Interview Basics for Pre-Health Professionals

Pre-Health Advising and STEM EducationPHASE

prehealth.advising@wsu.edu509-335-4549CUE 502

University College

Congratulations! You got an interview!!

You are one of the best of the best,

BUT…often three candidates are

interviewed per class seat

Remember to ask right away…

• When, where, and with whom

• Interview schedule, meetings, tours, and free time

• Business dress -- all events?• Lodging arrangements—if

provided• Contact for further questions

Be Nice

•Courteous to all

•The front desk administrative assistant should be your best friend

•You’ll get more help & info!

How will you prepare for the interview?

Before the interview

During the interview

After the interview

edit your on-line image.

Do this before they check it! • Embarrassing info/ photos?• Blog entries?• Edit anything that could damage a

professional image• Set your privacy settings as high as possible

Soon after you apply…..

What are you going to do with the information about your interview?

Research!

•Look up all names you're given Google PubMed

•Master the school's website

•Ask your PHASE and faculty advisors about

Research program and school in depth

• Program, reputation, faculty, strengths, location

• Articles, rankings, faculty research of interest

• Why this school? Location? Type of program?

Integrate this research into your answers, to personalize your answers and questions in the interview

Additional Preparation• Dress, appearance and demeanor• Practice and prepare• The 60 second commercial• Your questions and other interview

materials

Dress and Appearance

First Impressions!

Dress Comfortably, and . . .

•Try outfit ahead of time

•Polish your shoes

•Haircut

•De-lint, check buttons

•Check accessories

•Don’t stick out. .too far

•Clothes that look new

Proper Attire / Appearance

Dress conservatively: dark suits, plain light- colored shirts/blouses, long sleeves, business shoes and coordinating coat.

Minimal or no cologne, minimal, simple jewelry & accessories, business hairstyles

NO:

Body piercings, visible tattoos, trendy hair, long nails, heavy makeup, pop culture looks

Stale breath, body odor, unpolished shoes

Revealing clothes, short skirts

Gum, smoking, candy, Ipod, etc.

As a general rule, clothes and appearance will not get you into a professional school – but they can keep you out!

Remember that application you

submitted?

Re-read it!

Prepare material in key content areas:

• Clinical experience: volunteering, job shadows, etc.

• Knowledge of the field: issues, current events, ethics

• Personal: traits, temperament, energy level, people and communication skills, initiative, life-changing events and people, extracurricular activities, etc.

• Professional: interests, values, beliefs, motivation and goals

Prepare and memorize specific examples / experiences that demonstrate these areas.

What is the first question in most interviews?

“Tell me about yourself.”You have 60 seconds, what will you say?

“60 Second Commercial”

For brief introductions or "Tell me about yourself…”

• My key skills

• My key accomplishments (relevant to this program)

• My reasons for seeking program

• What I can contribute / needs I can address

Above material is condensed into a 60 second paragraph that you memorize and deliver as needed.

Worksheets available– last page of handout

5 universal questions for any interview*

1. Why us? What do you know about us, and why are you interested in us, vs. elsewhere?

2. What will you do for us / bring to our program? What are your skills, strengths, and problem-solving abilities?

3. What kind of a person are you? Will you fit in with classmates, and with our values and standards?

4. What makes you different from and better than other applicants? Do you have better work habits, more psychological strength, concern for others, higher standards…what?

5. Can we afford (to accept) you? If admitted, will you succeed?

Question Categories: Health Programs

1. Academic background, clinical experience, job shadowing, research

2. Work and volunteer experience

3. Extracurricular activities, hobbies

4. Experiences, role models, personal traits and values that will make you an excellent______

5. Key accomplishments and why they matter

6. Current issues in your field

7. Ethical and moral dilemmas, “life and death” issues

8. Hypothetical situations, often involving #7

Hypothetical Situations & Other Tough Questions

1. Take time to think and compose main ideas

2. Use what you know, acknowledge what you’ll need to learn to handle the situation

3. About your shortcomings: accept responsibility

4. Beliefs: be clear, but not overbearing

5. Remember to integrate your field’s ethics into your answer

What they want to see…

• Maturity

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Confidence– but not arrogance

• Humility

• Compassion and consideration for others

• Sense of humor

• High energy level, motivation, resilience

• Analytic and problem-solving skills

• Leadership potential

Practice makes perfect!1. Rehearse your answers aloud, with, then

without notes

2. Next, rehearse answers with a questioner

3. Finally, rehearse answers with several people present, e.g. a small-group interview

4. Get feedback & improve your body language

Memory techniques to enhance recall

• Condense answers to short phrases or acronyms

• Practice answers aloud, with, then without notes

• Practice question with phrase/acronym response

• Self-care before the interview: sleep, food, etc.

The big day is here!

Before the interview

During the interview

After the interview

Different types of interviews

• Formats: individual, group, combination, MMIs

• Regional vs. on-site interviews: go on-site if possible!

Verbal & nonverbal behavior, demeanor

The first five minutes are crucial…

• Handshake, eye contact, voice, smile, posture

• Note name & title of each interviewer

• Contain distracting nonverbal behavior

• Bring notes, take notes, ask questions

Listening and talking: a balance

• 50/50 rule: talking and listening

• Listen to other interviewees attentively

• Ask for feedback if you’re lost!

• Tips for controlling nervousness

• Ask questions that weren’t answered,

to the appropriate person

Need Volunteers

Now that it’s over

Before the

interview

During the

interview

After the

interview

After your interview

•Email thank you within 24 hours to each interviewer, and helpful others

•Written thanks within 2 days, restating your interest and “fit” for that school, and any new or omitted information—briefly

• If interview is several weeks before selections are announced, keep the committee chair informed of your status

Outcomes and Next steps

• Small Group Interview—when you're ready

• Admitted, waitlisted, denied: keep your cool!

• If rejected, wait until you can calmly ask for feedback, especially if you’ll reapply.

• Debrief difficult situations and decisions with your PHASE advisor/ faculty advisor while the interview is fresh in your mind.

Best wishes for an outstanding interview!