Dentistry interviews can be notoriously difficult. Luckily, that’s why I’m here to help make the Dentistry interview process a little bit easier! The following blog has information on the top 5 things interviewers hate, and how you can avoid them.
1. Dishonesty During the Dentistry Interview
A large part of studying Dentistry relies on students being honest. This is due to the fact that students treat patients throughout their degree. Therefore, interviewers want to select candidates that they can trust to treat patients. Dishonesty can occur in my forms during an interview. For example, you might exaggerate the amount of work experience you have done or your skills in a certain area. It is likely that the interviewer will pick up on this and it will hinder your performance. Interviewers may also ask further questions about something you have mentioned so it’s best to stick to what you know. Whoever is interviewing you will respect the fact that you are honest about your weaknesses and shortcomings.
2. Candidates That Rely on Clichés
When asked “so why do you want to study Dentistry?” the number of students who answer with “I enjoy science and I want to help people” in some form, is staggering. If this is truly the reason that you want to study Dentistry try to think of a way to add some of your personal experiences to your answer. For example, you could say that working in a care home helped you to realise that you enjoy helping others and making a difference. Try not to over rehearse your answer and keep it natural but to the point. Interviewers will appreciate discovering more about your personality and the fact that you have thought deeply about a career in Dentistry.
3. Those Who Attend Dentistry Interviews without Reflecting on Their Experiences
It is highly likely that interviewers will ask you what you have learnt through your work experience or if they do not ask you directly they will expect you to speak about this in your answers to other questions. A huge downfall of many students is that they speak about only what they see during their work experience. Whilst this shows some level of understanding interviewers are looking for further reflection on the experience. Reflection can come in many forms. It involves looking back on your experiences to understand what you have learnt and how this has impacted your thoughts about Dentistry as a career. A good way to do this is by using the free online personal portfolio. Make sure that you reflect on your skills, extracurricular hobbies and experiences as well.
4. Interviewees that Come Across Overly Positive or Arrogant
Some students make the mistake of being overly positive about Dentistry as a career or suggesting that they have no flaws. Interviewers are likely to see through this and will see it as a lack of understanding or reflection. Whilst it is understandable that you want to put your best side across at interview don’t be afraid to admit areas that struggle with or concepts within Dentistry that you don’t find appealing. For example, an interviewer might as you “how do you deal with stress?”. A poor answer in this case would be suggesting that you never feel stress, whereas a more thought-out answer would reflect on a time that you have felt stressed and how you dealt with it. After stating a negative, try to outweigh it with a positive. For example, looking a Dentistry as a career you might say that it is very challenging but you can add that you feel you have the commitment required to overcome this.
5. People who Communicate Poorly and are Unable to Build Rapport
Interviewers are looking out for candidates that they feel have the traits required of a dentist. One of the skills required is good levels of communication. Dentists have to build relationships with their patients, work colleagues and other experts in the profession. Often at interview candidates are very nervous. Interviewers are expecting this and are not looking for someone who is perfect. However, they are looking for someone who is personable and can get their point across clearly. To achieve this, avoid waffling in your answers. Try to be concise and don’t be afraid to have a discussion with the interviewer. Interviewers hate to see candidates that find it hard to put their point across, fidget during the interview or struggle to maintain eye contact.
I hope you take my advice on board; stay tuned for more Dentistry blogs!
Uploaded by Joelle on 27th January 2016
