Interviews

• All costs incurred for the interview are at the applicant's expense, so plan and budget accordingly!
• Know why you chose this career: Have a specific experience or set of experiences to talk about that made you want to pursue the chosen path.
• Research the school/program.
  • Know the school’s mission and vision.
  • Be able to answer how you fit the school and how it fits you.
• Be ready to ask the interviewer a few questions at the end.
  • Cater the questions to the interviewer:
    • Faculty (ex. How are research opportunities incorporated into the curriculum?)
    • Current Student (ex. Why did you choose to apply to this institution?)
• Think about what you are going to say.
  • Be ready to answer any questions the admissions committee may have about your application (e.g. low GPA or entrance exam score).
  • Be ready for scenario-based questions, as it is a way for interviewers to learn more about you, your ethics, decision-making style, critical thinking skills, and motivation level.
• Plan ahead for transportation, room, and board, parking, etc.
• Visit the campus and find the interview location.
• Complete mock interviews. The following offices provide these by appointment:
  • Mānoa Career Center: ONLY for UHM students and recent alumni.
  • Pre-Health Career Corps: ONLY for pre-health applicants.
  • PAC: Preferably two weeks before the first actual interview.
• Plan an appropriate outfit.
  • Dress comfortably and conservatively. If wearing a suit, do not take off the jacket during the interview.
  • Keep nails and makeup professional.
  • Maintain proper personal hygiene.
  • Do not wear strong perfume/cologne as the smell may be distracting.
  • Dress as formally as the other interviewees.
  • Remember: You want to be remembered for what you said, not what you wore.

• Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• Be polite to everyone with whom you have contact, including fellow interviewees!
• Thank the interviewers at the beginning and end of the interviews for meeting with you.
• Make sure your answers sound genuine, not rehearsed!
• Ask the interviewer(s) questions at the end if appropriate.
• Try to relax!

• Send emails or handwritten thank you cards to your interviewers as soon after the interviews as possible!
• Review the interview and consider what went well and what you need to improve upon.
• Have more mock interviews to work on these areas of improvement if needed.

• During group interviews, avoid providing the same answer as other interviewees.
  • Even if your response was taken, come up with a unique answer or add something extra.
• Each interaction counts! Ensure that your phone message prompt (should they call and leave you a message), email address, and phone & email etiquette are professional.
• Keep your social media profiles professional (in case interviewers decide to “google” you).
• Do not bring your phone or large bulky bags or purses to the interview, if anything just bring a padfolio.
  

Field- and School-Specific Interview Information and Sample Questions