Answering generic interview questions (clinical psych)

[absolutelynott]

Hi all, in preparing for interviews, I find I’m struggling the most to come up with answers to the more generic/broad questions that are typically asked. For example, when prompted with “Tell me about yourself”, what is the appropriate course of action? Do you talk about your academic/research history? Do you mention hobbies/personal stuff? What are they looking for? I get so overwhelmed with these extremely broad questions and start rambling with the hopes that I’m saying the right thing, and my lack of confidence shows. I also fear not sounding unique. Any advice would be appreciated!!

[iam_sunshine]

I had the exact same question although I am not applying to clinical programs. Right now I am drafting my self-introduction and I basically just plan on talking about my experience (research, volunteering). It is because I was told this should be a mini recap of your CV + personal statement! Not sure about the hobbies part, hope someone else can shed some light on this!

[Vanilla Bean]

12 minutes ago, iam_sunshine said:

I had the exact same question although I am not applying to clinical programs. Right now I am drafting my self-introduction and I basically just plan on talking about my experience (research, volunteering). It is because I was told this should be a mini recap of your CV + personal statement! Not sure about the hobbies part, hope someone else can shed some light on this!

Same! I just do a mini summary of what my CV and personal statement say. But I have always wondered this as well and whether they would like to hear more about me as a person or not. 

[Modulus]

I think what I plan to do is do a quick CV recap as everyone says, but maybe with a little personal flavor fact at the end? Sort of a "And when I'm not doing all that, I like to..."

I think it could help to show that you're not a research robot. (But you have to suss out the interviewer and program to see if this approach makes sense.)

[andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel]

In undergrad we called this the elevator pitch. As in, "I just ran into an influential person in the elevator and have until we reach their floor to sell myself" 

 

You've got two minutes to give a summary of your background, your interests, and your hobbies. 

[PsyZei]

For the “Tell me about yourself” elevator talk I've been planning to, as others say, do a basic CV recap- but include what about me personally as an individual geared me towards those CV milestones. Example: I finished undergrad in 2 years and 3 months... because I was a nontraditional student and knew exactly what I wanted to do so was very motivated to get through undergrad to get to grad school. I pitched and worked with administration to create such and such program at my internship, because I'm part of that minority group and realized that resources for that minority group were extremely lacking in the local area. Etc... I'm focused on my professional/academic highlights, but discussing them in a way that also explains or at least alludes to who I am as a person.

[Cascadia]

For those who have been to Open House type interviews, what sort of preparation did you do? I plan to be really familiar with my POI's current lab projects. However, I like to be extra prepared for things, so I was going to read up on everyone in the psych department (the department is relatively small) to have an idea of what everyone does. When talking to faculty I want to be able to hold a conversation and discuss their current research.

Anything else you did to prepare? Or any tips for this kind of interview? I will be meeting all psych faculty and grad students and there will be a social event as well.

[mcgonagal]

I typically do the "CV review" but make it a narrative and more personal - like why I chose to go that route or what skills I learned in a position and why that pushed me to where I am now.