when do you start practicing for interviews?

[LFA20]

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Would practicing and researching the school 2 months in advance for an interview be too early?

thanks

EDIT:

what about buying suits? LOL

 

[Ferneezy]

Would practicing and researching the school 2 months in advance for an interview be too early?

thanks

EDIT:

what about buying suits? LOL

Yes.



Buy as expensive as you can afford while also taking into account the cost of tailoring it. Banana republic suits are great off the rack and already tapered for around five Benjamins.

 

[Glimmer1991]

Joseph A. Bank also has great suits that are VERY affordable if you get them on sale (which happens quite often). My dad is a business executive and buys all of his suits/shirts there.

 

[Moka11]

Banana republic suits are great off the rack and already tapered for around five Benjamins.

Though they have nice clothing, 5 for a Banana suit is hardly worth it. You can get a custom in nyc for that price.
Cheaper option is Zara.

Joseph A. Bank also has great suits that are VERY affordable if you get them on sale (which happens quite often). My dad is a business executive and buys all of his suits/shirts there.

They currently have a promo of buy 1 get 3 free.

 

[Glimmer1991]

They currently have a promo of buy 1 get 3 free.

Oh yeah! I remember seeing that in the mail. Also, as an added note, my dad loves their "traveler" shirts because they don't wrinkle. 🙂

 

[Koalafied]

Would practicing and researching the school 2 months in advance for an interview be too early? No, that's actually good and being proactive.

thanks

EDIT:

what about buying suits? LOL

Here's a potential idea (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=937893).

Regarding suits, make sure it's 100% wool; lightweight, less heat, less prone to those nasty wrinkles, and less fuss; you can't argue with that. Polyester is too heavy and it can quickly get hot and sticky.

 

[JAWSSS]

YOU SHOULD NEVER PRACTICE FOR INTERVIEWS.

Just read over your app and be confident talking to people.

The latter half should have come from something called.... life.

 

[Koalafied]

YOU SHOULD NEVER PRACTICE FOR INTERVIEWS.

Just read over your app and be confident talking to people.

The latter half should have come from something called.... life.

I DISAGREE

If it's cooking up canned crap, then I agree.

My advice, just start random conversations with random people and train your improvisation skills. Join Toastmasters or something.

 

[JAWSSS]

I DISAGREE

If it's cooking up canned crap, then I agree.

My advice, just start random conversations with random people and train your improvisation skills. Join Toastmasters or something.

I can see where this would be beneficial for some.

I guess my point is. If you are confident speaking with people about anything then you are a good interviewee and you shouldn't practice. However, if you struggle with this, then there are options (see above), but over preparation will only be detrimental. So be careful!

 

[Eastcoast24]

what about booking for flights and hotel? when should we be doing this?

 

[Koalafied]

what about booking for flights and hotel? when should we be doing this?

Unless you possess precognition, there's really not that much benefits to worrying about this. If the school is kind enough, they'll give you 3 weeks notice in advance. Otherwise prepare to see a big drop in your bank account.

Here (http://studentdoctor.net/schools/?view=dental).

 

[sacapuntas]

I wouldn't worry so much about what brand your suit is, just make sure its in your price range, wool and if you are buying it for interviews I would suggest something other than black (if anyone reads this that already has a black suit that fits well and you don't want to spend the money on another suit, just wear your black suit with confidence as its really a small detail). The main thing is that you get the suit tailored to fit you well and the style is something you are comfortable in.

As far as practicing for interviews, I started thinking about it on the flight to the interview. Once I got to my hotel the night before I would practice going to the school to make sure I wouldn't get lost, grab dinner and head back to the hotel to look up the interview feedback on SDN and think about those questions. Not so much specific answers, just talking points about topics that came up frequently in past interviews.

I would read over your app to make sure you didn't forget what you wrote down on your application!



Good luck!

