{"id":30602,"date":"2015-09-20T13:26:09","date_gmt":"2015-09-20T20:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=30602"},"modified":"2016-07-27T16:03:05","modified_gmt":"2016-07-27T23:03:05","slug":"the-art-of-interviewing-are-you-a-can-or-a-cannot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/the-art-of-interviewing-are-you-a-can-or-a-cannot\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art Of Interviewing—Are You A \u201cCan\u201d Or A \u201cCannot\u201d?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Check<\/a>\u201cI am doomed\u2026. This is a disaster\u2026.I really never expected this\u2026 What am I going to do?\u201d This from Daniel, a prospective PH.D<\/a> student. \u00a0I couldn\u2019t imagine what had happened to cause such a negative response, especially as Daniel is a very strong candidate with impeccable credentials. \u00a0My shock was further compounded when he went on to tell me that he had been invited to sit for an interview. Okay, now I was completely confused especially in light of the fact that this type of invitation is usually cause for celebration. \u00a0It means that the academic committee is giving serious consideration to your application and wants to know more about you. \u00a0\u00a0I couldn\u2019t help but ask, \u201cAnd this is a disaster because? What am I missing here? Talk to me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Wow! The floodgates opened. \u00a0He said, \u201cYou don\u2019t understand\u2026 You don\u2019t get it! I am no good at interviews. In fact I \u201cchoke\u201d even on simple job interviews. This is not good. \u00a0I thought I could bypass this requirement. Now what do I do?\" \u00a0I told him that I could teach him how to master the art of interviewing. He dismissed my offer by saying, \u201cYou can\u2019t teach someone interviewing skills. It is something you can do or cannot. I am one of the cannots.\u201d I shocked him into silence when I informed him gently and respectfully that I actually teach the art of interviewing in my Introduction to Communication class. \u00a0I said, \u201cI can take you from a \u201ccannot\u201d to a \u201ccan.\u201d \u00a0I promised to develop an Interview Preparation plan for him and we scheduled a follow-up meeting. <\/span><\/p>\n

I decided to \u201cborrow\u201d some of the interview techniques I use in the communication classes that I teach and in the professional workshops that I offer. \u00a0I was planning to use the \u201cThree Plus One Strategy,\u201d as I have coined it, involved in the Art of Interviewing.<\/span><\/p>\n

At our next meeting I told Daniel that I had developed a \u201cThree Plus One Strategy\u201d that would thoroughly prepare him for the PH.D interview(s). \u00a0The \u201cThree Plus One\u201d is composed of: The Pre-Interview Stage, the Interview Stage, the Post-Interview Stage and the Plus One which is the Mock\/Practice Interview Stage. \u00a0The plan includes review and discussion of the bulleted items in each of the first three stages and then application of lessons learned in the Mock Interview stage. Upon completion of the Mock Interview, Daniel would receive verbal feedback as well as a comprehensive written assessment of his performance. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how we did it:<\/span><\/p>\n

