Unconventional interview answers

[907914]

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How are unconventional answers to interview questions normally perceived? Not like weird or creepy answers, but answers that one might not expect from a typical premed interviewee.

Example: If asked about low non-clinical volunteering hours despite high clinical volunteering or clinical employment, would an answer along the lines of this sound:

"While I would like to help all of those that I can depending on my future career progression, my commitment is not to serve the under served but to serve patients regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic background."

Is an answer like that, while completely honest and not really an inappropriate answer, a risky answer to give?

 

[ciestar]

You likely won’t even be asked why you have no clinical volunteering if you have the rest covered. I say this having attended seven interviews and not one brought up the clinical stuff at all, and i had no clinical volunteering. Every single one asked about my service activities though.

This answer sounds incredibly scripted. Interviews are meant to be conversational a lot of the time.

 

[ciestar]

And honestly, you could get away with something better and more genuine in that you found the clinical experience you had enriching and decided to volunteer/serve others in other ways

 

[907914]

You likely won’t even be asked why you have no clinical volunteering if you have the rest covered. I say this having attended seven interviews and not one brought up the clinical stuff at all, and i had no clinical volunteering. Every single one asked about my service activities though.

This answer sounds incredibly scripted. Interviews are meant to be conversational a lot of the time.

My bad, that was just supposed to be kind of an example as opposed to a specific scenario. But like...during conversation these sorts of 'unconventional' statements would be alright? I tend to have novel opinions or mannerisms, particularly in an interview context.

 

[ciestar]

My bad, that was just supposed to be kind of an example as opposed to a specific scenario. But like...during conversation these sorts of 'unconventional' statements would be alright? I tend to have novel opinions or mannerisms, particularly in an interview context.

I dont feel as though venturing off the traditional path is necessarily a bad thing. You just cant end up too far out in the weeds. Also make sure you dont come off as weird/awkward.

 

[RTIMM]

My bad, that was just supposed to be kind of an example as opposed to a specific scenario. But like...during conversation these sorts of 'unconventional' statements would be alright? I tend to have novel opinions or mannerisms, particularly in an interview context.

‘Unconventional’ statements in an interview are more than alright when they reflect who you are.

 

[907914]

Also make sure you dont come off as weird/awkward.

Oh yah, most certainly.

Another thing, is "Oh, most certainly," weird/awkward? LOL those are the kinds of mannerisms I mean.

 

[907914]

‘Unconventional’ statements in an interview are more than alright when they reflect who you are.

Righteous. I know that my application as a whole is anything but 'box checking,' so it is good to hear that can still come through in interviews.

 

[ExplodingUlcers]

It would be to your benefit to come across "unconventional" if it means you are genuine. Giving a scripted "conventional" response is a sure fire way of ending up on a waitlist.

I'm sure an interviewer may nitpick a deficiency in your application so be ready to diacuss it with humility and maturity.

Lastly, don't be a psychopath. I think this last point goes without saying.

 

[907914]

It would be to your benefit to come across "unconventional" if it means you are genuine. Giving a scripted "conventional" response is a sure fire way of ending up on a waitlist.

I'm sure an interviewer may nitpick a deficiency in your application so be ready to diacuss it with humility and maturity.

Lastly, don't be a psychopath. I think this last point goes without saying.

During ice breaker activities when they ask "Give an interesting fact about yourself" or whatever, can I say that I can do a flawless impression of smeagol arguing with gollum from LOTR the two towers, and if so will I have the opportunity to present said flawless impression?

 

[meronebib]

The interviews will be nothing like you’d expect. Before anything, it’s best to remember that you’re a human and to come to the interview as a human. Look your interviewer in the eyes, speak confidently and clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions and engage in conversation. You’ll be surprised how much your presentation will affect your interviewer’s impression of you rather than the content of your answers (at the end, we’re all mostly saying the same things anyway, as unique as we’d like to feel).

 

[ExplodingUlcers]

During ice breaker activities when they ask "Give an interesting fact about yourself" or whatever, can I say that I can do a flawless impression of smeagol arguing with gollum from LOTR the two towers, and if so will I have the opportunity to present said flawless impression?

Lol I would personally be impressed but I'm not sure if other people would know who Smeagol or Gollum is. Perhaps try for a more accessible or better known character?


