Interviewing for Pharmacy Pre-Pharmacy Club Meeting February 23, 2005 Kathie Peterson, M.S. Health Careers Center University of Minnesota

Great news! You’ve been invited for an interview! What does this mean??

Why do pharmacy schools interview applicants? Critical part of the admissions process Face-to-face contact with applicants Learn about your understanding of and commitment to the profession of pharmacy Assess your communication skills Evaluate your ability to interact well with others

Who gets selected to interview? It’s good news to be selected! Schools vary on selection policies Highly qualified applicants, based on admissions criteria Looking for a match with their program

The Interview Day Interviewing at the University of Minnesota: Half-day experience: Welcome from the dean Interview (approx 40 minutes) Writing exercise (30 minutes) Student panel Tour

When do interviews occur? U of M has 4 interview days Interview dates randomly assigned Who will the interviewer be? Member of the pharmacy faculty

Interview Structure Typically about 40 minutes Individualized questions Standardized set of questions reflecting admissions criteria Questions based on your application materials

What will the interviewer know about me? List of schools attended (degree, major, etc.) List of post-secondary experiences Your goal statement What they do not have: Your transcripts or GPA PCAT score Supplemental essays Letters of recommendation

Preparing for the Interview Thoroughly review your application Review institutional information on the web (e.g. U of M curricular emphasis on pharmaceutical care) Familiarize yourself with interview protocol and strategies Practice responses to likely questions Scope out a route to interview – know where you’re going and how you’ll get there and park!

The Interview Day Arrive on time. Early is good! Dress up – business casual Pay close attention to information given Interact with others during the day Relax and be yourself Be confident, but not overly so Check in admissions office to be sure application is complete Update file if necessary

Interview Questions General questions – to help you relax and to get to know you Specific questions – related to application materials Give examples of…… Will they be personal? (Probably) Think about what is important for admissions committee to know about you! Some sample questions

Your Responses Be honest and genuine Concise Interject information as appropriate Give examples Be ready to discuss important issues in pharmacy Share strong feelings as appropriate, but don’t try to convince or sway Take time to reflect as necessary

Your Questions Questions based on information on the website Feel free to question professional students about their experiences (outside the interview) What is important to you in making your decision about a school to attend? Don’t ask about the interview/application process

What Happens Next? Send thank you note to interviewer Interview report is written and placed in your file Admissions committee meets to review your entire file You will receive a letter of admission, rejection, or placement on wait list (notification early – mid April

But what if….. Interview was “too short” Interviewer did all the talking You were asked an inappropriate question You didn’t relate well to interviewer You just had a really bad day and didn’t interview well

More Information Check with your college career center for interviewing tips and practice interviewing experience Hear what pharmacy applicants have to say about their interview experiences at: