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How do I prepare thoroughly for an interview? Any advice?

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Volunteering, Internships or College admission interviews

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Daphney’s Answer

Hello!

You've asked an excellent question.

Before the interview:

I would advise you to thoroughly research the company by exploring its website and reviewing feedback from previous employees on job search platforms like www.indeed.com.

Understand both their expectations and your own.

Make sure to print out your CV/resume and carry it with you to the interview, even if they already have a copy.

During the interview:

Make it a point to arrive 15-30 minutes ahead of your scheduled interview time.

Maintain a professional demeanor and dress code, and above all, be honest. If you're uncertain about how to answer a question or are not familiar with a specific company task, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or express your willingness to learn.

Ensure you're dressed suitably, refrain from chewing gum, and keep a smile on your face even when no one is looking.

Keep your cool.

Exhibit both confidence and humility.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Nadia
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Nadia,

Here's a comprehensive guide on acing interviews for volunteering positions, internships, or college admissions in the medical field.

Dress impeccably in expensive fitted garments which are of the business ware genre.

Be the expert in the room during your interview. Show them that you're not a novice, but a seasoned professional. You are an expert public speaker, you deliver succinctly. You are a seasoned, academic high-powered presenter.

Familiarize yourself with your resume to such an extent that you don't need to refer back to it. Practice your presentation, your responses, and the order in which you'll deliver your points until you're no longer nervous. Prepare for every possible question, even the tricky ones. Confidence is key.

Interviews are a pivotal part of your academic and professional journey, particularly in medicine. The secret to leaving a lasting impression and boosting your success rate lies in preparation.

Start by researching the organization or institution you're interviewing with. Understand their mission, values, programs, and recent achievements. This will show your genuine interest and allow you to align your responses with their goals.

Next, understand the role or program you're applying for. Know its objectives, responsibilities, and requirements. This will help you explain why you're the perfect fit and how it aligns with your career aspirations.

Prepare your responses in advance. Expect common interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers that highlight your strengths, achievements, and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Practice these responses out loud to build confidence.

Review your application materials. Go through your resumes, cover letters, transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Refresh your memory on any relevant details or accomplishments to ensure consistency during the interview.

Dress professionally for the interview to make a good first impression. Research the organization's dress code to ensure that you're dressed appropriately. A well-groomed appearance shows respect for the interviewer and your commitment to making a positive impact in medicine.

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. This shows punctuality and dedication, which are essential qualities in healthcare. It also gives you time to gather your thoughts before the interview.

Carry copies of any necessary documents such as transcripts, diplomas, certifications, or identification cards. Having these documents ready shows organization and preparedness.

Stay calm throughout the interview process. Use deep breathing exercises to manage stress levels and improve focus and clarity. Quick thinking is essential during interviews, especially when faced with unexpected questions or complex scenarios. Remember, preparation is key! 90% of success comes from thorough preparation!

May God bless you on your journey!
JC.
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Martin’s Answer

Great query! There's no one-size-fits-all response, but one thing that's always crucial is readiness. This means understanding the company, and if feasible, chatting with someone who's currently employed there or has been in the past. Honesty is key - any falsehoods will eventually be uncovered and could cause problems down the line.

Maintain a positive attitude, remember to smile, and stay focused. Allow the interviewer to guide the conversation, asking the main questions, and aim to respond as clearly and concisely as you can. Over-explaining or being overly chatty can lead to unnecessary complications.

Keep your focus on the job and potential for long-term growth, not on personalities. When responding to questions, avoid painting yourself into a corner. For instance, when discussing salary expectations, you should have a ballpark figure in mind, based on industry standards. If you undersell yourself, you might miss out on the job; if you overshoot, you could price yourself out of the role.

Sometimes, when I'm asked about compensation, I'll playfully suggest a million dollars - it lightens the mood and usually shifts the focus back to the interviewer. Avoid saying things like "I'm sure the compensation is adequate," as it may make you appear indecisive and open the door for a low offer.

Above all, be true to yourself, dress suitably, and demonstrate good manners.
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Rafael’s Answer

Hi Nadia! To thoroughly prepare for an interview, whether it's for a job, volunteering, internship, or college admission, it's important to research the organization or institution, understand the role or program you're applying for, reflect on your own experiences and prepare concise examples, practice common interview questions, prepare your own thoughtful questions, dress appropriately, practice with someone, be mindful of your online presence, bring necessary documents, and most importantly, stay calm and confident during the interview. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and make a positive impression on the interviewer. Best of luck!
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Raman’s Answer

Hi Nadia, this is a question that every interviewee has in mind and rightly so. As someone who regularly interviews people for the organization I like candidates who come prepared, act confident and be themselves. Do Not blindly copy the advice given in 'How to handle interview videos?', this makes you come across as not original. Having said that three things that you should be prepared for is (1) Research on the organization/institution you are interviewing for (2) How you can add value to the organization and (3) When you are given a chance to ask question - do ask something intelligent
regards,
Raman
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Larissa’s Answer

Hi Nadia! When preparing for an interview, I'd say these are the main things to do:
- Research on the organization, their history, business strategy, any projects they're engaged on currently etc
- Understand the area you're applying to and why you'd be a good fit
- Ask questions - even if you ask something simple it's important to show interest

But in the end the most important thing is to feel confident: show you know the company, how you could add value, admit things you could improve if asked.