However, if it's as flawless as you say it is then I say f**k it.

 

[ciestar]

Lol I would personally be impressed but I'm not sure if other people would know who Smeagol or Gollum is. Perhaps try for a more accessible or better known character?


However, if it's as flawless as you say it is then I say f**k it.

Ive never seen LOTR but know who Smeagol is. I would find this strange, though lol

 

[907914]

Lol I would personally be impressed but I'm not sure if other people would know who Smeagol or Gollum is. Perhaps try for a more accessible or better known character?


However, if it's as flawless as you say it is then I say f**k it.

More accessible or better known? This guy is THE known voice character lol I can do Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, stitch...Maybe I will just pick something different lol

Roger, thank y’all

 

[907914]

Lol I would personally be impressed but I'm not sure if other people would know who Smeagol or Gollum is. Perhaps try for a more accessible or better known character?


However, if it's as flawless as you say it is then I say f**k it.

Downside to the formal application is our quirks don’t come through very well.

 

[Catalystik]

If asked about low non-clinical volunteering hours . . .

Ex-military applicants would never be asked why they had less "volunteering." Or was a new draft initiated that I missed?

 

[deleted972488]

You likely won't be asked the question in the example you gave. I also didn't think your answer as all that "unconventional."

BUT in the example you gave, it did kind of seem like you dodged the question, which I would suggest not doing in an interview setting.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Ex-military applicants would never be asked why they had less "volunteering." Or was a new draft initiated that I missed?

I am active duty and at an interview was asked how I am currently serving my community. And they wanted something on top of being in the military. Fortunately I volunteer as a Stephen Minister.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

During ice breaker activities when they ask "Give an interesting fact about yourself" or whatever, can I say that I can do a flawless impression of smeagol arguing with gollum from LOTR the two towers, and if so will I have the opportunity to present said flawless impression?

Please don’t do this lol. If you can do a spot on Mickey Mouse or Donald or something, okay. But Gollum is so creepy and weird it would be super off putting, especially if you do a perfect impression. That’s not the impression you want to make lol.

 

[Catalystik]

I am active duty and at an interview was asked how I am currently serving my community. And they wanted something on top of being in the military. Fortunately I volunteer as a Stephen Minister.

Looks to me like you are serving your community, without the add-on, but I stand corrected.

 

[907914]

Please don’t do this lol. If you can do a spot on Mickey Mouse or Donald or something, okay. But Gollum is so creepy and weird it would be super off putting, especially if you do a perfect impression. That’s not the impression you want to make lol.

If you don’t want me at my Sméagol than you don’t want me at my best. Point taken.

Ex-military applicants would never be asked why they had less "volunteering." Or was a new draft initiated that I missed?

I understand likelihood may be low, but it is always good to be prepared for everything.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Looks to me like you are serving your community, without the add-on, but I stand corrected.

I mean I also had the opposite experience where I had interviewers tell me they were going to skip the questions about leadership, service, etc because obviously I have plenty of that. But I did have one interviewer who viewed military as paid employment and wanted to see more service, so I think it’s good to have an answer.

I did get into that school though, and they are known to be military friendly. They have the highest percentage of vets of any school except USUHS lol.

 

[907914]

I mean I also had the opposite experience where I had interviewers tell me they were going to skip the questions about leadership, service, etc because obviously I have plenty of that. But I did have one interviewer who viewed military as paid employment and wanted to see more service, so I think it’s good to have an answer.

I did get into that school though, and they are known to be military friendly. They have the highest percentage of vets of any school except USUHS lol.

The military friendly ADCOM or the interviewer who viewed it as paid employment was at ETSU?

 

[907914]

I warn applicants all the time avoid jokes, humor, or silliness of any kind. What you think is funny may not be to another.

Really, interesting. So we are just professional all the way up until matriculation when we let out our real selves? That is scary. People with all sorts of baggage must get accepted.

Not even “We wants it...we NEEDS it...Must...Have...The ACCEPTANCE!” In a Sméagol voice? Lol

 

[deleted972488]

People with all sorts of baggage must get accepted.

I hope so. I have a lot of that! 🙂

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

The military friendly ADCOM or the interviewer who viewed it as paid employment was at ETSU?

Both.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Really, interesting. So we are just professional all the way up until matriculation when we let out are real selves? That is scary. People with all sorts of baggage must get accepted.

