1. Interviewing Skills

2. Goals for Interview Introduce & Sell Yourself Who are you? Skills and Strengths Unique Qualities

3. Interviews Types of Interviews Screening or Selection Interviews Behavioral Styles of Interviews Directed Nondirective Stress

4. Preparation is Vital! Analyze Yourself Resume Do your homework Field Organizations School/program What will they evaluate?

5. Stages of an Interview Structured Much Like a Speech Intro Applicant & School Body of Interview Questions Closing Reiterate Interest & Fit Follow-up Thank You Note; Assessment/Revision

6. Important Interview Elements Verbal Message Appearance Non-Verbal Message Questions Follow-up

7. How You Define Yourself Your Skills & Experience Reiterate Application and Personal Statement with Examples Your Personality & Passion Flexible? Communicative? Pleasant? Team Player? Verbal Message Your Interests & Goals Why this field? Why this school/program? Why not others?

8. Understand What They Want Flexibility, Quick Learner, Motivated, Team-player Prepare As You Would For Speech Identify Key Ideas, Support Ideas with Examples, Adapt to Audience, End Strongly Verbal Message Find Skills & Experiences That Fit Travel, Research, Tutoring, Class Projects, Peer Training, Volunteering, Working on Campus/in Class Use Speech Skills Be Concise, Listen Closely & Answer Question Asked, Pace Yourself, Reflect Enthusiasm, Strong Voice

9. Show Courtesy to Interviewer Not: “What can you do for me?” Don’t Rely on Yes/No Answers Be Careful of “Know it All Complex” Positive, Not Cynical Show Tolerance and Flexibility Broad Interests & Open to new experiences Verbal Message Personality Cues

10. Speak Well of Others Show Initiative Ability to Take Criticism Moral Standards (Don’t Lie) Team Player Verbal Message Work Habit Cues

11. First Impressions = Lasting Impressions Appearance Dress for Dream Job Inspires confidence; shows professionalism, and interest! Better to Over-dress than Under-dress Avoid Excessive Jewelry, Cologne, Short Skirts or Deep Necklines

12. Appropriate Interview Attire Men Suits/Shirts Ties Shoes/Socks Jewelry Hair/Facial Hair Nails Women Suits/Blouses Skirt length Shoes/hosiery Jewelry Hair Nails Purse/Portfolio/Briefcase

13. Firm Handshake, Eye Contact, Smile Don’t Sit Until Invited Eye Contact Be Mindful of Hands and Facial Signals Mirror Interviewer (subtly) Look Enthusiastic! Take Your Time Non-Verbal Message Body Language Speaks Volumes

14. Body Movement Don’t Cross Arms—use gestures instead Sit up Straight---Lean Forward Use an Appropriate Sitting Position Consider Spatial Use & Seating Arrangement Vocal Usage Sound Energetic & Enthusiastic Reduce the Use of Filled Pauses Non-Verbal Message

15. Types Credential Experience Opinion Dumb Behavioral Legal Interview Questions

16. Questions Why do you want to attend _____? What kind of medical experience do you have? Tell me more about ______ experience. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

17. Questions Why do you want to attend _____? Research School/program * outstanding school with reputable history (proof) * recent projects are similar to interests (give example) * recommended by a contact * size of school/program, values, opportunities

18. Questions What kind of experience do you have? Use characteristics similar to those found in admissions information ASK what opportunities you might have for…. * Pull skills from previous experiences--even if unrelated (leadership, time management, work ethic) * Pull examples from academic work (related project? Technical knowledge demonstrated?)

19. Questions Tell me more about ______. 2-3 Key Points * What were your responsibilities * Challenges you overcame * What did you enjoy about it * Relate to medical career or med school NEVER talk poorly of past experience/boss/school The world is smaller than you think.

20. Questions What are your strengths? Isolate high points from background * Time Management & Planning * Natural Curiosity & Desire to Learn * Strong Communication Skills * Work Ethic * Love Challenge--Finding Solutions * Working with Diverse Teams

21. Questions Where do you see yourself in ____ years? Be honest--to a degree Leave the door open for “the right opportunity” Show desire to grow Remember what comes after med school Dangerous Answer: “In your seat!”

22. Questions For Them Always have a question prepared.

23. Follow-up Confirm when they will be in contact Reiterate interest “Look forward to hearing from you.” Get business card for everyone at interview Send thank you note PROMPTLY. Shows interest! Allows chance to follow-up on issue Handwritten--more personal Typed--more polished Complete a Self-Assessment

24. Other Hints Arrive Early! Introductions—More than a Hello Name Usage—Follow lead Listen and Observe Laughter? A pleasant environment? Thank Interviewers at close of interview