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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 dialog, 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
  • 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.
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