Planning on acing an upcoming medical interview? Then keep reading! In this article, we’ll be giving you great tips on how to efficiently prepare for a medical interview. So whether you’re planning to get into medical school, apply for residency, apply for a job or even be part of a research project, these tips we have for you will surely work perfectly!
And the best time to prep is around 3 to 2 months before your interview. This will give you ample time to prepare for the interview. So without further ado, below is a list of great ways to ready yourself for a medical interview:
1 – Do your research!
One of the easiest yet essential steps to start is by knowing everything you can about what you’re applying for, where you’re applying and everything in between. When it comes to interviews, the answer you put out matters so to have great answers you must be loaded with knowledge!
So what you can do is, know more about the institution you’re applying to, what their missions and visions are, what you’re looking for and so on. Knowing a good sum about the institution can help you give more in-depth and centred answers during the interview.
Also consider knowing the establishment’s size, medical specialties, reputation in the community and where it’s located. Knowing a lot about an institution can make you come off as someone with great interest towards the establishment.
2 – Consider enrolling in medical interview courses
Consider signing up for a course designed just for medical interviews if you want to effectively prepare! These courses are available on-site and online and duration and sessions may vary depending on the school you enrol in.
Medical interview courses can help you effectively prepare since they can give you an idea of questions that’ll be asked & how to answer them, teach you how to properly answer certain questions, help you practice through mock interviews and even give you more tips and tricks!
3 – Polish up your portfolio
To impress the establishment you’re applying to, make sure your portfolio is polished from start to finish! So to help you out, here are some things to consider switching up to make your portfolio all the more impressive:
- List down all your best work – Consider ones that show off your skills in the medical field, creativity and when and where this all transpired.
- Keep your portfolio updated – Make sure to update your portfolio with all your latest achievements and experiences in the medical field.
- Make sure it’s organized – An impressive portfolio is organised! Make sure to jot down all your experiences and accomplishments in proper order such as dates.
- Provide context – For all your listed achievements and experiences make sure to provide context for each one! Add background info, goal, purpose and scope of the project.
- Highlight your achievements – Wherever possible, highlight your accomplishments and the effects of your labour. Provide numerical figures, measurements, or case studies that illustrate the efficacy and accomplishment of your initiatives.
- List down your skills and expertise – Throughout your portfolio, emphasize your main skills, strong points, and areas of knowledge. To show your versatility, include a range of forms, such as written papers, graphic designs, presentations with photos, or code examples.
- Make your portfolio look professional – Make your portfolio look appealing and professional by paying attention to how it is presented. To improve your portfolio’s overall aesthetics and readability, use high-quality photos, graphics, typography, and layout design.
4 – Prepare your list of question
Yes during the interview, you’re the one being asked, but there will be a point where the interviewer will be asking you if you have any questions about the position, the establishment and so on.
So before your big interview, make sure to come up with questions. Make sure the questions you’ll be asking are relevant and don’t be afraid to ask spontaneous questions when they arise. Curiosity is attractive since it shows interest.
5 – Dress the part!
Although your answers and questions play a big role in passing the interview, looks also play a part! So before your interview, make sure to prepare a decent outfit! Go get a semi-formal attire that’s neat, not too bright, has crazy colours and patterns (like neons and eye-catching patterns) and is comfortable for you to wear.
Also, pay close attention to detail as well such as your choice of accessories, shoes, nails and also your hair. Just make sure you look decent, professional and neat!