change in curriculum, do you think it will have any dynamic positive &/or negative changes upon the overall educational experience for the students and the faculty?"

5. If you have any time during the interview, try to examine the room. You can tell a lot about the "type" interviewer you have just from examining their office. (e.g. cleanliness, degrees hanging on the walls, books they read, etc..)

6. Always greet the interviewer with a warm, yet firm hand-shake and smile. And upon leaving do the same and if you feel comfortable ask for a business card.

7. Thank you letters. Follow-up is key. Send one the "next" day after your interview. This is good not only to remind the interviewer about your meeting, but its professional and shows genuine interest. Plus, if no one else does it, then good for you. But if everyone does it, well, at least you can be part of the crowd. Also, send a thank you letter to everyone else you met on your interview day, this includes medical students, admissions officers, deans, etc...

8. Whatever you do, when you are on an interview all "eyes" will be on you and your behavior. This includes the secretary, admin assistants, nurses, other physicians, medical students, etc.. So think before you act.

Is a thank you letter standard practice?? I really have to send letters to every single person that i meet that day?? wow. doesn't that seem like you're trying too hard...