Interview Tips from 1st Year Genetic Counseling Students

Interview season is right around the corner for most programs, which can make many applicants nervous. Here is some advice from the Class of 2017 to help you prepare:

• Look up info about the program, university, rotation sites, and if possible, the interviewers. This will increase your confidence going into the interview and also provide more in-depth conversation topics or questions.

• Ask questions! You don’t want to leave an interview before your allotted time is up. You can ask about the interviewer's opinions, interests, or the field in general. It stimulates conversation and that’s what you want. Let your interests and intellect shine through the questions you ask.

• Do some research before your interview to find out what makes the program unique and why it is a school you would consider attending. Make sure you are clear in your interview that you know why you might want this program over others. 

• You’ve probably heard this from everyone, but really do try to be yourself.  You want the interviewers to at least get a glimpse of your personality so that they can determine whether or not you’ll be a good fit.  You’re going to be in school for 2 years, so you want to make sure it will be somewhere with people whose personalities and values really mesh with yours.

• Practice! You can’t guess all the questions that might be asked, but you know some of them. You’ll be a lot more natural and relaxed if you practice how you phrase things out loud before you get to the interview!

• I made a list of all the questions I wanted to ask. If they were not addressed during the group sessions, I made sure to ask them in the one-on-one sessions of interviews. 

• Be yourself. You want the program that best fits you personally. The only way to judge that is to remain as close to yourself as possible. Obviously, stay professional, and nerves are normal.

• Don't forget that you're a critic too. The program has to fit all of your needs. Ask questions. Make sure you're comfortable. 

• Remember genetic counselors are welcoming by nature - there's nothing to be afraid of!

We wish you the best of luck in all of your interviews!

Class of 2017