Interviews: Tips and Advice

When you are an introvert, kind of shy, and lack public speaking experience like me, interviews are challenging. Whether it is for a summer job, a professional program like Veterinary Medicine, or a new post-grad job you’re hoping will become a career, interviews can be stressful and scary. But they can also be kind of fun. I’ve had a number of interviews over the years, including two vet school interviews (and I’m about to have a third). Looking back on these events, I’ve learned a lot about how to prepare and behave for different scenarios. Whether it is a single individual or a panel interviewing you, or multiple mini interviews used by med schools and UCVM, there is some advice that is helpful for every situation.

Many people are interested in sharing interview advice. Ideas like taking toast masters courses and paying close attention to body language while imitating the interviewer are always good suggestions. From everything I've learned, the advice I’ve found most helpful is to be confident. Confidence will be noticed instantly, and they say first impressions only take seconds to form. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake (Fig. 1). Speak highly but candidly of yourself, know what you know, and have faith in your abilities and opinions. Be polite and friendly. This demonstrates you have a good working attitude, you can work on a team, you have respect for those in charge, and that you’re genuinely interested in the company/job/school. Actions speak louder than words, so telling an employer you are a team player won’t hold much water if you didn’t shake their hand, stare at your shoes, and never smile. Try to be yourself and let your personality shine through. During some interview questions, such as MMI’s, demonstrating your experiences and background can be challenging. Try to work these details in so that you stand out from the other candidates.

Fig. 1. Unknown author (2007) Handshake, [digital image]. Retrieved April 11, 2012 from TopNews.in: http://www.topnews.in/usa/what-your-handshake-says-about-you-215064

Even if you are absolutely charming, a great public speaker, and present yourself exceptionally, it’s still important to prepare for every interview. Research the company or school you are applying for- know their core values or vision, the basic structure of positions, and some details about their background or research. Be prepared for ethical questions, and know the industry. For example, many MMI questions will test how you would respond in different animal welfare issues, and the interviewers will expect you to know and mention agencies involved in regulating welfare. Practice what you think the interview questions will be. For example, to prepare for vet interviews, you should study the ethical questions in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, published every month online. Talk about your answer to someone who knows the industry. Record your answers on audioboo or another program so that you can listen to your own voice. Did you speak clearly? Too quickly? Did you stumble over words, say “Um” too many times, or ramble on monotonously? By listening to yourself and speaking in front of a mirror, you can start to make changes in the way you present your answers. These suggestions are reflected by my fellow classmate, Chelsea Livingstone. She explains in her blog how she practiced in front of a mirror in order to train herself to slow down when speaking, stop fidgeting, and articulate confidently.

Most importantly, remember that the interviewers want you to do well. They want to find someone who fits their position perfectly, and that could be you! Try to have fun, by enjoying the opportunity to share your experiences, opinions, and skills. Although you’ll probably be nervous when first starting, let yourself relax once the interview process has started, and put yourself at ease. This will help your personality shine, allow you to seem more friendly, and might help you articulate better. Leave the interview feeling like things went well, and even if you don’t get the position, and you’ll have more confidence next time.