Interview Tips

I know that a lot of you guys are interviewing right now. While I've only interviewed at a handful of PT schools, here are a few tips from what I've learned.
 (If you have school specific questions about the interview process, leave a comment or email me!)

 What to wear:
  • Guys: wear a nice suit if you have one, otherwise, dress pants, a button up, and a tie work well too. 
    • Make sure you wear dress shoes and that your clothes look clean and pressed.
  • Girls: wear a nice pant suit if you have one! Otherwise, dress pants and a nice cardigan, blouse, or button-up top work well. 
    • Shoes: if you are going to be taking a campus tour, make sure your shoes are comfortable! For my Mayo Clinic interview, we took a campus tour of their entire facility which is HUGE so comfortable shoes were a must!
    • Purse: nothing too flashy! 
    • Modesty: this is very important - not only does this show the interviewers that you understand what "professional" looks like, it also shows that you know how important it is to represent the PT profession well. 
    • Hair: if you have long hair, make sure it is out of your way (it doesn't necessarily mean it has to be tied up) so that you are not fiddling with it during the interview. 
How to prep:
  •  Be prepared to answer the typical questions:
    • Why do you want to go into PT?
    • What makes you stand out from other applicants?
    • What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  • Be prepared to answer scenario questions:
    • If your patient for 4:30 pm, 5 pm, and 5:30 pm all came in at 5 pm, what would you do?
    • If a patient was not complying with treatment, how would you handle it?
  • Be prepared to answer ethical questions:
    • If you saw a classmate cheating, what would you do?
    • Tell me about a time when the choice between right and wrong was not clear
  • Be prepared to write essays!
    • A couple schools require you to do a short essay before/after the interview!
After the interview:
  • It isn't required, but it is nice to send your interviewers a handwritten thank you card thanking them for their time and it helps set you apart from others!
Again, let me know if you have school specific interview questions! Good luck!

10 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    Hi Tina!!

    I have an interview this saturday for samuel merritt. I was wondering if you had any tips or advice on top of what you listed above? Do you remember any questions that they asked you? I know they have two interviews in a day back to back. Appreciate the help!!

    Thanks,
    Jon

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    Replies
    1. tinaFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:49 PM

      Hey Jon,

      For Samuel Merritt, the only question I remember them asking was how I would describe myself in one word/one sentence. One of my interviewers had my application in front of her and asked me a couple questions from there. Their questions weren't that unique so that's probably why I don't remember much! Good luck!

      Best,

      Tina

      Delete
  2. Kathy000February 1, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Hi Tina,

    What is your opinion on a suit & skirt combo? My school's career services recommended me to wear a skirt, as this was more professional. It is a modest length (just at the knee). What do you think?

    -Kathy

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    Replies
    1. tinaFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:48 PM

      Hi Kathy,

      A suit and skirt combo is fine! As long as the slit in the skirt is modest and the skirt is not too tight. Good luck on your interviews!

      Best,

      Tina

      Delete
  3. UnknownFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Hi Tina,
    I have a interview with Western U next Friday. Can you give me some advise and what I need to do to prepare for the interview. Thank you !!!


    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    I think I am one of the last few people they are interviewing. I'm soooooo nervous =(

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    1. tinaFebruary 16, 2013 at 10:19 AM

      Hey!

      You probably know this by now but you do write a timed essay before the interview (it's not hard at all!).

      I would say don't be nervous. One of the reasons I chose to go to WesternU was because during the interview I could really tell they wanted to get to know me. They aren't looking for the smartest or the student with the highest GPA (grades do matter but it's not the only thing). Instead they wanted a class that will get along and class that has PT qualities.

      Beyond what my post suggests, I would just say be yourself. They will have your typical questions on morals, academics, and different scenarios, but they will also try to get to know you. Also, there is a time at the end of your interview to ask questions - ask a couple questions because it shows you're interested in the school. Good luck!

      Best,
      Tina

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 16, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Hi Tina,
    thank you for the advise, and just one more thing. What type of question should I ask them at the end of the interview and do you still remember what the essay is about? I heard is a picture, but i don't know what type of picture..

    Thank you!!
    nan

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    Replies
    1. tinaFebruary 17, 2013 at 12:32 PM

      Hey!

      The picture and prompt changes every year so I wouldn't be able to tell you what to expect - I wouldn't worry too much about it! At the end of the interview feel free to ask any questions about the faculty, program, anything you heard about WesternU and you'll be fine!

      Best,
      Tina

      Delete
  6. UnknownDecember 9, 2020 at 6:50 PM

    Hi Tina,

    I'm interviewing for UCSF/SFSU and Fresno State in January. Do you have any advice? I can't seem to find anything online and these schools are high on my list >_<
    Any advice would be helpful!

    ReplyDelete

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