How to perform well at interview
BMJ 2002; 324 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0204108 (Published 01 April 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;324:0204108
- Sarah Burnett, consultant radiologist and former chief admissions tutor1
- 1Imperial College School of Medicine, London
If your curriculum vitae has impressed the selectors1 the day will come when you have to attend for interview. The principles are not so different from those for the interviews you may have had to get into medical school, but for a job, your skills should be infinitely more sophisticated. Some people are born performers and relish the chance to show off their personal presentation skills, but for most the interview is at best intimidating and at worst terrifying. The best way both to deal with the anxiety and to improve your performance on the day is to be properly prepared.
The introductions
Allow plenty of time to get to the interview, leaving time to calm down and freshen up. Practise the route if necessary. Before you enter the interview room switch off or set your mobile phone, pager, and watch so that they don't beep. If you have some time to wait reread your CV so you are not caught out by a sudden reference to “page 13.” When you are called into the room take your lead from the chair of the panel about where to sit and whether to shake hands.
First impressions
The “Halo effect” means that your overall appearance affects the panel's evaluation of you. This impression will often be gained within the first few seconds of your walking into the room, and it will probably be the first time you have met some of the panel members. This is why it is important to think about your appearance before the interview. Look smart and professional. Poor personal presentation may detract from the content of what you say during the interview.
The first question
This is often …
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