Interviewing Skills
Goals for Interview
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Introduce & Sell Yourself
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Who are you?
Skills and Strengths
Unique Qualities
Interviews
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Types of Interviews
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Screening or Selection Interviews
Behavioral
Styles of Interviews
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Directed
Nondirective
Stress
Preparation is Vital!
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Analyze Yourself
Resume
Do your homework
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Field
Organizations
School/program
What will they evaluate?
Stages of an Interview
Structured Much Like a Speech
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Intro
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Body of Interview
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Questions
Closing
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Applicant & School
Reiterate Interest & Fit
Follow-up
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Thank You Note; Assessment/Revision
Important Interview Elements
Verbal Message
Appearance
Non-Verbal Message
Questions
Follow-up
Verbal Message
How You Define Yourself
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Your Skills & Experience
Reiterate Application and Personal Statement
with Examples
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Your Interests & Goals
Why this field? Why this school/program? Why not others?
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Your Personality & Passion
Flexible? Communicative? Pleasant? Team Player?
Verbal Message
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Understand What They Want
Flexibility, Quick Learner, Motivated, Team-player
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Find Skills & Experiences That Fit
Travel, Research, Tutoring, Class Projects, Peer Training,
Volunteering, Working on Campus/in Class
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Prepare As You Would For Speech
Identify Key Ideas, Support Ideas with Examples, Adapt to
Audience, End Strongly
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Use Speech Skills
Be Concise, Listen Closely & Answer Question Asked,
Pace Yourself, Reflect Enthusiasm, Strong Voice
Verbal Message
Personality Cues
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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
Work Habit Cues
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Speak Well of Others
Show Initiative
Ability to Take Criticism
Moral Standards (Don’t Lie)
Team Player
Appearance
First Impressions = Lasting Impressions
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Dress for Dream Job
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Inspires confidence; shows professionalism, and
interest!
Better to Over-dress than Under-dress
Avoid Excessive Jewelry, Cologne, Short
Skirts or Deep Necklines
Appropriate Interview Attire
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Men
 Suits/Shirts
 Ties
 Shoes/Socks
 Jewelry
 Hair/Facial Hair
 Nails
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Women
 Suits/Blouses
 Skirt length
 Shoes/hosiery
 Jewelry
 Hair
 Nails
Purse/Portfolio/Briefcase
Non-Verbal Message
Body Language Speaks Volumes
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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
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Body Movement
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Don’t Cross Arms—use gestures instead
Sit up Straight---Lean Forward
Use an Appropriate Sitting Position
Consider Spatial Use & Seating Arrangement
Vocal Usage
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Sound Energetic & Enthusiastic
Reduce the Use of Filled Pauses
Interview Questions
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Types
 Credential
 Experience
 Opinion
 Dumb
 Behavioral
 Legal
Questions
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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?
Questions
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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
Questions
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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?)
Questions
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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.
Questions
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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
Questions
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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!”
Questions For Them
Always have a question prepared.
Follow-up
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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.
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Shows interest!
Allows chance to follow-up on issue
Handwritten--more personal
Typed--more polished
Complete a Self-Assessment
Other Hints
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Arrive Early!
Introductions—More than a Hello
Name Usage—Follow lead
Listen and Observe
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Laughter?
A pleasant environment?
Thank Interviewers at close of interview