Interview Day Information

We have put together a few important tips to help you prepare for your interview.

1. Your Zoom name should match the name on your TMDSAS application and be displayed as LastName, FirstName.  This will help us assign you to the correct breakout room for your interview.  
2. Please make sure you are using compatible hardware and software.  TTUHSC School of Medicine will be using breakout rooms for interviews.  Zoom has reported that Chromebook/ChromeOS or Zoom Rooms users are not compatible with breakout rooms.  Interviews are 20 minutes in length.  The break out room feature is timed and interviews will end automatically, after 20 minutes.  We plan to broadcast messages alerting you to this during the interview.  
3. Our interviews will be one-on-one but there may be instances where we will have faculty shadowing each other and there may be more that one faculty member in your interview.  Before your first interview and between interviews you may be placed in a public room with other applicants and interviewers.       
4. Get enough sleep. This is the most important thing you can do before any interview. Sleep deprivation can slow down your cognitive process, making you less sharp and able to answer questions quickly.
5. Eat a nutritious breakfast and/or lunch before your interview. Not eating can impair cognitive function, memory and concentration.
6. Test your technology. Avoid potential technical issues by testing your equipment before the interview. Having a good external webcam and microphone is important as is having a stable internet connection.
7. Keep your virtual identity professional. Make sure that your profile name and picture are professional. In a virtual format, this is your first impression.
8. Dress for success. Dress as though you are in an in-person interview. Wear your best business attire and stick to solid colors that will prevent washing you out under harsh lighting such as rich blues.  Avoid overpowering or flashy accessories. You should be the focus of the interview, not your wardrobe.
9. Create a set. Your backdrop can help determine what to wear for your interview. If possible, sit in front of a blank background so you remain the focal point. Make sure that the space around you is clean and organized. Check your lighting.
10. Make sure you introduce yourself, first and last name.
11. Monitor your body language. You are not going to have the opportunity to give that firm handshake so you must convey confidence with your body language. Sit up straight, smile and keep the camera at eye level. Be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera to make eye contact; especially when responding to questions.
12. Rid yourself of distractions. Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone and close the window to drown out the outside noises. If you are using your cell phone to connect with the interviewer, make sure you do not get any phones calls, as this will disrupt the interview just as notifications will.
13. Avoid interrupting or talking over someone inadvertently.  This is easy to do when connected virtually.  Wait for an extra moment before responding to a question to make sure that the interviewer has completed their sentence.
14. Take your time and get it right. Be prepared. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member to ensure you are comfortable with this format. Have good answers to questions like “Tell me about yourself”. This is not the same as “Why do you want to be a physician”.
15. Be yourself not the person you think the interviewer wants you to be. This interview is going to be a great opportunity for you to speak in a familiar environment (your home). Take advantage of that opportunity and let the interviewer know you. Be authentic.
16. Thank the interviewer for their time and if possible send them an email to say thank you. This email will allow you to remind the interviewer of who you are.
17. If you have any technical problems please contact our office at SOMADM@ttuhsc.edu. 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine is hosting all Interview Day Activities virtually this application cycle.  Due to the nature of virtual interviews, we want to make you aware of the expectations the School of Medicine has of you, should you choose to participate.

1. A virtual interview with TTUHSC School of Medicine will take the place of an in-person interview.  By scheduling an interview date with TTUHSC School of Medicine, I am confirming that I have read, understand and agree to comply with these expectations as a condition of my participation in the Interview Day as an Interviewee.
   
   
2. The information I receive during the Interview Day is confidential and should be treated as such. I will not make any complete or partial digital copies of any presentation or interview or any other information presented to me during the Interview Day. This includes but is not limited to screen shots, screen recordings, taking photos of the screen, etc.
   
   
3. As an Interviewee, I understand that TTUHSC may use any portion of the Interview Day Activities for training, quality improvement, marketing and or promotional purposes.

TTUHSC School of Medicine is committed to making this Interview Day experience a positive one for all Interviewees.  You will have an opportunity to share feedback through a post Interview Day survey.  However, you will also have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to notify the Admissions Office at TTUHSC School of Medicine with any questions, concerns or problems that may arise during the Interview Day.

 

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