Word doc to prepare for interviews?

[sadpremed121]

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Just wanted to hear other people’s thoughts on how to prepare for interviews. Should I make like a word doc with a bunch of possible questions and my responses? Is this overkill and is it enough for me to just read over some questions and prepare responses only in my head? How much time should I devote to preparing for interviews. I have 4 coming up in the next two weeks and have barely started.

 

[Moko]

Don't just prepare your responses in your head. Practice saying them out loud and ideally videotape yourself / do it in front of a mirror. This way, you can get an idea of what your interviewers will see and hear.

 

[ChymeofPassion]

I have a word document with common topics that I am practicing talking through, definitely not rehearsing anything specifically written down though.

 

[LizzyM]

Do not memorize a script.

A videotape of a practice interview with a partner is a good idea. Have the camera set at a distance that captures your entire body, or at least from the waist up so that you can pick up any body language (fidgeting, etc) that might be problematic.

Listen carefully to the question. Answer the question you are asked, not the one you prepared. For example, if you are asked about a time that something went wrong in the lab, don't launch into a 5 minute description of the lab itself, how you chose that lab and what the major projects have been this year because you prepared to answer the question "tell me about your research project".

 

[Cornfed101]

I've been running through a lot of questions with my wife and although she doesn't know much about the admissions process it has been very helpful for recognizing and eliminating filler words and nervous habits. She can also tell when I am BSing. I recommend finding a friend who can be brutally honest with you to run through some interview questions with.

 

[907914]

I just have vague talking points made up of anecdotes of what have you that I know fit the general categories of “Teamwork,” “diverse patient population,” and so on. I practice talking about those events with no specific scripts. Then the ‘story’ can be matched to the given question being asked.

 

[Goro]

Just wanted to hear other people’s thoughts on how to prepare for interviews. Should I make like a word doc with a bunch of possible questions and my responses? Is this overkill and is it enough for me to just read over some questions and prepare responses only in my head? How much time should I devote to preparing for interviews. I have 4 coming up in the next two weeks and have barely started.

I'm worried that you'll simply come off as too scripted.

Read this:
Goro's Guide to Interviews
Goro's Guide to Interviews: The View from Behind the Curtain

• Goro's Guide to YOUR Interview Questions (2018 edition)

 

[Cornfed101]

Goro's Guide to YOUR Interview Questions (2018 edition)

Oh man, I would love a spreadsheet with this information filled out for every med school. That’s better than the MSAR