Overview of key strategies and tips for succeeding in your Pre-health professional school interviews

1. University Career Services Pre-Health Interviewing Skills Presented by: Gemma Costa, Career Counselor for College of Science

2. OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOP Interview Strategies Preparing for your interview During the Interview After the Interview Questions to Ask Activity Questions

3. Preparing for the Interview Know yourself – skills, values, interests, career goals Know the Application Process and your application well Research the Pre-health Program Be prepared for anything – extra resumes, pens, etc. Prepare answers to questions and questions to ask

5. Repeat inspirational phrase

6. Permission to be nervous

7. Think of it as a 1st date – looking for mutual fit…

9. Make Positive First Impression Firm, confident handshake SMILE! Keep eye contact but don’t glare Build rapport Show that you are listening/Do not interrupt Speak clearly - avoid rambling Do not look at your watch

10. Interviewer Learning Goals: Interviewee Should Demonstrate: Communication Skills Intellectual Abilities Interpersonal Skills Project and Time Management Skills Knowledge of Profession Professionalism, Maturity, Resilience, and Character Observational or Aesthetic Appreciation Manual or Tactile Skills

11. STAR S – describe the Situation T – describe the Tasks you performed A – explain what Actions you took R – highlight the Results

12. PRACTICING STAR METHOD Is there a incident/experience that solidified your interest in medicine? What is your greatest achievement? Why do you want to go to our school over others?

13. During the Interview Don’t be afraid to make mistakes Answer questions specifically; give examples Be enthusiastic Be positive and highlight strengths Close the interview with confidence Ok to ask about next steps

14. Interview Challenges Lack of related experience Poor academic performance Weak English language skills Don’t understand or can’t answer question

15. Types of Questions to Ask *Never ask questions that can be easily found online What ideal qualities do you look for in a student? What are my next steps? What are my chances of getting into the program? What in your opinion makes your program special compared to other (Prehealth) programs? When can I expect to hear from you about your decision?

16. After the Interview Learn from the experience Identify the positive Note areas to improve Send a follow-up email or letter Follow up, if not contacted

17. Role Play Activity Interviewee Interviewer Observer

18. Potential Questions Would you please describe yourself? Why do you want to be a Doctor/Vet/Dentist/Ect… Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? Do you know what you want to specialize in? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses Where else are you applying What are your experiences in the medical profession What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine What are some of the biggest challenges facing medicine/dentistry/etc. today?

19. Final Words of Wisdom Both interviewer and the interviewee have same goal – to determine an appropriate match. Visualize yourself succeeding and learn from your experiences, both positive and negative. Put your best foot forward yet be genuine. Arrange a mock interview with your career counselor or an employer Practice, practice, practice

20. Career Services University Career Services, SUB 1 348 Call 993-2370 for an appointment with your Career Counselor Interview Practice Day Use Perfect Interview

21. ONLINE RESOURCES http://www.interviewfeedback.com/ http://www.suemorem.com/ http://careers.gmu.edu/students/jobhunt/huntref/interviewstrategy.htm http://www.perfectinterview.com/gmu/