Not even “We wants it...we NEEDS it...Must...Have...The ACCEPTANCE!” In a Sméagol voice? Lol

If I heard that at an interview, I’d be praying you get screened out for being a super weirdo lol.

 

[907914]

Both.

Right on, I wouldn’t have thought they would have an ADCOM member like that (particularly with 11% military...)

 

[907914]

Yeah, even gollum-talking ex-army might (I said might) get accepted.

I won’t do Sméagol. What about Elmo? Lol JK I have picked it up. Although my Elmo is pretty great as well.

So back to the OG question, so far as atypical answers are concerned if they are genuine and don’t come off as scripted then good?

 

[deleted972488]

I won’t do Sméagol. What about Elmo? Lol JK I have picked it up. Although my Elmo is pretty great as well.

So back to the OG question, so far as atypical answers are concerned if they are genuine and don’t come off as scripted then good?

And as long as they actually answer the question...

ETA: And as long as you don't come across as arrogant

 

[chlorocruorin]

Don’t sound like ted bundy

 

[Med Ed]

"While I would like to help all of those that I can depending on my future career progression, my commitment is not to serve the under served but to serve patients regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic background."

It's so great that you're willing to see affluent patients with good insurance in addition to those less fortunate.

 

[907914]

It's so great that you're willing to see affluent patients with good insurance in addition to those less fortunate.

How would you view an answer like that? I sense the sarcasm, but isn't that what I would do as a physician is 'serve patients' regardless of who they are? In fact, aren't more physicians likely to turn down underserved people (refusing medicare because of its low reimbursement) than are physicians to turn down affluent people...?

I don't want to turn down anyone, I guess was my point. I literally just want to serve patients. I don't think I have an intrinsic motivation to serve underserved populations, my motivation is to help and heal those with health problems. A rich man with high cholesterol is no less healthy than the poor man with the same condition...How can that be projected in a way that does not connote arrogance or however is was perceived to induce the sarcasm?

 

[907914]

It's so great that you're willing to see affluent patients with good insurance in addition to those less fortunate.

How would you view an answer like that? I sense the sarcasm, but isn't that what I would do as a physician is 'serve patients' regardless of who they are? In fact, aren't more physicians likely to turn down underserved people (refusing medicare because of its low reimbursement) than are physicians to turn down affluent people...?

I don't want to turn down anyone, I guess was my point. I literally just want to serve patients. I don't think I have an intrinsic motivation to serve underserved populations, my motivation is to help and heal those with health problems. A rich man with high cholesterol is no less healthy than the poor man with the same condition...How can that be projected in a way that does not connote arrogance or however is was perceived to induce the sarcasm?

Or is it better to just not venture that topic?

 

[deleted972488]

How would you view an answer like that? I sense the sarcasm, but isn't that what I would do as a physician is 'serve patients' regardless of who they are? In fact, aren't more physicians likely to turn down underserved people (refusing medicare because of its low reimbursement) than are physicians to turn down affluent people...?

I don't want to turn down anyone, I guess was my point. I literally just want to serve patients. I don't think I have an intrinsic motivation to serve underserved populations, my motivation is to help and heal those with health problems. A rich man with high cholesterol is no less healthy than the poor man with the same condition...How can that be projected in a way that does not connote arrogance or however is was perceived to induce the sarcasm?

If I had low non-clinical volunteering (and I don't have a whole lot compared to some people), and I were asked a question like that, I wouldn't try to justify it. I would just say that I was busy doing X, Y, and Z, but that I still think finding ways to give back to the community is important and I would love to be more involved in things like that in the future.

 

[907914]

If I had low non-clinical volunteering (and I don't have a whole lot compared to some people), and I were asked a question like that, I wouldn't try to justify it. I would just say that I was busy doing X, Y, and Z, but that I still think finding ways to give back to the community is important and I would love to be more involved in things like that in the future.

And to me, that would come off as an excuse. While I didn't really have the time due to a number of non-academic reasons, I don't think I would have invested my time in non-clinical volunteering. In fact, since December (when I got out of the reserves and have had the time) my time has gone towards increasing my performance at work by meeting with patients and seeing what additional laboratory testing we can bring in-house to better serve their needs. I guess, my focus has always been on the benefit of the patient, not necessarily social justice/serving underserved.

