The Successful InterviewJoel Maurer, MD

Assistant Dean for AdmissionsCollege of Human Medicine

Michigan State University

First Impressions Are Really Important

First Impressions

• Research has shown that people can make first impression judgments as quickly as 1/10 of a second.

• Research has also shown that first impressions are hard to change.

• So….

1. Dress for Success!

General Tips and Recommendations

• Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take center stage.

• If you are primarily remembered for your interview attire, this is probably because you made an error in judgment!

• Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Don't dress for a party or a date.

• Basic professional attire does not change with the whims of fashion.

Specific Dress Tips that Apply to Both Men and Women

• Suit• Conservative colors /

fabric• Cost / quality• Details• Smell• Tattoos/Piercings/Body

Art

Specifics for Men

• Ties• Shirts• Socks• Shoes/Belt• Facial hair/nails• Hair• Hair• Details

Specifics for Women

• Club attire is not business attire

• Suit - pants / skirts• Shirt / sweaters• Jewelry / accessories• Shoes/Hosiery• Cosmetics• Purse / bag

2. Be Professional throughout the day and beyond!

Be Prompt

Be Attentive

Be Polite

Be Respectful

Be Careful and Mindful

• Email user names• Voicemail messages• Social Media

3. Interview Styles and Content

Interviewer Styles

• One-on-one• Panel• Mini-multiple Interview

Information to Interviewer

• Open• Semi-blind• Blind

Interview Content and Environment

• Usually based on topic(s)

• Usually try to create a relaxing atmosphere

Types of Interview Questions

• Personal• Motivation and

Commitment• Education and Experience• Knowledge of Medical

School• Goals/Plans• Exposure to Medicine and

Current Events• Breadth and Diversity• Behavior-based

Do I Get to Ask Questions?

• Will I need a car?• How diverse is the

faculty?• How do students get

involved?• Orientation?

4. Know the School to which You Are Interviewing (and Do Your Homework!)

Know The Medical School

• Why this particular medical school

• Have questions specific to this medical school

Know yourself

• Know your application• Know why you want to

be a doctor• Know why you feel this

school will be a good fit for you

Prepare for Questions

• Review potential questions

• Practice out loud • Be careful not to

rehearse too much• Silence is ok for a few

seconds

Any Questions?