Interview Preparation

Strategies, Resources & Tips. Resources available to all OSU students and alumni preparing for upcoming professional school interviews.

Phase 1

Practice with self-reflection.

Step I: Find Your Thoughts Before Your Words
- Try writing in a journal. Thoughtfully self-reflect how you would approach a specific topic or question first.
- The journal is a safe, personal space to process and write your individual thoughts first.
- This technique can aid in your initial interview practice and continual progression of how you will answer oral or written interview questions.
- It does not need to be perfect or “scripted.” It is a place to start.
Step II: Try Written Practice First
- Respond to various practice questions and topics in a written format to related to:
  - Yourself / Background: Introduce yourself, background, and/or motivation.
    - Tips: Stay focused. Discuss your “adult” lens and background versus the full story of your upbringing or entire journey (unless relevant). Self-reflect beyond your “what” and connect your “why” when appropriate.
  - Community & Society: Local, state, national and international topics / questions that relate to:
    - Social systems.
    - Historical / current events.
    - Implications of policies, laws and regulations that affect society.
    - How society functions in various capacities.
  - Health Care System & The Profession: Career topics / questions related to:
    - Health care system.
    - Specific health care profession.
    - Career or life situations.
  - Situational Judgment / Behavioral: Personal navigation of topics / questions related to your:
    - Collaboration, teamwork or group dynamics.
    - Ethical decision-making / dilemmas.
    - Oral / written communication approaches to solving problems.
    - Understanding of society, people and individuals: empathy, cultural awareness and self-awareness.
    - Adaptability, resiliency and/or capacity for improvement.
  - Additional Tips:
    - Remember, admissions committees realize you are not trained as the health care provider you desire to be yet.
    - A specific working knowledge of drugs, medical procedures or therapies should not be a preparatory focus.
    - Don’t focus on question topics that require extensive medical knowledge or training as a health care provider procedures to know how to answer the question.
    - If you have past health care training, certifications and/or direct, hands-on patient care experiences already, you are welcome to self-reflect upon those experiences in relation to any of the types of questions or topics discussed above in a broader context.
Step III: Practice Your Words
- Try stating the question out loud (in front of a mirror is preferred).
- Verbally respond to your question (you, the person in front of the mirror).
- Progress to recording yourself (phone recorder/computer device) in this self-conversation.
- Often it helps you find your words and confidence when working to discuss various topics / questions with others.
- Upon completion, take time to watch the recording(s).
- Take notes and thoughtfully self-reflect upon your personal practice; verbally and non-verbally.

Phase 2

Practice with peer interaction and personal progression.

Start with "Coffee" / Talks
- Schedule time(s) and meet for “coffee” / talk to visit individually or in a small group with:
  - other OSU pre-professional student(s).
  - a trusted individual, mentor or small peer group.
- Informally discuss a few of your selected topics together.
- Ensure they are aware of your professional goals / willing to be honest with constructive feedback.
- During dialogue, offer your peer(s) feedback as well if they are also preparing for professional school.
Find Practice Peers
Find other pre-professional peers at OSU through:
- OSU Pre-Professional health related student organizations.
- Classmates you have met also pursuing your specific healthcare field; often you will be in similar prerequisite courses.
- OSU Pre-Professional Academic Support Services office events and student community.
"Coffee" / Talk Goals
“Coffee" / talk goals are to practice:
- How to approach and answer questions – on any topic.
- Your active listening skills.
- Staying mentally and physically in the “present.”
- The ability to think on your feet.
- The art of learning how to give and receive honest feedback from others.
- A post-dialogue regarding your peers verbal and non-verbal communication.
Tips
- Avoid working with only family members. They may not be 100% honest with constructive, professional feedback.
- Over time, practice with various types of peers, individuals and mentors.

Phase 3

Live practice with professional attire and constructive feedback.