Best regards,
Larissa.
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Karen’s Answer

Good for you asking this question. Being prepared will make you confident that you will do well. Think about the questions you are likely to get asked and be prepared with answers that include examples of things you've done well. Research any organization before your interview and come up with questions you can ask the interviewer, such as how they see employees living the company's vision or mission. Ask what their favorite parts of their job are and why they enjoy working there.

You might ask someone you trust to interview you before your actual interview and ask what they think you did well.

Arrive at your interview early and be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and comments.

Know you will do well!!

With every good wish.
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Patrick’s Answer

Nadia, please understand that preparing thoroughly for an interview is essential to make a positive impression and increase your chances of success. Whether you're interviewing for a job, volunteering opportunity, internship, or college admission, there are several key strategies you can employ to ensure you're well-prepared and confident on the day of the interview.

First and foremost, research is paramount. Take the time to thoroughly research the organization, company, or institution you're interviewing with. Understand their mission, values, goals, and culture. Familiarize yourself with their products, services, projects, or programs. By demonstrating knowledge about the organization, you show your genuine interest and commitment, which can set you apart from other candidates.

Next, prepare your responses to common interview questions. While you can't predict every question you'll be asked, practicing responses to typical interview questions can help you articulate your experiences, skills, and qualifications effectively. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, providing concrete examples and results to illustrate your capabilities.

Additionally, Nadia, you should anticipate questions specific to the role or opportunity you're interviewing for. Tailor your responses to highlight relevant experiences, achievements, and skills that align with the requirements and expectations of the position. Review the job description, volunteer role description, internship requirements, or college admission criteria to identify key competencies and qualities sought by the interviewer.

In terms of attire, dress appropriately for the interview setting. Choose professional attire that reflects the culture of the organization or institution. When in doubt, opt for conservative and polished attire to convey professionalism and respect for the opportunity. Pay attention to grooming and personal hygiene to present yourself in the best possible light.

Practice your interview skills by conducting mock interviews with friends, family members, or mentors. Practice answering questions confidently, maintaining eye contact, and projecting a positive and enthusiastic demeanor. Solicit feedback from your practice interviews to identify areas for improvement and refine your responses.

For volunteering, internships, or college admission interviews, emphasize your relevant experiences, skills, and motivations. Highlight any volunteer work, internships, extracurricular activities, or academic achievements that demonstrate your commitment, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss how these experiences have shaped your interests, values, and aspirations.

Moreover, demonstrate enthusiasm and genuine interest in the opportunity during the interview. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, responsibilities, culture, or program to show your engagement and curiosity. Express your eagerness to contribute, learn, and grow within the organization or institution.

Finally, Nadia, remember to follow up with a thank-you email or letter expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role, volunteering opportunity, internship, or college admission, and to express your enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the team or community.

In summary, Nadia, please know that thorough preparation is key to a successful interview, whether for a job, volunteering opportunity, internship, or college admission. Research the organization or institution, practice your responses to common and specific interview questions, dress professionally, practice your interview skills, highlight relevant experiences and skills, demonstrate enthusiasm, and follow up with a thank-you note. By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
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Romir’s Answer

Hello Nadia, you've asked an important question. To ensure you're fully prepared for any interview, be it for volunteer work, internships, or college admissions, there are several essential steps you can follow.

Start by conducting a comprehensive research about the organization or institution you're applying to. Get a good grasp of their mission, values, recent accomplishments, and specific initiatives they're part of. This understanding will help you show your sincere interest and enthusiasm during the interview.

Next, get to know the role or program you're applying for in depth. Review the job or program's description, requirements, and responsibilities. Pinpoint the main skills and qualifications they're looking for and consider how your own experiences and strengths match those requirements.

Craft your responses by predicting usual interview questions and rehearsing clear and brief answers. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your responses and provide specific instances from your past experiences, such as volunteer work, internships, or academic projects, that showcase your skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. Dress in a professional and suitable manner for the interview, showing your respect for the opportunity and seriousness about the role or program.