STAGE 1 --- Pre-Interview <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Research all of web pages and any readily available print materials related to the University, Program, and faculty. You need to be prepared, during the interview, to show your full knowledge of the special features offered: size of University and your program, national and\/or international rankings, accreditations, TA offerings, scholarships, interdisciplinary opportunities, faculty research, scholarly conferences and publications etc. You may want to reference some of this when you are answering interview questions. Remember you should avoid asking questions that might reveal to the committee that you did not take the time and effort to appropriately research the materials available.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Compile a list\/script of questions that you believe may be asked during the interview and create talking points for your answers. \u00a0However do not write out the answers word for word as you want to sound spontaneous and natural rather than scripted and memorized. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Carefully consider what you wear to the interview. \u00a0How we package ourselves impacts how we are perceived by others and effects how we feel about ourselves. \u00a0Choose attire that empowers and emphasizes your confidence and credibility. \u00a0This may vary depending on the program for which you are being interviewed. \u00a0For example, for business programs you may choose to look \u201ccorporate\u201d and for MFA programs you may choose attire that represents your creative and artistic nature. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Conduct a real or virtual dry run in terms of travel to the interview. If possible allow for traffic and other delays by planning to arrive, at least, \u00bd hour earlier than scheduled. \u00a0\u00a0This will allow you time to get a feel for the campus and, perhaps, even reference it during your interview. \u00a0It may also serve as an additional talking point or question. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Practice some positive self-talk and visualization which you can then re-visit before the actual interview begins. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Practice some deep diaphragmatic breathing and muscle relaxing exercises to use before the start of the interview. Deep cleansing breaths really work. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Although you may not be asked for it, bring multiple copies of your CV\/resume<\/a> in case they are requested by committee members. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Review the Statement of Purpose that you submitted with your application to this school in case you are questioned on part or parts of it by individual committee members. You may even choose to reference and\/or update something that you included in your Statement. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Make sure that you perceive this experience as a wonderful opportunity to present yourself in person rather than an obstacle or challenge. A positive mindset is critical to your success. <\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 2 --- The Interview <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Keep in mind that the evaluation of you as a candidate begins the minute you step on campus. You would probably be surprised by how often I have heard members of the academic committee question the department secretary, receptionist and\/or current students to get a completely different perspective on a particular candidate. \u00a0This is a very common practice in job interviews as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Before you enter the interview area use some power-inducing nonverbal gestures to increase your confidence level. \u00a0I suggest you visit TED.com and view Amy Cuddy\u2019s video<\/a> on the power of nonverbal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Avoid one word answers even if the interviewer uses a close-ended question. Utilize the techniques of behavioral interviewing by providing specific examples or short narratives to exhibit your strengths. \u00a0For example: \u00a0if you are asked, \u201cDo you consider yourself a thorough researcher?\u201d, don\u2019t just say \u201cyes I do\u201d but refer to what you have accomplished that clearly exhibits how thorough you are as a researcher. Telling stories may well set you apart from other candidates and make you far more memorable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Effective eye contact is critical in interviewing. \u00a0If you are being interviewed by committee make sure that you make eye contact with each and every committee member. Eye contact will positively reinforce your passion, sincerity and willingness to engage in academic discourse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Monitor your posture and movement. Sit up straight and lean in ever so slightly as this will exhibit that you are fully engaged and deeply interested in the interview. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Avoid wringing your hands, tapping your feet, or crossing and uncrossing your legs. This will draw negative attention to your actions rather than to all of the wonderful things you would like to share. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Speak at a moderate rate and volume. \u00a0The last thing you want is to make the interviewer uncomfortable with either a \u201ctoo loud\u201d voice, a \u201cwhisper soft voice\u201d, or a \u201crapid fire\u201d rate of speech.\u201d \u00a0Make every attempt to minimize anything that might disturb or distort the message.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 It is more than okay to share your passion for the field of study and smile when appropriate. A pleasant manner and engaging personality always make a candidate more memorable. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Ask thought-provoking questions<\/a> based on your research interests and the program offerings. Never ask a question that has an answer that is readily available online. It will send a very negative message (see note in The Pre-Interview Stage, bullet #1). However, you can use the information from your web research as a point of departure. For Example\u2014\u201cI noted on your webpage that you host several professional conferences on campus. Are graduate students encouraged to participate and\/or present papers? If so, I would love to be involved. I participated in _______ conference as an undergraduate and it was a valuable experience.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Speak in your own voice<\/a>, from your heart\u2014your sincerity, honesty, and authenticity will shine through. <\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 3 --- Post-Interview <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Make sure that you write the names and contact information for each interviewer for follow-up thank-you notes. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Personalize each note so that it is clear that you really remember the interviewer by referencing something specific from the interview. Interviewers often compare notes so it wouldn\u2019t serve you to write the exact same note to each interviewer. \u00a0Make it personal. For example--- \u201cI really enjoyed our conversation about________ \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Conduct a thorough self-assessment of your performance on the interview. Ask yourself specific questions and offer yourself constructive criticism, positive feedback and suggestions for future interviews. Questions might include: What did I do well? \u00a0How did I handle challenging questions? Which responses appeared to be received most positively? Why? \u00a0What made those answers stand out over all others? In what way or ways might I improve? \u00a0Be honest but don\u2019t \u201cbeat yourself up.\u201d Learn from the experience. \u00a0On a personal note\u2014even after over 30 years as a public speaker and professor of public speaking I still, after every speech, evaluate and take notes for improvement on my next speech. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus One --- The Mock Interview <\/strong><\/p>\n

