Helpful Interview Tips

[hopefulovc]

Hey guys,

Looking at the admissions statistics this year, the average is getting to be in the 90s in meaning having a good interview score is crucial to get in. To prepare for next year's interview, I've started reading MMI for the Mind and Veterinary Medical Ethics by Rollins. Besides practicing scenarios with friends and family I don't know what else I should do to prepare. I get crippling anxiety when it comes to interviews and I'm horrible at thinking on the spot  

May some people share some interview tips that have helped them? 

Thank you so much!

[Guest95637269]

Hey!

Are you attending/ near Guelph? They do practice MMIs with current vet students every March. I've done them two years in a row now and they're very good practice. There's also the co-op and career services at Guelph that can help with interview skills.

[Don'tGiveUp!]

Heyoo

Apologies for incoming wall of text.

Besides reading Rollins and MMI for the Mind, I really do believe that practicing scenarios consistently is the most productive way to improve. Other than with family and friends, I think it would be most beneficial to practice with individuals that you may not know on a personal level. Last year, myself and 3-4 other applicants would get together every week and go through a circuit of timed scenarios together. We would come up with our own scenarios (which has its own benefits), or use the Rollins book. Hearing feedback from people I didn't really know definitely helped. Practicing in front of strangers can help curb your anxiety and get rid of those nervous tics. Toastmasters can also be good for that and is another option.

Other than practice, working on the structure of your answer is crucial. 1. Brief summary of scenario. 2. State all parties involved and how they are affected. 3. Your suggestions and action plan. 4. Concluding statement, wrap it up...Think outside the box and considering all angles. There are some great suggestions by others in separate threads. Consider the long term implications. Does it affect you personally down the road or financially? Are there legal implications? How will my decisions affect me, my practice (if a vet related case), my profession, my relationships?

Finally, don't forget to empathize, especially if the scenario involves wrongdoing. Consider why the person was pushed to act in a wrongful or unethical manner and try to understand. Solve things amicably if possible.

Anyway I'm rambling at this point, but I stuck to my plan and followed the above steps and was able to improve my interview score by 10% this year. May not work for everyone but it worked for me!

[lowenger]

Hi Don'tGiveUp

We do not recommend summarizing the scenario unless you need it for yourself. The interviewers have the scenario in front of them so it is really unnecessary.