Edit: I also didn't start something 5 months before submitting my application because I thought it would look like application padding.

 

[deleted972488]

And to me, that would come off as an excuse. While I didn't really have the time due to a number of non-academic reasons, I don't think I would have invested my time in non-clinical volunteering. In fact, since December (when I got out of the reserves and have had the time) my time has gone towards increasing my performance at work by meeting with patients and seeing what additional laboratory testing we can bring in-house to better serve their needs. I guess, my focus has always been on the benefit of the patient, not necessarily social justice/serving underserved.

Well, you can still say your priorities were with X, Y, and Z without completely turning the question on its head. I don't think that arguing against serving the underserved is a good angle.

 

[deleted967981]

And to me, that would come off as an excuse. While I didn't really have the time due to a number of non-academic reasons, I don't think I would have invested my time in non-clinical volunteering. In fact, since December (when I got out of the reserves and have had the time) my time has gone towards increasing my performance at work by meeting with patients and seeing what additional laboratory testing we can bring in-house to better serve their needs. I guess, my focus has always been on the benefit of the patient, not necessarily social justice/serving underserved.

I wouldn’t say that to an adcom...nonclinical volunteering is an indicator of altruism, and any indication that you weren’t willing to spend some your time serving those who are less fortunate than yourself will be a definite red flag.

 

[907914]

I wouldn’t say that to an adcom...nonclinical volunteering is an indicator of altruism, and any indication that you weren’t willing to spend some your time serving those who are less fortunate than yourself will be a definite red flag.

Well, you can still say your priorities were with X, Y, and Z without completely turning the question on its head. I don't think that arguing against serving the underserved is a good angle.

The majority of my volunteering was between 6 and 2 years ago, with a bit of it trickling up until December (The majority being in VA/military hospitals, mental health counselor) and then I have tutored peers the last 2 years. Would it be an alright answer, in light of past experiences volunteering but lacking serious ongoing service, to talk about "my priorities shifted from serving veteran and military populations I was exposed to while I was in the military in a volunteer capacity to the elderly and cancer patients I am exposed to in my current place of employment, where as a laboratory manager I can have the greatest impact on the highest number of patients."

Edit: “After I got out of the reserves I was unable to maintain my previous roles with the unit, however I decided to shift my attention towards enhancing our patient experience at my place of employment as this was the population I had greatest access to and could have the greatest influence on.”

 

[907914]

Well, you can still say your priorities were with X, Y, and Z without completely turning the question on its head. I don't think that arguing against serving the underserved is a good angle.

Argue for what I did do, not against what I didn’t do.

 

[deleted967981]

The majority of my volunteering was between 6 and 2 years ago, with a bit of it trickling up until December (The majority being in VA/military hospitals, mental health counselor) and then I have tutored peers the last 2 years. Would it be an alright answer, in light of past experiences volunteering but lacking serious ongoing service, to talk about "my priorities shifted from serving veteran and military populations I was exposed to while I was in the military in a volunteer capacity to the elderly and cancer patients I am exposed to in my current place of employment, where as a laboratory manager I can have the greatest impact on the highest number of patients."

That sounds much better than the original statement. My strategy going into interview season was to try and focus only on the positives of my application. If I was questioned about something lacking, I acknowledged it, explained if necessary and quickly followed up with either a plan to improve, an example of how I addressed the weakness, or an indication to seek out opportunities to improve going forward.

 

[Med Ed]

How would you view an answer like that?

It would indicate to me that you do not understand the point of the question.

 

[Goro]

How are unconventional answers to interview questions normally perceived? Not like weird or creepy answers, but answers that one might not expect from a typical premed interviewee.

Example: If asked about low non-clinical volunteering hours despite high clinical volunteering or clinical employment, would an answer along the lines of this sound:

"While I would like to help all of those that I can depending on my future career progression, my commitment is not to serve the under served but to serve patients regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic background."

Is an answer like that, while completely honest and not really an inappropriate answer, a risky answer to give?

If it sounds like the candidate is NOT answering the question, that could lead to a rejection. the above answer sounds like a non-answer.

The answer above would lead to a followup something along the lines of what the wise @LizzyM likes to ask: "how do you know that you will be able to serve people who don't look like you?"