After Daniel and I worked through each of the first 3 stages, I strongly suggested that he prepare to be interviewed by me. \u00a0He was a little nervous but also very excited to try out many of the strategies and techniques that we had reviewed. We scheduled the mock interview for the following week so that he could fully prepare himself. \u00a0I was pleased that \u201cMr. Cannot\u201d was slowly turning into \u201cMr. Can.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I interviewed Daniel for about 1 hour. It was just okay at the start. \u00a0He appeared a little uncomfortable and somewhat anxious. It changed dramatically as soon as Daniel began to implement some of the techniques that we covered in the \u201cThree Plus One Plan.\u201d From that point on his confidence level increased\u2014he sat up straight, made wonderful eye contact, and even shared a memorable story about one of his research experiences. It was engaging, humorous, and spotlighted his passion for the field. <\/span><\/p>\n

Wow what a difference! \u00a0My positive response to the story further encouraged him. His guard came down, and as such, he delivered an excellent interview. \u00a0I even asked him a closed ended question to see how he would handle it. \u00a0His answer was to tell me a story that was not only interesting but showed me who he was. \u00a0He also posed some exceptionally thoughtful questions about research opportunities with individual faculty members. When we were done he asked me how he did. I threw it right back at him, \u201cHow do you think you did?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

He laughed out loud and said, \u201cIt\u2019s a first. I actually enjoyed the interview. Who knew that with the right preparation and mind set I could become one of the \u201ccans\u201d? \u00a0I told him that I would follow-up with a comprehensive written review which would include a few constructive suggestions for him. He promised to compare it with his self-assessment. \u00a0He thanked me and said that he was now looking forward to his \u201creal\u201d interview and that he would stay in touch. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I imagine you might like to know what happened on the \u201creal\u201d interview. \u00a0Daniel probably said it best\u2014\u201cDisaster averted. Huge success.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"LIke<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Carol<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By\u00a0Carol Drummer<\/a>, <\/em>Former\u00a0<\/em>Hofstra University\u00a0<\/em>Dean of Graduate Admissions, who for 10 years reviewed and signed off on over 4500 admissions decisions per year and has taught communications and rhetoric since 1991.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Interview Tip: Prepare Questions<\/a>
\n\u2022 How to Ace Your MBA Interview<\/a>
\n\u2022\u00a0The Ultimate Guide to Medical School Interview Success<\/a><\/p>\n

This article\u00a0<\/a>originally appeared on\u00a0<\/em>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Accepted.com<\/a>'s\u00a0<\/em>experienced admissions consultants<\/a>\u00a0can help you create the most impressive application possible with\u00a0<\/em>comprehensive packages<\/a>,<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>or provide targeted assistance from\u00a0<\/em>picking perfect programs<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0<\/em>designing a dazzling resume<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>constructing engaging essays<\/a>, or\u00a0<\/em>preparing for intense interview<\/a>s<\/a>\u2026and more!\u00a0<\/em>Accepted.com<\/a>\u00a0has guided thousands of applicants to acceptances at top programs since 1994 \u2013 we know what works and what doesn't, so\u00a0<\/em>contact us<\/a>\u00a0to get started now!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cI am doomed\u2026. This is a disaster\u2026.I really never expected this\u2026 What am I going to do?\u201d This from Daniel, a prospective PH.D student. \u00a0I couldn\u2019t imagine what had happened…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,939,775,113,243],"tags":[1806,178,1272,124,1691],"class_list":["post-30602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mba","category-accepted","category-admission-consultants","category-applications","category-blog","tag-admissions-interviews","tag-business-school-interview","tag-business-school-interviews","tag-mba-interview","tag-mba-interview-help","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30602"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30602\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30605,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30602\/revisions\/30605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}