Mock (Practice) Interview Options
- (24/7) Online, FREE Practice Interviews through OSU's virtual Interview Prep. New users need to create an account, create an interview and search the question library for medical (dental, health, etc.) related questions.
- Schedule an in-person Mock Interview Appointment at OSU Career Services.
Mock Interview Goals
Mock interview goals include practice to:
- Be comfortable in the actual feeling of a live / real professional interview.
- Learn how to “suit up” for game-time / actual interview. Utilize OSU Career Resources for additional dress for success mentorship.
- Have an interview preparation routine before the actual interview. Examples: getting dressed, pre-interview routine and preparation, arriving early, etc.
- Keep your poise and confidence; stay humble and be yourself.
- Practice unknown, blind-questions with your partner.
- Improve your comfort to navigate interview questions you were not expecting or you have never been asked.
- Seek constructive feedback with your interview partner and/or review your own recorded mock interviews to improve your self-awareness.
Receive Feedback & Review Together
- Plan time after your in-person or virtual, live interview with OSU Career Services for genuine feedback.
- Using the OSU Interview Stream Mock Interview tool? Please take time to watch the recording and self-reflect on your experience.
- Ask yourself, did you truly:
  - Understand the question?
  - Answer the question?
  - Elaborate with appropriate length and conclude the thought appropriately?
  - Sound scripted or genuine? Answer from the heart?
Additional Communication Practice Options
- OSU Career Services Events: campus events that provide opportunities to network, interview, or participate in other campus-wide professional events.
- Consider a speech communications course to enhance your comfort, practice and feedback with general communication skills.
- Join Toastmasters (a non-profit international organization) and utilize FREE, online Toastmasters resources and podcasts. Gain more confidence and comfort in your general verbal and non-verbal professional communication skills. Learn to deliver a speech. Oklahoma chapters available!
- OSU student organizations provide professional communication opportunities to network, meet or practice professional communication opportunities in student group environments.
- Practice everyday when any opportunity presents itself in any setting.
  - Strike up a conversation with a stranger, introduce yourself professionally.
  - If the opportunity presents itself or is appropriate, practice your “elevator pitch” to answer the question “tell me about yourself” or other general questions asked after introducing yourself.

Phase 4

Before the interview tips.

When Does The Interview Begin?
- An interview begins with the first point of contact.
- Everyone you encounter can make an impression, so make it count. Be professional and be yourself.
- Examples include:
  - Email correspondence before / after your interview.
  - Requested follow-up phone call(s) with the admissions team.
  - The parking attendant or receptionist at your interview.
  - Other interviewing candidates, current professional students and all guests at the interview, etc.
How Long Are Professional School Interviews?
- It varies. Some interviews may last an hour or two, half-day or all day.
- Your professional school interview format might include:
  - General welcome / interview orientation session.
  - Campus tour.
  - Presentation from the admissions team or program faculty.
  - Financial aid / resources session.
  - Breakfast or lunch (some interviews, depending on length).
Communication Tips
- Make a professional impression. All communication matters.
- Set up your phone voicemail and email account professionally in advance.
- Ensure your phone number listed on your application is set-up with a professional, personalized voicemail greeting. Occasionally admissions team members may directly call you during the admissions process.
- Thoroughly review the entire admissions interview invitation. Do they offer an optional pre-interview meet and greet event? If so, plan to attend and be prepared to make a professional impression.
Professional Attire
- Wear professional attire. Career Services dressing for the interview tips can assist you.
- Shoes matter. Wear close-toed, low or no heel dress shoes. There is quite a bit of walking at professional school campus interviews. Be practical yet professional.
- Does it fit? Ensure your suit and shoes fit well. You will be more comfortable / confident on your interview day.
- Have a routine. Wear your suit and have a routine before your interview day. Start off your day on the right foot and stay relaxed.
Pre-Travel Checklist & Tips
- Know when and where you are going. Double check your instructions and address location.
- Print directions / instructions before your travel. You may loose your Wi-Fi/GPS signal when traveling.
- Check the weather a few days before. Dress accordingly.
- Travel Tips:
  - Wardrobe adjustments. Pack a professionally appropriate back-up dress shirt, shoes or alternative jacket.
  - Travel to the interview location the day prior if you arrive early to minimize stress, know where to arrive, park, etc.
  - Flying to your interview the day before? Carry-on your essential suit and toiletry needs. Your checked, travel bag could be lost / stolen.
  - Wear your suit on the plane if flying the same day as your interview. You might not have time to change clothes upon arrival.
What to Bring & Wear
- Basic portfolio. Include a simple notepad and professional pen.
- Create a list of questions (in advance) regarding the individual professional school program.
  - Tip: Ask appropriate questions at the interview event if the opportunity is provided by the admissions committee.
  - Tip: Do not ask basic questions that are answered on their admissions program website.
  - Tools: Possible Questions to Ask During Interviews Guide - FREE Resource
- Ensure the professional school program is a best fit for you. Clarifying questions may help later in your decision-making process. You might receive multiple professional school acceptance offers.
- Wear a basic watch: simple analog / digital watch. Do not wear a watch with advanced technology at an interview. Often these devices / phones are not allowed at professional school interviews.
Virtual / Online Interview Tips
- Is your professional school conducting your interview using some type of virtual platform?
  - Review all professional school invitation instructions carefully. It may indicate some pre-information of the type of technology they plan to use during your interview experience.
  - If they specifically use Casper or please review our more detailed resources provided on our website.
  - While many aspects of the interview remain the same for traditional, MMI, panel, and group interviews - the obvious difference involves translating your interviewing skills to a virtual platform.
  - Ensure numerous technical details are addressed early in your plan for an appropriate interviewing environment.
  - Fully dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview.
  - Please select a private, quiet and well-lit space without any interruptions or distractions during your virtual interview.
  - Pre-test your device, technology, lighting and attire 1-2 days prior to your virtual interview to ensure you are ready.
  - Test your device 30 minutes before your scheduled interview to confirm your device, webcam and internet connection are all in working order.
  - Have a back-up plan. Have a second device option and/or location planned in advance if you have unexpected issues the day of your virtual interview.

