An interview is the only chance for a school or program to really get to know you. Sure, they have your application and exam scores, they have your grades and personal statement, but you are more than ink on paper, you are more than numbers.
As a very smart doctor once said:
So here are 10 tips to help you nail that interview!
1. PRACTICE: Before any interview, it's always best to prepare yourself. That means practice. Practice your communication skills, your mannerisms and gestures, practice your answers, and practice NOT sounding practiced. Interviewers can see right through someone who sounds rehearsed. Ask a family member or friend to interview you. Record yourself to see how you look and sound. Are you making eye contact? Are you saying "like" or "and stuff" a lot? Learn how to communicate effectively and don't drag out your answers.
2. BULLET STATEMENT: You are most likely going to be asked a question like "So tell me about yourself," "Who are you?" or the one I was asked "Tell me about from the time that you were born to how you ended up in that chair." Be prepared with a 30 second description of who you are, where you're from, what led you to choose medicine, and what makes you stand out/unique qualities from other candidates. You don't have to recite your entire resume either. For example "My name is Alyssa, I grew up on the East coast and graduated with a dual-degree in Classics and Biology. Being a dancer sparked my interest in anatomy and how the body moves. My research, travel, and healthcare experience led me to pursue a career in medicine, where art and science are inseparable. I have a thirst for knowledge, enjoy meeting new people, and find patient care rewarding." Voilá!
3. BE PREPARED: Bring your resume and personal statement with you in case you or one of the interviewers need it. You can include recent information too that might not be on your application. You can also look these over beforehand because anything on your application is fair game, whether it's your college thesis or a course you took freshman year. I always use a portfolio binder for this so I can jot down notes as well:
4. SHOW DON'T TELL: When you're asked a question about how you handle yourself in a situation or an experience that challenged you, be sure to show the interviewers, not tell. Anyone can list off adjectives to describe themselves but if you can paint a picture it engages the interviewer while still answering the question. A great way to start these responses is "I remember when..." Talking about a memory can say more about who you are than stating facts about yourself and will help the interviewer remember you better.
For example, I was asked once what made me decide to pursue Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. My answer was simple and heartfelt. "I remember walking into the rehabilitation gym and locking eyes with an elderly patient. He was standing up with the help of two assistants and as he slowly came toward me, I could see the struggle it took for him to place one foot in front of the other. Nevertheless, he had a huge smile on his face and asked me point blank: 'Care for a dance?' I was so touched by his simple request. He saw his physical condition not as a limitation but as a challenge to go above and beyond, to find strength in his capabilities and use that as momentum for progress. I knew then and there I wanted to be the physician to help him and others achieve their rehabilitation goals."
5. ASK: The hardest question I ever got in interviews was "Do you have any questions for me?" Make sure you research the school and if you can, look up your interviewers. You can ask them about their involvement in the school. Ask about the curriculum. Do they teach anatomy all year long? Are there online courses? What is the schedule like? What residency programs do graduates go into? What are some strengths and "areas of improvement" (avoid saying weaknesses) for the school?
6. DON'T COMPARE: Don't compare yourself to other candidates. Some of them might try to intimidate you but the fact of the matter is, you both earned that interview spot and have every right to be there. It doesn't matter if you went to an international school, an Ivy League, or a state university. You should be proud that you have this opportunity and no one can take it away from you.
7. TALK: Talk to the medical students. Ask them how they like the school and what made them choose it. This is your chance to get the real scoop - How are the professors? What clinical experiences do you get in the first two years? What about rotations? How do they prepare you for board exams? What research opportunities are there? What do you do outside of studying? If you could change something about the school what would it be?
8. GIVE THANKS: I hand wrote all of my thank you cards for both medical school and residency interviews. I know others who sent e-mails. Sometimes e-mails are better because you can ask follow up questions, which can lead to further discussion. In this day and age, technology is becoming a more common form of communication than snail mail. Either or both works as long as you do it within the first few days after your interview to leave a good impression. Don't forget to thank your tour guides too.
9. WRITE: When you leave, make sure to write down what you thought were pros and cons of the school, whether it's location, tuition, curriculum, or just that "feeling" - did it fit for you? This way you won't forget and can refer back to it when you're deciding between different programs.
10. READ: Check out this book on Amazon. It's the BEST Interview prep book. I used it for college, medical school, and residency programs:
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