 

[echo90]

Yes, that's too early. You don't even know if you're going to get an interview or not. I practiced like a week at most before an interview. Most of the times, I prepared a day before, and this wasn't like memorizing answers. Just put in your head the things you want to talk about i.e. why you want to be a dentist, why that particular school, etc.

 

[Ferneezy]

and there are scores of typical questions that are seemingly boilerplate for interviews like these:

weak points/strong points
what do you do for fun
tell me about yourself
how do you cope with extreme stress
how do you take negative criticism
and many more...

notice how all of these questions are about you. if you know yourself, finding content to address them should be cake. the real trick is coming across naturally.

be like water.

 

[LFA20]

and there are scores of typical questions that are seemingly boilerplate for interviews like these:

weak points/strong points
what do you do for fun
tell me about yourself
how do you cope with extreme stress
how do you take negative criticism
and many more...

notice how all of these questions are about you. if you know yourself, finding content to address them should be cake. the real trick is coming across naturally.

be like water.

yes.

 

[Koalafied]

be like water.

yes.

Make sure the glass is half full.🙂

 

[two thirty]

Joseph A. Bank also has great suits that are VERY affordable if you get them on sale (which happens quite often). My dad is a business executive and buys all of his suits/shirts there.

Do they ever not have a sale?

I think mine was buy 1 get 3 free or something.

 

[periopocket]

Before you know it you will be practicing and rehearsing in your sleep!

 

[NMC2010]

As far as practicing for interviews, I started thinking about it on the flight to the interview. Once I got to my hotel the night before I would practice going to the school to make sure I wouldn't get lost, grab dinner and head back to the hotel to look up the interview feedback on SDN and think about those questions. Not so much specific answers, just talking points about topics that came up frequently in past interviews.

Where can I find this interview feedback?

 

[future2thdr]

I have always liked the clothes at Express. Color doesn't really matter for suits right? As long as it is black, navy, or grey.

 

[Koalafied]

Where can I find this interview feedback?

http://studentdoctor.net/schools/?view=dental

 

[NMC2010]

http://studentdoctor.net/schools/?view=dental

Ooh I checked that before and didn't see how to find the info. Got it now, thanks!

To anyone having problems, click on the numbers to the right of the name of the school, not the name of the school itself. Then, at the bottom, where it has student comments, expand each of those for more info.

 

[Koalafied]

To anyone having problems, click on the numbers to the right of the name of the school, not the name of the school itself. Then, at the bottom, where it has student comments, expand each of those for more info.

Just takes a bit of curiosity.🙂

 

[Jungerr]

I'll start practicing for interviews when I actually land one.

 

[MedDevil]

I have always liked the clothes at Express. Color doesn't really matter for suits right? As long as it is black, navy, or grey.

Don't wear black to an interview.

 

[sacapuntas]

Don't wear black to an interview.

Just so everyone who is getting ready for interviews understands, if you already have a black suit that fits well it isn't necessary to go buy a new suit. However, if you are going to buy a suit specifically for the interview, it would be better to buy navy or grey. At least half of all people I interviewed with last cycle wore black so its not as if you will be the only one and its a small detail not worth sweating over in my opinion.

 

[Koalafied]

Just so everyone who is getting ready for interviews understands, if you already have a black suit that fits well it isn't necessary to go buy a new suit. However, if you are going to buy a suit specifically for the interview, it would be better to buy navy or grey. At least half of all people I interviewed with last cycle wore black so its not as if you will be the only one and its a small detail not worth sweating over in my opinion.

Addendum: Avoid the Full Windsor at all costs. You don't want to get entangled in a situation where you're 'that guy/gal' with a knot larger than the interviewer's.👍

 

[Ferneezy]

why not black?
black looks the most professional

if you're a funeral director

or a maitre d

 

[Koalafied]

if you're a funeral director

or a maitre d

He/She wasn't asking you.🙄

 

[Koalafied]

you can do a lot with tie/watch/ shoes/ belts in a black suit

Like what? Visuals would be a +.