Practice makes perfect, so conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or mentor. Practice responding to questions confidently, maintaining steady eye contact, and presenting a positive and professional demeanor. Request feedback on your communication style, body language, and overall presentation. Prepare a list of insightful questions to ask the interviewer, showing your interest in the role or program and allowing you to learn more about the organization or institution. I can assure you that following these few preparation steps will boost your chances of success in the interviews. Best of luck to you!
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Gina’s Answer

Preparing thoroughly for an interview is essential to make a positive impression and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare for different types of interviews:

1. Research the organization or institution: For any interview, whether it's for a job, volunteering, internship, or college admission, research the organization or institution beforehand. Understand their mission, values, recent achievements, and any specific programs or initiatives they offer. This will demonstrate your interest and help you tailor your responses during the interview.

2. Understand the role or program: Familiarize yourself with the specific role or program you are applying for. Review the job description, internship requirements, or college admission criteria. Identify the key skills, experiences, or qualities they are seeking and think about how your background aligns with those expectations.

3. Prepare answers to common interview questions: Anticipate and practice responses to common interview questions. These may include questions about your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, goals, or how you handle challenges. Prepare specific examples or anecdotes that highlight your skills and achievements.

4. Showcase your relevant experiences: Highlight any relevant experiences, whether it's previous volunteer work, internships, or academic projects. Be prepared to discuss your responsibilities, accomplishments, and what you learned from those experiences. Connect them to the skills or qualities required for the role or program you are applying to.

5. Practice, practice, practice: Practice your interview skills by conducting mock interviews with a friend, family member, or career counselor. This will help you refine your responses, improve your confidence, and become more comfortable with the interview process.

6. Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and appropriately for the interview. Research the organization's dress code and aim to dress slightly more formal than their standard attire. Pay attention to grooming, hygiene, and overall presentation.

7. Prepare thoughtful questions: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the role or program and allows you to gather more information. Avoid asking questions that can easily be found through basic research.

8. Be authentic and confident: During the interview, be yourself and let your genuine enthusiasm and passion shine through. Maintain good eye contact, speak clearly and confidently, and listen attentively to the interviewer.

9. Follow up with a thank-you note: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note or email to express your gratitude for the opportunity. This is a professional gesture that can leave a positive impression.

Remember, each interview is an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome. Reflect on your experiences, seek feedback, and use each interview as a stepping stone towards your goals.
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Samantha’s Answer

Hi Nadia!

This is a great question! When preparing for an interview consider doing the following:

1. Research the company background as well as recent company updates in the news. Try to find a way to work your knowledge into the interview.
2. If you know your interviewers in advance, look them up on LinkedIn to understand their background. This can help you understand their journey and tailor any questions you have to them.
3. Review a listing of mock interview questions and practice answering them out loud in front of a mirror or family/friend. No question will ever be exact, but this helps you get more comfortable with questions/response and responding out loud.
4. Dress appropriately. If anything, overdress, but do not risk underdressing for the interview.
5. Always have questions ready for the end of the interview when you are asked if you have any questions, never leave an interview without asking a question.
6. Follow-up with a thank you note after the interview and include in the note one item you learned from the interview so it helps the to remember you.
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Samne’s Answer

Absolutely! Preparing for your first interviews, whether they're for volunteering, internships, or college admissions, is an exciting journey! Here's a friendly and fun to-do list along with some popular and professional advice to help you shine:

Research, Research, Research!: Dive into the organization or college you're applying to. Learn about their mission, values, and any recent initiatives. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel.

Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Craft a short and sweet introduction that highlights your skills, passions, and what makes you stand out. Practice saying it with a smile, and remember, confidence is key!

Prepare STAR Stories: Think of specific situations where you showcased your skills or overcame challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your stories. Bonus points for adding a dash of personality!

Dress to Impress: Pick out an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to conquer the world! Whether it's a professional blazer or a funky accessory that shows off your personality, rock it with pride.

Ask Questions: Show your genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions about the role, responsibilities, or college experience. It's your chance to learn more about them while also making a memorable impression.

Practice, Practice, Practice!: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions with friends, family, or even in front of the mirror. The more you practice, the smoother your answers will flow when the big day arrives.

Mind Your Body Language: Sit up straight, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake (if it's an in-person interview). Non-verbal cues speak volumes, so let your confidence shine through!

Stay Positive and Authentic: Remember, they're interviewing you because they see potential in you! Be yourself, stay positive, and let your genuine personality shine. Authenticity is always the best policy.

Follow Up with Gratitude: After the interview, send a thank-you email or note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It's a small gesture that goes a long way in leaving a positive impression.

Believe in Yourself!: You've got this! Believe in your abilities, embrace the journey, and trust that everything will fall into place. You're amazing, and the world is ready to see it!

