If you’re a final year medical student, you’re about to embark on one of the most important video interviews of your career. With just 15 minutes to shine, and no chance to re-record your responses, are you ready for your close up?
Never fear – we’ve got your back. Read on for advice and tips from the DPM People & Development team.
Interview preparation truly is key. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can’t prepare because the questions aren’t being shared prior to the interview. Here’s six things you can do in advance that will set you up for success:
Get used to talking about yourself
Many of us struggle with interviews because of how incredibly uncomfortable it feels to talk about ourselves. In your own head, explaining why you’re the perfect intern might sound like boasting, but it’s critical to get this point across. If you don’t sound confident and sure of your own strengths and achievements, no assessor is going to feel confident about taking a chance on you. The best way to overcome this uncomfortable feeling is to practise saying out loud how awesome you are.
You got this far for a reason – don’t sell yourself short.
Prepare your hardware
The 2022 Intern Match video interviews can be conducted via computer or mobile phone. You will need to decide which one is best for you. Consider also whether you’ll be wearing headphones or using loudspeaker – both are fine as long as the audio quality is good. Don’t forget to check your wifi strength – perhaps using your mobile data network is more suitable if you have three housemates all using the same wifi? We recommend testing both your phone and computer’s webcam and microphone before making a final choice – you might decide that the picture quality is far superior on one of your devices and then the decision is simple.
Prepare your backup hardware
Sometimes technology works perfectly when you need it to. Sometimes you drop your phone, smashing the screen beyond repair, moments before you were going to record a critical video interview. Best to prepare for either scenario and acquire a back up device for the actual day.
Get savvy with the software
Now is the time to download the Sonru app on your mobile (and onto your back up mobile device). If using a computer, get onto the website and familiarise yourself with how the platform works. Watch all the handy demonstration video content that you can. When you receive your practice link, make sure you dedicate some time to testing it out. It’s your best bet to rule out any issues with your technology compatibility, your plug in for Adobe Flash Player and internet connection. You will feel much more confident knowing that it should all work smoothly on the actual day. Plus, if there are any technology hiccups, you’ve got a few days to escalate them and get a solution figured out before the big day.
Put together your outfit for the day
When your main footwear has been slippers for weeks on end, it’s easy to forget what professional attire looks like. Why not give yourself one less thing to stress about on the day and make sure your outfit is set aside, ironed and ready to go? As with every interview, steer well clear of revealing necklines and scruffy looking clothes. We recommend dressing in full corporate/business acceptable attire for your video interview – and not just from the waist up. Wear what you would have worn to the interview if it had been conducted face to face. You won’t have to worry about what’s visible to the camera and you’ll be amazed how your mindset shifts to interview mode when you’re dressed the part from head to toe.
Practice makes perfect
When you receive your practice interview link, you should have approximately one week to attempt recording the practice interview questions. Take these practice questions seriously and have a go at completing them all properly. There’s no harm in doing the practice interview multiple times, in fact we’d recommend it. You’ll have a chance to watch back your answers and improve on the little things. You’ll notice if your background looks messy or too dark, and the best way to hold your phone or tilt your head. We find it most flattering when your phone or webcam is positioned slightly above eye level – it forces your posture to be a little straighter and your eyes to appear slightly more awake. Engage your assessors by looking directly into the camera lens – it’s the video equivalent for making eye contact. Sometimes it’s the little things that can be practised and perfected which may set your video interview apart.
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Disclaimer: * The information contained in this site is general and is not intended to serve as advice. DPM Financial Services Group recommends you obtain advice concerning specific matters before making a decision.