 

[Ferneezy]

He/She wasn't asking you.🙄

i call into question your koalifications for enjoying the internet without experiencing Mad™

you can do a lot with tie/watch/ shoes/ belts in a black suit

of course you can. but some would say that in a "conservative" or "traditional" environment, something a dental school could very well be considered, a black suit is less than ideal.

anyway, the rules aren't hard and fast nor are they heeded 100% of the time. most interviewees are in their early twenties and barely know a thing about business attire, so nearly everyone gets a pass on the black suit issue. however, if you can help it (ie: buying a suit just for your dschool interviews/visits), don't get black.

 

[Koalafied]

i call into question your koalifications for enjoying the internet without experiencing Mad™ I did not know you speak of my language.😉



of course you can. but some would say that in a "conservative" or "traditional" environment, something a dental school could very well be considered, a black suit is less than ideal.

anyway, the rules aren't hard and fast nor are they heeded 100% of the time. most interviewees are in their early twenties and barely know a thing about business attire, so nearly everyone gets a pass on the black suit issue. however, if you can help it (ie: buying a suit just for your dschool interviews/visits), don't get black.

👍

 

[Koalafied]

Be very careful when speaking in jargon. If you're unsure, then avoid jargon completely. You don't want risk looking silly.😛

 

[ktran17]

Black suits tend to be for night events and funerals. That's just common practice, but not a hard rule..

Also make sure your jacket lapels are not too skinny
Tie knot should be a half-windsor at most. Four in hand or half windsor should do the trick.

For the shoes, just make sure they're balmorals or blutchers. Monk straps work too but I'm not a fan.

Also, there actually is a rule with balmorals and blutcher and when to wear them, but most people don't care. Google it if you want to know =)

 

[squigloo]

Black suits tend to be for night events and funerals. That's just common practice, but not a hard rule..

Also make sure your jacket lapels are not too skinny
Tie knot should be a half-windsor at most. Four in hand or half windsor should do the trick.

For the shoes, just make sure they're balmorals or blutchers. Monk straps work too but I'm not a fan.

Also, there actually is a rule with balmorals and blutcher and when to wear them, but most people don't care. Google it if you want to know =)

Don't you think this is going a wee bit overboard? I mean, I'm sure looking nice doesn't hurt at all, but I can't see how going that in-depth with your styling could really decide whether or not your interview goes well. I know you can say that looking the best helps you stand out, but do you really think the dentists interviewing you are going to think "wow, his lapels are exactly the right width"?

 

[ktran17]

You might not think its important, but remember the adcoms tend to be conservative middle aged folks. There might be that odd ball that is heavily critical.

I rather dress my best and not give them any reason to reject me. 🙂

Btw, I do believe that if you wear a skinny tie/ have skinny lapels, some people might unknowingly judge you as immature and too fashion forward.

 

[Koalafied]

You might not think its important, but remember the adcoms tend to be conservative middle aged folks. There might be that odd ball that is heavily critical.

I rather dress my best and not give them any reason to reject me. 🙂

Btw, I do believe that if you wear a skinny tie/ have skinny lapels, some people might unknowingly judge you as immature and too fashion forward.

But you should also give them a way to remember you out of all the folks who still wear black despite all of the recommendations. Monk straps, lol.😉

 

[free99]

Btw, I do believe that if you wear a skinny tie/ have skinny lapels, some people might unknowingly judge you as immature and too fashion forward.

So you're saying my bolo tie has to stay home?!

 

[ktran17]

You don't have to, but a thicker tie with proper dimples exudes a certain level of manliness and power. This is my opinion though, take it for what it's worth.

 

[free99]

You don't have to, but a thicker tie with proper dimples exudes a certain level of manliness and power. This is my opinion though, take it for what it's worth.

Haha I'm just playing - google "bolo tie" Anyone who wears one to an interview best compliment it with a sombrero.

 

[ktran17]

Haha I'm just playing - google "bolo tie" Anyone who wears one to an interview best compliment it with a sombrero.

hahahah, i need to add that to my wardrobe!

