When should I start interview prep? I want to be ready!

[Deleted]

2nd time applying- really screwed up the interview last year! 
I am wondering when is the best time to start preparing? 

[Jerbear]

If you are so worried, why not start now?

[Currentovcstudent]

Most OVC applicants start preparing around this time! At least start slowly putting together your experiences to reflect on in the interview and start looking at questions

[BringBackBlockbuster]

I agree with the sentiments above - the best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today. Get reviewing! By yourself or with a coach or whatever you prefer

[lowenger]

As an FYI the Future Vets Club is organizing mock VPIs for the first week of May. If you're not a member be sure to email [e-mail]. Otherwise the information will be announced in the FVC listserv in April.

[OVChopeful8]

Does anyone have tips for interview practice for next year? I thought I did really well this cycle… but something went wrong I guess

[OVC2026grad]

Jun 18, 2023 16:31:52 GMT -5 OVChopeful8 said:

Does anyone have tips for interview practice for next year? I thought I did really well this cycle… but something went wrong I guess

Something that helped me practice was using a bank of questions I found online (for example on MockQuestions). I would use a random number generator to pick the question and set a timer for 2 minutes to read it and prep my answer and then 5 minutes to talk. I did this to to practice thinking on my feet and that helped a lot! Even if I messed up within the 5 minutes of practice I made sure not to stop and keep going with my answer. I also recorded myself to look back on how I did. Good luck!

[OVChopeful8]

Jun 19, 2023 8:56:28 GMT -5 OVC2026grad said:

Jun 18, 2023 16:31:52 GMT -5 OVChopeful8 said:

Does anyone have tips for interview practice for next year? I thought I did really well this cycle… but something went wrong I guess

Something that helped me practice was using a bank of questions I found online (for example on MockQuestions). I would use a random number generator to pick the question and set a timer for 2 minutes to read it and prep my answer and then 5 minutes to talk. I did this to to practice thinking on my feet and that helped a lot! Even if I messed up within the 5 minutes of practice I made sure not to stop and keep going with my answer. I also recorded myself to look back on how I did. Good luck!

Was there a format you would use? No one knows what they look for… I want to be true to myself, so it’s hard to judge how well the interview went. Did u feel like it went perfect? And how many weeks did u prep for? Thanks!!!

[OVC2026grad]

Jun 19, 2023 9:44:16 GMT -5 OVChopeful8 said:

Jun 19, 2023 8:56:28 GMT -5 OVC2026grad said:

Something that helped me practice was using a bank of questions I found online (for example on MockQuestions). I would use a random number generator to pick the question and set a timer for 2 minutes to read it and prep my answer and then 5 minutes to talk. I did this to to practice thinking on my feet and that helped a lot! Even if I messed up within the 5 minutes of practice I made sure not to stop and keep going with my answer. I also recorded myself to look back on how I did. Good luck!

Was there a format you would use? No one knows what they look for… I want to be true to myself, so it’s hard to judge how well the interview went. Did u feel like it went perfect? And how many weeks did u prep for? Thanks!!!

Tbh, I didn’t have a format at all while practicing. I just ensured I answered the question and related it to my experiences that made me unique. I’m sure there are great resources online and on YouTube on how to structure an answer. I felt really good but thought I may have fumbled on one question. And I probably started prepping right after I got my interview invitation but maybe only an hour every couple of days. Do whatever makes you feel the most prepared and have the time for!