 

[Goro]

My bad, that was just supposed to be kind of an example as opposed to a specific scenario. But like...during conversation these sorts of 'unconventional' statements would be alright? I tend to have novel opinions or mannerisms, particularly in an interview context.

It really will depend upon the question and the answer you give. I strongly advise to simply answer the question, and answer from the heart.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

An interview is to get to know you. If we didnt think you were smart enough, you wouldn't be there. During part of the interview, I will ask an open ended question and immediately take the opposing view to yours. I want to see how you think, how far I can take you out your decision making tree. I appreciate thoughtful, genuine answers because I know this is a little stressful. Odd, inappropriate replies or joking indicates to me you are trying to deflect. I believe these students may be at risk for appearing before our disciplinary committee at some point. I'd very much like to know why you answered the way you did.so dont be funny or bizarre, it wont end well

 

[Goro]

Argue for what I did do, not against what I didn’t do.

You're falling into a classic interview mistake. The bolded is what the question is asking about.

See Med Ed's answer.

 

[LizzyM]

The majority of my volunteering was between 6 and 2 years ago, with a bit of it trickling up until December (The majority being in VA/military hospitals, mental health counselor) and then I have tutored peers the last 2 years. Would it be an alright answer, in light of past experiences volunteering but lacking serious ongoing service, to talk about "my priorities shifted from serving veteran and military populations I was exposed to while I was in the military in a volunteer capacity to the elderly and cancer patients I am exposed to in my current place of employment, where as a laboratory manager I can have the greatest impact on the highest number of patients."

Edit: “After I got out of the reserves I was unable to maintain my previous roles with the unit, however I decided to shift my attention towards enhancing our patient experience at my place of employment as this was the population I had greatest access to and could have the greatest influence on.”

You are working at a job as a lab manager. You are being paid to help people and, one presumes, you get good reviews for doing a good job. Good reviews sometimes result in pay raises. The questions then become: how are you making your broader community a better place? Do you have any interest in helping people in your community outside of your role as a lab manager? If your answer is "No, I choose to spend my time in other ways." then okay. That's an honest answer.

When you were in the military, you helped people who were in the military and those who are military veterans as a volunteer in addition to your paid role. Were you prohibited from helping in that capacity after you left the military? Did you move to a location where you were unable to continue that volunteer activity? Did the need disappear? Why did you step away from that activity?

 

[907914]

You're falling into a classic interview mistake. The bolded is what the question is asking about.

See Med Ed's answer.

To the example at hand, my honest answer to the bolded I guess to why no/little current service would be “After spending six years giving my time to my soldiers, my peers, and the veterans in the surrounding community, I thought I would give some time to myself and my family as I entered in to my MCAT studying and the application cycle.”

Is that the kind of answer that is looked for? I am not trying to answer a question based solely on ADCOM intent, however I don’t want to come off as arrogant or lazy or like I am making excuses.

 

[Goro]

To the example at hand, my honest answer to the bolded I guess to why no/little current service would be “After spending six years giving my time to my soldiers, my peers, and the veterans in the surrounding community, I thought I would give some time to myself and my family as I entered in to my MCAT studying and the application cycle.”

Is that the kind of answer that is looked for? I am not trying to answer a question based solely on ADCOM intent, however I don’t want to come off as arrogant or lazy or like I am making excuses.

You're getting warmer, but this answer also has a little bit of defensiveness. Mentioning your military service is always good, so this answer is better that in the OP.

 

[907914]

You are working at a job as a lab manager. You are being paid to help people and, one presumes, you get good reviews for doing a good job. Good reviews sometimes result in pay raises. The questions then become: how are you making your broader community a better place? Do you have any interest in helping people in your community outside of your role as a lab manager? If your answer is "No, I choose to spend my time in other ways." then okay. That's an honest answer.

When you were in the military, you helped people who were in the military and those who are military veterans as a volunteer in addition to your paid role. Were you prohibited from helping in that capacity after you left the military? Did you move to a location where you were unable to continue that volunteer activity? Did the need disappear? Why did you step away from that activity?

Gotcha. Yes to all of the military things. I was unable to continue because it was a military moderated and facilitated role (although I do still follow up with the soldiers who text me and who I interacted with, just not in a formal or official capacity). Are those the sorts of detail-oriented answers to provide? I understand it is conversational, just not quite sure to what degree I should converse.