Preparing for a Health Professions Interview 2/25/2019

What is the purpose of the interview Both parties are looking for a good fit Admissions committees are the “gate keepers” Gives the admissions committee another dimension to evaluate and understand desirable traits: competence, compassion, responsibility, communication, maturity, integrity, service to others, resilience and motivation etc. “Why should we admit you?” Krysta 2/25/2019

Tips for Success Prepare a few questions for the interviewer. Be familiar with school’s website: know their mission statement! Be positive and upbeat Convey uniqueness about yourself Academic record – do not make excuses – provide honest explanations & lessons learned Krysta 2/25/2019

More Tips for Success If unable to make the interview, let them know as soon as possible. Be on time! Treat everyone with respect. Courtesy leaves a lasting impression. Krysta 2/25/2019

Be aware of your body language Firm handshake is usually anticipated Look at your interviewer when responding to questions, smile, nod while listening Sit in a comfortable position, don’t cross your arms in front of you, practice good posture Portray confidence, relax – Breathe! Don’t fidget, move around in your chair, repeatedly adjust your clothing etc. Torey 2/25/2019

What to Wear: Men Clothing: Well fitted, conservative suit with pressed shirt & appropriate tie Shoes: Polished dress shoes Hair: Well groomed & preferably shorter style, clean shaven/tidy facial hair Tattoos/body piercing: Conceal tattoos & remove visible piercings Jewelry: Watch & one ring Cologne: Avoid strong cologne or after shave Hands: Clean & fingernails trimmed Torey 2/25/2019

What to Wear: Women Clothing: Conservative suit, knee length skirt, or dress pants, pressed, modest dress shirt, neutral hose Shoes: 2 inch heel, polished, closed toe & comfortable Hair: Traditional styles & color, pulled away from face Tattoos/body piercings: Conceal tattoos & remove piercings Jewelry: Simple, avoid dangles, 1-2 rings, one necklace, one watch/bracelet Make-up/nails: Neutral, subtle shades. Avoid perfume Krysta 2/25/2019

Be Prepared to Talk About a Variety of Topics You will be asked: “Why do you want to be a doctor/dentist etc.? Answer with enthusiasm, tell how you want to help people, give a short story to illustrate Relate why this is a well thought out adult decision which you have made. May be asked all kinds of questions unrelated to the study of medicine Example: Asked about a societal problem – they may want to see your breadth of knowledge and ability to articulate your point of view. Krysta 2/25/2019

What Admissions Committees Are Observing Can you “go the distance”? Do you understand how difficult medical school and practicing medicine can be and can you share how you have handled other difficulties in life? Are you a compassionate, agreeable human being? Are you professional, confident and mature? Can you talk fluently about your application? Can you articulate your weaknesses with honesty and candor and share how you’re working to improve? Torey 2/25/2019

Types of Interviews Find out what type/s of interviews to expect Group/Panel Interviews Typically comprised of faculty, practicing professionals, and administrators A group can be daunting but remember it’s only one question at a time Individual Interviewer Only a single interviewer asking questions. Interviewer presents the applicant to other Committee members during Committee discussion. If interviewer is a current student – don’t treat them as a peer! Torey 2/25/2019

Types of Interviews Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) gauge an applicants potential to successfully interact with patients and colleagues students interact with multiple interviewers in multiple assessments there are typically 6-10 mini interviews scenario or prompt is presented prior to entering interview room applicant has specified time to read and respond rotate from station to station no “correct answers” – “think on your feet” evaluating personal attributes, communication and well developed responses Krysta 2/25/2019

Possible Interview Scenarios for MMI Scenarios involving interactions with an actor An essay writing station; this station may take longer A standard interview station A teamwork station where candidates must work together to complete a task An ethical scenario involving questions about social and policy implications A “rest” station to help students catch their breath and relax Krysta 2/25/2019

Preparation and Follow up Interviewing is a skill so practice! – Mock interviews are excellent way to practice Don’t try to memorize answers Don’t argue with interviewer Listen and be polite Controversial and ethical topics may be asked. Do your homework. They are not necessarily concerned with your beliefs –they are trying to determine whether or not you have an understanding of the issue E-mail or write to your interviewers to thank them for their time Torey 2/25/2019

Career Center Prepare with us! Practice Interviews By Appointment 334-844-4744 Interview Dress, Bring Resume Walk-in Hours M-F, 12-4 303 Martin Hall First Come, First Serve Torey 2/25/2019

Resources www.aamc.org/students/aspiringdocs Torey 2/25/2019