In part 1 of this series, I invited you to grade example responses to five of the most common interview questions:
If you haven’t read part 1, I highly recommend checking it out and practicing the skills you learned through the interactive interview tool at the end!
I think there’s a lot to learn from the exercise of seeing/hearing other people’s interview answers–stepping into the position of judge and jury–to help improve your own performance.
But five questions isn’t comprehensive enough to feel fully prepared, so in part 2, I’m back to guide you through five more common interview questions, invite you to grade them, and then provide tips for how to make them better.
And similar to part 1, at the end, I’ll invite you to record a quick interview yourself to test what you’ve learned.
Context: Family Medicine Residency Position
Hypothetical Response (Paraphrased from video):
“I think my biggest strengths are being a good communicator and a fast learner. In my medical school, I've always been quick to grasp new concepts, and I've received compliments from my peers and professors on my ability to explain complex medical topics in an understandable way. I believe these skills will serve me well in any medical setting.”
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Lack of specificity/memorability ☐ Poor eye contact ☐ Verbal tics ☐ Unprofessional ☐ Cliché
☐ No real-world application ☐ Generic
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
An Improved Answer:
"In my journey through medical school, I've discovered that my greatest strengths are my empathetic communication and adaptability, particularly in patient interactions. During my rotations, especially in pediatrics and geriatrics, I've honed my ability to connect with patients across the lifespan. For instance, in a challenging case involving a hesitant pediatric patient, I utilized my communication skills to build trust, enabling a successful treatment plan. Additionally, my adaptability was evident during my rural medicine rotation, where resources were limited. There, I quickly learned to make accurate diagnoses with minimal investigations, a skill crucial for family medicine."
Why This Answer Works:
Context: Nursing School Candidate
Hypothetical Response (paraphrased from video):
"In one of my undergraduate courses, I received critical feedback on a group project. The professor pointed out that our project lacked depth in research. I was surprised because I thought we had done enough. Eventually, we just added more sources to satisfy the requirements."
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Lack of personal reflection ☐ Overly defensive ☐ Too informal
☐ Verbal tics ☐ Too short ☐ Poor pacing
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
An Improved Answer:
"During my clinical placement at a local hospital, I was tasked with creating a patient education plan. After presenting it to my supervisor, I received feedback that while my plan was well-structured, it lacked considerations for patients' varying literacy levels. Initially, I was disheartened as I had put considerable effort into it. However, I realized this feedback was crucial for my development as a nursing professional. To address this, I took the initiative to research effective communication strategies for patients with different literacy skills. I also consulted with a senior nurse who specialized in patient education and revised my plan incorporating visual aids and simpler language. This experience was transformative; it taught me the importance of empathy and tailored communication in patient care. It also highlighted the value of constructive feedback in honing my professional skills. As a result, I've become more receptive to feedback, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement in my nursing practice."
Why This Answer Works:
Context: Engineering Graduate School Program
Hypothetical Response (paraphrased from video):
"In the future, I see myself working in various areas of engineering to gain a wide range of experiences. I'm particularly interested in exploring different roles and industries to find my niche. I believe this graduate program can provide me with the foundational skills to pursue a diverse engineering career."
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Lack of personal reflection ☐ Verbal tics ☐ Generic ☐ Unconfident
☐ Lack of specificity ☐ Too short
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
Improved Answer:
"My vision for my engineering career is deeply rooted in contributing to sustainable energy solutions. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering from my undergraduate studies, I aim to specialize in renewable energy systems in graduate school. This program's cutting-edge research in solar energy aligns perfectly with my interests. Post-graduation, I aspire to join an innovative company focused on developing efficient solar technologies, where I can apply my knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. Eventually, I aim to lead a research and development team, contributing to breakthroughs in sustainable energy. My ultimate goal is to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future through engineering innovation."
Why This Answer Works:
Context: Marketing Internship Application
Hypothetical Response (paraphrased from video):
"I believe my diverse experiences and perspectives will be beneficial to your team. Having traveled extensively and lived in different countries, I've been exposed to various cultures and ways of thinking. I'm confident that this background will help me bring new ideas and insights to your marketing projects."
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Lack of reflection ☐ Verbal tics ☐ Overly generalized ☐ Poor eye contact ☐ Lack of specificity
☐ Lack of unique or diverse qualities
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
Improved Answer:
"My background as a first-generation immigrant has profoundly shaped my understanding of cultural nuances and consumer behavior. Having lived in three countries, I've developed a unique perspective on how cultural contexts influence marketing strategies. For instance, during a summer internship at a multinational company, I was part of a team that developed a successful marketing campaign targeting diverse demographics. We utilized my insights on cultural sensitivities, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement from previously underrepresented groups. Additionally, my bilingual skills in English and Mandarin have enabled me to effectively communicate with a broader audience. I'm excited about the prospect of bringing these experiences to your marketing team, contributing to campaigns that resonate with diverse consumers and expand your brand's global reach."
Why This Answer Works:
Context: Physician Assistant Graduate School Application
Hypothetical Response:
"In my previous job, I faced a conflict with a co-worker regarding a patient's care plan. We had different opinions, but after discussing it with our supervisor, we were able to come to a compromise that worked for both of us."
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Overly generalized ☐ Verbal tics ☐ Fidgety body language ☐ Passive response to problem
☐ Irrelevant ☐ Poor pacing
What’s Missing in This Response:
An Improved Answer:
"During my tenure as a medical assistant, I encountered a significant conflict with a colleague about a patient's treatment approach. We had diverging views; I believed a conservative approach was appropriate, while my colleague advocated for a more aggressive treatment. Recognizing the importance of resolving this conflict for the patient's welfare, I initiated a joint meeting with our supervising physician. We presented our respective viewpoints, backed by evidence from recent medical research and our own clinical experiences. Through this collaborative discussion, we developed a hybrid treatment plan that incorporated elements from both approaches, ultimately benefiting the patient. This experience was a profound learning opportunity for me. It highlighted the importance of open communication, evidence-based decision-making, and the value of diverse perspectives in patient care. As a future physician assistant, I am committed to maintaining this collaborative approach, ensuring patient-centered care remains at the forefront of my practice."
Why This Answer Works:
I hope this exercise in developing before-and-after pictures of common questions will help you develop strong, personalized answers for your own interviews.
Here’s a quick checklist of what makes a quality interview answer, broken down into both content and delivery:
Our seasoned interview coaches at Passport Admissions have decades of experience working with students of every discipline and aspiration, so don’t hesitate to book a free introductory meeting to see how we can help you crush your interviews.
Want to test what you’ve learned from this interview? Take our Free Mock Interview #2, where you can practice giving your answers and record yourself to watch it back and do a self-evaluation.
P.S. Join us for the HEAL Clinical Reasoning Symposium during Winter Recess 2023. You’ll gain 42 shadowing hours, meet MDs, and receive a certificate of completion.
For over 11 years, Ryan Kelly has guided hundreds of students towards acceptance into top colleges and graduate schools, with an emphasis on standing out while also staying true to themselves. Read more about Ryan here. Or book a free intro meeting with him here
Gabe is a creative and curious theater graduate from Notre Dame. He enjoys resolving challenging problems, calculating data in spreadsheets, and working on DIY projects. Contact him for Financial aid expertise.
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