Phase 5

Interview day tips.

Arrival
- Don’t arrive on an empty stomach. It might be awhile until you have a break or opportunity to eat at the interview (or not at all) depending on the interview format.
- Properly hydrate, be alert and stay poised. Know your body and routine long before your interview day to ensure mental and physical stamina throughout your interview experience.
- Arrive early. Plan accordingly for travel and unexpected traffic. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- Turn off your phone. Leave it in your car/travel bag. Want to know what time it is? Wear a basic (non-advanced technology) watch.
- Stay hands-free except carrying your basic portfolio.
- Leave your phone, keys and other items in your car/travel bag, except your:
  - Basic portfolio - with note paper/pen and to store these items:
  - Single, vehicle key.
  - Two forms of photo identification (suggested: valid driver’s license, ID or OSU student ID).
  - Basic feminine / hygiene item for the day (if necessary).
At Interview
- Be yourself. Remember, they have invited you to the interview because they feel you have a lot to offer as a prospective candidate.
- Be personable, respectful, and friendly. Visualize treating every person as you would a future colleague, patient or a loved one.
- Be prepared, but not over-rehearsed. Relax, smile, make eye contact, be engaged, provide direct answers when asked and be flexible.
- Take notes at orientation session (if appropriate). Most professional school interview formats provide a brief welcome or general orientation session before you begin the formal portion of the interview. Feel free to take notes while actively listening if this helps you stay engaged.
- Ask questions when appropriate. Please don’t “drill” the interviewer, host or the admissions team with too many questions. It is okay to ask follow-up questions if appropriately prompted/asked. Please be mindful of your tone.
- Other candidates are not the enemy. Please do not treat other interview candidates as “competition.” They might be your future classmates or professional colleagues.
- When appropriate, approach the interview setting as an opportunity to get to know others in a professional manner - if provided subtle, social opportunities (lunch, etc.) on interview day. Treat everyone with respect.
Inappropriate Questions: What To Do
- If you encounter an inexperienced interviewer who asks an inappropriate or illegal questions such as questions referring to relationships/marital status, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and/or economic background, you can inform the admissions office of your experience.
- If you are uncomfortable reporting the questions or behaviors of your interviewer, please contact our office immediately. We can attempt to contact the director of admissions on your behalf.

Phase 6

After the interview tips.

Send a Thank You Note
- Review the OSU Career Services: thank you letter & tips resources for assistance.
- If you don’t get a reply, please don’t interpret that as a negative sign. Admissions teams are quite busy year-round to serve everyone in the admissions process.
Make Every Interview a Learning Experience
- Post-interview, take time to self-reflect.
- Write down (use your personal journal) what you learned from your recent interview experience.
- Thoughtfully critique your personal interview experience.
- Notate specific areas you felt were your strengths and areas for continual improvement and additional practice.
- Evaluate how to continually improve for future interviews. Continually utilize the phase 3 tips and resources.
Check Your Email/Application Account
- Check your email/application account every 2-3 business days.
- Most acceptance or decisions from the admissions committee will be through email or your application portal.
- However, some programs may prefer to directly call their accepted candidates.
- Please ensure that your phone number has a professionally appropriate personalized voicemail.
Be Patient
- Please be patient. Often you will have one of three classifications after you interview:
  - Accepted: Admissions will provide you instructions or how to accept (or decline) your offer and timeline.
  - Wait List: Admissions has not made a final decision. They might want to review additional candidates still interviewing first before they make a final decision. This may take some time before you get a final answer.
  - Denied: Admissions has decided to select other highly qualified candidates. The process for that specific school in this admissions cycle has ended.
Important Reminders
- Please don’t call or email admissions asking about your application status or your rank on the wait list.
- Be patient and wait for FINAL correspondence/decision from the professional school.
- Some offers for acceptance or denial can be made earlier in the application cycle or later in the interview cycle; sometimes until just before the professional school begins.
- Remember, nothing is over until you receive communication of a FINAL decision from the admissions committee.
Final Decisions
- If you were accepted, congratulations! Please be sure to review all specific details, deadlines and instructions to officially accept the admissions offer.
- If you were not accepted, don't give up!
  - Take a moment to thank the admissions committee for your candidate consideration via email. You might later re-apply for that same professional school in a future admissions application cycle. Leave them with a professional impression.
  - Continue to holistically grow. Finish strong with your remaining OSU academic studies and / or other non-academic development experiences.
  - Thoughtfully brainstorm of where you feel that you have opportunities to grow: personally, professionally and/or academically.
  - Consider re-applying in a future professional school application cycle or to other best-fit professional school programs when you feel more prepared.