Some of you may never have given an interview before, and the idea along may seem really scary and daunting. Although with the right preparation, and a boost in confidence, they are actually a lot more enjoyable then they may seem! Once I got the hang of the interview process, I actually found myself enjoying them, more and more! Here are a few things which you should avoid in order to improve your chances of giving a successful medical interview.

Not researching the University

Turning up for your interview without having done the research on the University if a recipe for disaster. Most university interviews always have a question which goes along the lines of “So, what made you apply to… University?”, and here is a really good opportunity to show the interviewer how much you like their university and their city, and why! Most of the interviewers will be associated with the University, and they will be proud of that, and they will want their prospective students to be just as proud and excited about the university, as they are. For this it is useful to research which style of teaching is available at this particular school, if there is any sporting/art/music that this school offers in particular that you would enjoy and like to take part in, and I would also look into the city in which the University is in, and have something positive to say about that too, if need be.

Being unaware of current health topics

A common theme in both panel and MMI interviews is asking about any current health issues. A good example would be the current corona virus, for which we have another blog, be sure to check it out! But the truth is there are always issues that crop up around us, and that also goes for the NHS. There will always be some ongoing controversies which you should be aware of. The key to this is not jumping to a conclusion, or giving your opinion straight away, you should try to critically analyse the topic, think from the prospective of the four pillars of ethics, and then briefly give an opinion at the end, to show the interviewer that you have fully understood the topic.

Not using examples

This links with knowing your personal statement inside out. The interviewer may or may not have read your personal statement prior to speaking with you, and therefore in giving your answers (where appropriate), you should always give personal examples. It’s all well and good you saying that you have great communication, and can work well in a team, but how did you gain those skills? Always backing your answers with appropriate examples will not only strengthen your point, but will also make you more memorable to the interviewer, who at the end of the day will decide whether or not to give you a place at their medical school.