What to say about applying during glide year job interview?

[aker321]

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I have a job interview this week (same day as my MCAT, natch, because I couldn't reschedule either), and I'm trying to figure out exactly what to say about the post-bac pre-med work I just finished. It's for a position working with doctors at a hospital affiliated with one of the schools I'll be applying to.

What should I say about the upcoming year? I originally only applied to jobs that were grant-funded but nothing came through, so now I'm applying to permanent jobs, too.

I'm thinking I'll just say that I finished my pre-med coursework but I'm still deciding whether or not I'll be applying this year or waiting until I feel more prepared...and technically I'll be able to say I haven't yet taken the MCAT. I definitely am applying this year, though. What have others said in similar situations?

 

[TooMuchResearch]

I told the truth, and someone eventually gave me a job.

 

[aker321]

Did you work in a position that was advertised as a term appointment, or was it a company that was looking for a permanent person and decided to hire you anyway? I'm really uncomfortable lying about it, but everyone I've talked to says that's what you've got to do...

 

[TooMuchResearch]

I interviewed for a permanent position, told the truth, and was offered a temporary position. Honestly, I was really lucky they had another position available. I don't see much point in lying about it. In a few months, you'll need time off for interviews, so they'll know you're applying. Eventually, someone will ask if/when you took the MCAT. Lies beget lies, friend. Be careful.

 

[peripherin]

When I interviewed for teaching jobs, I did not tell people that I was applying to med school. When asked, I told them I wasn't sure what I would do with my biology degree. I applied for long term positions. Plus, I did not want people asking me about med school apps ALL YEAR - it gets rather annoying and nerve-wrecking.

 

[gnu]

When I interviewed for teaching jobs, I did not tell people that I was applying to med school. When asked, I told them I wasn't sure what I would do with my biology degree. I applied for long term positions. Plus, I did not want people asking me about med school apps ALL YEAR - it gets rather annoying and nerve-wrecking.

I agree, I had the same issue. You can't really say for sure you are going to school the next year, so I wouldn't bring it up. If they ask about your future plans, you could say you are thinking about going into medicine but nothing is solid yet. Believe me, you'll want the money when secondaries roll around.

 

[addo]

Same position here, and if i get called for some jobs I have applied for I was wondering the same thing. Time off for interviews is a good point-a point that would really not make me want to lie.

 

[gnu]

I would only mention applying to medical school if they ask. It's not lying if they don't ask, so why give them a reason not to hire you? I interviewed for a permanent position, they did ask what my career goals were and I told them I wanted to head into medicine. When interviews rolled around I scheduled a meeting with my boss and she was perfectly ok with me taking time off for interviews and wasn't upset at all that I hadn't brought up applying during the interview. She just asked that I try to miss the least amount of work possible, and use vacation/ sick days to make up.

Edit: If you really feel the need to tell them, I would explain the process and let them know that nothing is set in stone. While you may be traveling for interviews and such, there is a chance you won't get accepted and you could be there for two, maybe three years.

 

[addo]

I would only mention applying to medical school if they ask. It's not lying if they don't ask, so why give them a reason not to hire you? I interviewed for a permanent position, they did ask what my career goals were and I told them I wanted to head into medicine. When interviews rolled around I scheduled a meeting with my boss and she was perfectly ok with me taking time off for interviews and wasn't upset at all that I hadn't brought up applying during the interview. She just asked that I try to miss the least amount of work possible, and use vacation/ sick days to make up.

Edit: If you really feel the need to tell them, I would explain the process and let them know that nothing is set in stone. While you may be traveling for interviews and such, there is a chance you won't get accepted and you could be there for two, maybe three years.

So after you said you wanted to head into medicine, they didnt ask WHEN? I think they let you slide there.
Anyways I was thinking the same thing about telling them that the application process isnt certain, and it might just be that itll be a two maybe 3 year job.

 

[gnu]

Yeah you're right, I guess I got lucky on that one.

 

[aker321]

My plan would definitely be to use vacation time for my interview days. At my previous corporate job, there were no questions asked about vacation time--if I said I was going to take off day X, as long as it wasn't during a crucial deadline week, I got it off and didn't have to explain.

I guess I can tell them that I'm considering medical school but that right now, I am interested in long-term job opportunities that will give me more experience in research. Because that's true.

Thanks for the responses! Others are of course welcome...