The Successful Interview Joel Maurer, MD Assistant Dean for Admissions College of Human Medicine Michigan State University.

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?