 

[JAWSSS]

Don't you think this is going a wee bit overboard? I mean, I'm sure looking nice doesn't hurt at all, but I can't see how going that in-depth with your styling could really decide whether or not your interview goes well. I know you can say that looking the best helps you stand out, but do you really think the dentists interviewing you are going to think "wow, his lapels are exactly the right width"?

NOT AT ALL!

Those are rules that you need to adhere to! For example... Nobody in the north east wears tan or beige suits in the "professional world" but it's more acceptable on the west coast. If you are interviewing with a middle-aged dentist or ADCOM, chances are, they understand and follow the rules of formal wear. Yes, if you go in and try to match wear a brown belt and brown shoes with a light grey suit... They are going to think you look like an idiot. However, what you are wearing has shown up in a GQ magazine every few months:

http://male-extravaganza.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/6e92d46e_grey_suit.jpeg

YOU WILL STILL LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT! There are rules for interviews and formal dress that many of the people interviewing you have been taught by their parents and have been working around for years. I feel like our generation bases our formal wear "ideas" off of the red carpet and magazines and it simply is not an accurate depiction of what we are expected to wear.

I saw people wear sports jackets to my interviews... skinny ties without a suit jacket... sweater vests.... short sleeve white shirts under their jackets... BLUE SOCKS with a black suit (like this color blue 🙂confused🙂)... black suits with black ties (this is not a funeral)... black button-up shirts with their suit... I saw a bright orange watch... a BUNCH of square end ties 🙂thumbdown) and, my personal favorite... A freaking tie with TEETH all over it.

These rules are more important than you think. Wearing a black suit is fine... But, don't wear a black tie with it. If black is all you have, then make it look good because a black suit on its own will never keep you from getting accepted. Just don't try to be your own version of fashion forward.

 

[ktran17]

THANK YOU, someone that understands

 

[free99]

I saw people wear sports jackets to my interviews... skinny ties without a suit jacket... sweater vests.... short sleeve white shirts under their jackets... BLUE SOCKS with a black suit (like this color blue 🙂confused🙂)... black suits with black ties (this is not a funeral)... black button-up shirts with their suit... I saw a bright orange watch... a BUNCH of square end ties 🙂thumbdown) and, my personal favorite... A freaking tie with TEETH all over it.

This made me LOL several times.

 

[JAWSSS]

THANK YOU, someone that understands

RIGHT?!

 

[NMC2010]

NOT AT ALL!

I saw people wear sports jackets to my interviews... skinny ties without a suit jacket... sweater vests.... short sleeve white shirts under their jackets... BLUE SOCKS with a black suit (like this color blue 🙂confused🙂)... black suits with black ties (this is not a funeral)... black button-up shirts with their suit... I saw a bright orange watch... a BUNCH of square end ties 🙂thumbdown) and, my personal favorite... A freaking tie with TEETH all over it.

Yikes lol. I have no idea what some of this stuff is. I hope wearing a navy blue blazer with some nice khaki colored dress pants and a nice looking tan tie, white button-up shirt underneath, brown dress shoes is acceptable.

I think I at least have enough sense to not wear a tie with teeth all over it though LOL. I bet that guy felt like an idiot.

 

[Ionz]

I am sure, knowing me, that I'll be so inclined to overdress for interview. Must... resist...
I have so many outfits in my head, the fine line between well-dressed and pretentious is terribly blurry.....🙁

 

[Ferneezy]

too much?

 

[Ionz]

too much?

L
O
L

nightmare for the trypophobic folk doe.

 

[sacapuntas]

Yikes lol. I have no idea what some of this stuff is. I hope wearing a navy blue blazer with some nice khaki colored dress pants and a nice looking tan tie, white button-up shirt underneath, brown dress shoes is acceptable.

I think I at least have enough sense to not wear a tie with teeth all over it though LOL. I bet that guy felt like an idiot.

I would not personally wear this to an interview...I would invest in a suit if I were you. Other opinions may vary.