1. Preparing for a Health Professions Interview
2/25/2019

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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 or write to your interviewers to thank them for their time
Torey
2/25/2019

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

15. Resources
Torey
2/25/2019