Interviewers want to be able to picture you as a professional and as a good fit in their “company culture”. Education is a business. Schools have a “culture”. You want their impression to be: “Wow, I can see him/her in our clinic working with our patients” or “She/he would really make a great doctor.” Act the part!! Three months later, you want them to still remember your face when they’re reviewing your file.
- Dress professionally. Image is everything sometimes (although ideally it shouldn’t be, we live in a non-ideal world). Suit and tie for guys; suit jacket for gals (dress, skirt, or pants is okay). When I was interviewing, everyone was suited up including the interviewers and staff. Avoid contrasty patterns and avoid loud colors—choose dark conservative colors instead. Don’t show too much skin. Don’t wear crazy jewelry (nothing too dangly). Hide large tattoos. Remove piercings. Wear minimal makeup and no scented anything (lotion, perfume). This is a situation where less is more.
- Look people in the eye.
- Firm handshakes.
- Remember peoples’ names.
- Don’t be too loud or boisterous . If you have a big personality, tone it down a notch.
- Speak professionally.