With this checklist and a sprinkle of confidence, you're well on your way to acing those interviews! Go out there and show them why you're a superstar in the making! Good luck! 🌟
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Elyse’s Answer

I'm just going to share my personal favorite ways to prepare for an interview:
1. Make sure you understand what's on your resume - this includes creating a story about how the experiences have shaped you into the person you are today (ex: what did you learn form xyz internship? are you a team player? independent worker?)
2. Do your research - there are plenty of forums where people share what type of questions they were asked in the interview. There are always the same consistent ones like "Name a time you tackled a challenging issue" or a variation
3. Background check the company - learn about the company inside and out (what services do they offer, why do you want the role (missions and values))
4. Mock interview with your friends - ask one of them to pretend to be the job interviewer and take their criticism/feedback

Hope that helped! It'll become second nature after your 2nd/3rd interview
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Nadia
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Reham’s Answer

There are many comprehensive answers for this question; So I will not repeat the needed professional steps like preparation and etc., my advice to you to dress up and practice in front of the mirror ; this technique helps me alot to release the stress and practice my body language and answers to different questions as well my gestures and postures ( sit on a chair and table and see how are acting with your hands and legs movements . the same that I am doing with my presentations
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Melissa’s Answer

Hey Simon!

Remember, it all starts with you! Embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery to find the industry and roles that ignite your passion. Take a thorough look at your resume and Linkedin profile to ensure they showcase your best self - with flawless grammar and accurate, metric-driven details. Once you've identified a role that captures your attention, dive into the company's core values to see if they align with yours. I highly suggest using Glassdoor to gain insights from both current and former employees. This will provide you a glimpse of the company culture before you even apply. When you reach the interview stage - let your authentic self shine brightly and radiate confidence. Don't shy away from asking questions! Ask about the company culture, their future visions, and if you're working with a recruiter, inquire about the specific topics that will be covered so you can prepare well in advance. Before the interview, make an effort to learn more about the interviewers' backgrounds and experiences to find shared interests.

When responding to questions, I find the STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result - to be incredibly effective. Be prepared to talk about your potential areas for growth and how this position will aid in your personal and professional growth.

After the interview, it's a nice gesture to send a thank you note to the interviewers, recruiter, and scheduler. Keep in touch with your recruiter to ask for feedback, which will be beneficial for future interviews.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Nadia
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Abhishek’s Answer

Nadia, Preparing thoroughly for an interview, whether it's for volunteering, internships, or college admissions, is crucial to make a positive impression and increase your chances of success. Here are some expert tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the organization or institution: Familiarize yourself with the organization's mission, values, and goals. Understand their work, projects, or initiatives. For college admission interviews, research the college's programs, campus culture, and any recent news or developments.

2. Understand the role or program: For internships or volunteering, carefully read the job or program description to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Identify how your skills, experiences, and interests align with the role or program.

3. Review your application materials: Refresh your memory on the information you provided in your application or resume. Be prepared to discuss your experiences, skills, and achievements mentioned in your application.

4. Practice common interview questions: Prepare responses to common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in this opportunity?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice answering these questions confidently and concisely.

5. Prepare specific examples: Think of specific examples from your experiences (volunteering, internships, or college projects) that demonstrate your skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership, or adaptability. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

6. Research industry or field-related topics: Stay updated on current trends, challenges, or advancements in the industry or field related to the opportunity you are interviewing for. This shows your genuine interest and enthusiasm.

7. Prepare thoughtful questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the opportunity and allows you to gather more information. Ask about the organization's culture, expectations, or any specific projects or initiatives you are curious about.

8. Dress appropriately and practice good body language: Dress professionally for the interview, whether it's in-person or virtual. Practice good posture, maintain eye contact, and use confident body language to convey your enthusiasm and interest.

9. Conduct mock interviews: Practice with a friend, family member, or mentor by conducting mock interviews. This helps you refine your responses, gain confidence, and receive feedback on your communication skills and overall presentation.

10. Follow-up after the interview: Send a thank-you note or email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. This shows your professionalism and appreciation for their time.

Remember, thorough preparation is key, but also be yourself and let your genuine enthusiasm and passion shine through during the interview. Good luck!
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Jerome’s Answer

There are a few things that I highly recommend you do to get ready for an interview.

Look at the main duties for the job and be ready to share how your experience or education would allow you to do each things they have listed. Make sure you have a few stories ready that outline how you have done the work in the past. It's better to tell a story where you were successful with each job duties as opposed to just saying "yea I can do that".

When possible, try to interview the interviewer. "Tell me more about the daily duties this role will do, what is a typical day like? What did the person before me do that you really liked and what is something you hope the next person can do? If this works out, what does success look like over the next 3 to 6 months?"

After they answer the above, use it as an example to highlight your experience.

Lastly, before you finish, as the person if you said anything that gives them pause in moving forward with you. This gives them a chance to ask for clarification on anything you said. Interviews are weird and sometimes we misspeak. Hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Nadia
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