What SHOULD you say in an interview?

[billyjones]

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I've seen a lot of threads that go something like this: Don't tell them "I like to serve people", or "I like to work with my hands." They have heard this so many times before, you need to say something more origional.

However, to me those seem like perfectly good reasons to want to go into dentistry. I have studied art, worked as a mechanic, built R/C airplanes, nearly everything I enjoy doing I do with my hands. From 14 years old my friends and I would go around and join service projects, get one-on-one with people and help them out, through whatever organization we could find. I have literally thousands of service hours.

But there seem to be a lot of people that suggest I say something else... If that is in fact the case, what should that something else be?

 

[SummaryRuled]

I have an interview tomorrow..... i got the interview because they liked my personal statement about why i will make a great dentist not because my grades are steller.... i have all intentions on explaining my community service and why it will contribute to my future.... not on making some other BS up..... cause they will see through that.

 

[OSUDDS]

Watch Office Space before your interview and take notes. Especially the "Meeting with the Bobs" scene.

 

[PlanB21]

No offense..but how about you grow up and think of your own answers. I just had an interview at UNC and interviews are really easy if you don't try to memorize ure damn application and practice ure answers..they see right through that crap...there are too many damn robots on this board who can't even talk to an adult and get thier jollies off of a DAT score..geeez

 

[dmonee6]

It's true that the adcoms probably hear that a lot of people like to work with their hands... but if you explain yourself, i.e. that you are a mechanic, work on RC airplanes, and enjoy art... i couldn't imagine you not saying it. Their isn't an infinite number of answers to why you want to be a dentist and I'm sure the adcoms have heard every single one. But if you are able elaborate on the reasons, definitely say that you like to work with your hands and help serve people.

 

[lifeisgood]

Watch Office Space before your interview and take notes. Especially the "Meeting with the Bobs" scene.

YES!

 

[Fariba]

Honesty will get you the farthest in life. Be true to yourself and be true to the people interviewing you.

I have had the priviledge of interviewing people and can share some advice. Interviewers can tell right away who has had their answers pre-made. First of all, the nerves will show because they feel insecure and fear that they might stutter on their words any moment. Second they usually have a blank look on their face because they are trying to remember their answers and they arent really tuning into the situation.

I recommend going through some possible questions they might ask and have some idea of what things you might say. But do NOT write anything down and do NOT repeat your "speech" over and over. Your interview will be fake and boring.

You are fine as is... you got the interview, didn't you? Dont embellish yourself and become something you're not because they like you the way you are, thats why you're there.

Dont hide your nervousness. If you're nervous, so what... EVERYONE is. Acknowledge the nerves and just stay focused. Keep the eye on the prize and you will make it through without any problems!

Also, remember that the interviewers are NOT out to get you. They understand that you are nervous and are stressed and they can sympathize with the state you might be in, so dont make them out to be like the CIA trying to interrogate you to find out some secret.

Lead your sentences by stating what's in your heart, and let the mind control the speech. You will do great, I promise!

 

[billyjones]

No offense..but how about you grow up and think of your own answers. I just had an interview at UNC and interviews are really easy if you don't try to memorize ure damn application and practice ure answers..

I find it somewhat amusing that you would make these two statements in the same sentence, but whatever.

Although I don't think I need to clarify myself, I will.

It is unwise for anyone to suggest that you just show up to the interview without any preparation. Individuals that are serious about the school should give the perspective school the respect of finding out what programs appeal to them. Likewise it is respectful and professional to organize your thoughts and motivations for why this particular field interests you. You put on a suit, and shine your shoes, why wouldn’t you consider questions that you feel are likely to be asked? It’s not a question of memorizing the answers. I just want to put my best face forward.

 

[brad219]

No offense..but how about you grow up and think of your own answers. I just had an interview at UNC and interviews are really easy if you don't try to memorize ure damn application and practice ure answers..they see right through that crap...there are too many damn robots on this board who can't even talk to an adult and get thier jollies off of a DAT score..geeez

^ This is soooo true. These grad schools have too many of these types of kids, so of course the schools are going to look for people who can think for themselves. Rehearsed answers are such a turn off.. if you can't have a natural casual conversation with someone without being freaked out, you might want to reconsider your career choice so that you don't have to deal with patients every day.

 

[ddsjymaeng]

I am pretty sure that there isn't anyone who is born to be a dentist...
not becuz u like using tools, good at hand skills, wanna help people makes u become a dentist and wants u to become a dentist...

just besides all those crappy things...be yourself... for 5 minute
y u really decided to become a dentist...

y not a doctor y not a volunteer in red cross for the rest of your life
y not a person who makes r/c airplane for the rest of the life?
be honest dude...

if I was the interviewer who listen to thoses crappy things...like
I am good at hand skills, wanna help people...
so what???? so does that mean u should be a dentist?
y not anything else...

come on... u r an adult.. think when u took the dat and studied for it..
y did u do that ****... becuz u got good hand skills and don't wanna throw it away?