Traditional interview prep

Question 1

What is a traditional interview?

Answer 1

• It’s more question based than task based, so instead of having a role - play and communication task, you will be asked a number of questions
• The interview may seem more like a conversation plus you will have longer to think and elaborate on your answers than an MMI

Question 2

Who will interview me?

Answer 2

• You are often interviewed by a panel made up of a number of people who are linked to the university.
• You could be interviewed by a GP or Nurse, a Lecturer or Admissions Tutor, a Junior Doctor or existing Medical Student or someone else altogether.

Question 3

How long does a traditional interview last?

Answer 3

• 20 to 40 minutes depending on the university

Question 4

What questions will be asked?

Answer 4

• Questions depend on the medical school and are individual to each candidate
• You’re not allowed to discuss the questions after the interview
• However medical schools are very good at giving you a clue, usually there’s information on their websites about what they’re looking for from the interviews and what topics the questions will cover
• Common themes come up every year, it is possible to prepare your questions in advance

Question 5

How can I stand out in an interview?

Answer 5

• Give spontaneous and well thought answers instead of rehearsed answers, it’s better to convey passion and interest
• It’s important to practise how to make your key points, but practise in a way that keeps your answers engaging and organic

Question 6

Tips to prepare for the interview:

Answer 6

• Make sure you’re familiar with your personal statement
• Know what your medical school is looking for in its applicants and what they want you to show in the interview
• Understand the course, research their teaching methods and be prepared to discuss why you wanted to apply to this course or why it would suite your style
• Familiarise yourself with virtual interviews, make sure you can work the technology and practise virtual interviews so that you are more familiar with the format
• Consider working with a medicine interview tutor to refine your performance