Interview Advice 2008

**-Petrie-** · 08-11-2007, 06:46 PM

Hello!

I've got an interview at Sheffield later this month, and was wondering if any past applicants/current students could help out and give some advice to me and other people who will have interview at Sheffield? I know there's a (very helpful!) thread about interview questions, but I was wondering if there was anything specific eg. format of interview etc that you could tell us about? And what were your experiences of having a interview at Sheffield?

I got the huge pack that you get (with info about accomodation, the SU etc) but was wondering if there was anythign extra (ha ha!) that you could tell us!!

Many thanks!!
xxxx

**Weezybaby** · 08-11-2007, 11:53 PM

I got asked Why Medicine? How You Cope with stress? why sheffield?, they asked me to tell erm about current medical stuff in da news? Then about stuff on my personal statement! jus make sure u are well informed by their course structure, n give every answer in detail! ud find out their friendly and smilly but doesnt mean they fink u talkin sense if u get me...

**algy_lacey** · 09-11-2007, 04:18 PM

When I had mine last year, the day started with a tour of the major parts of the university by some of the current medical students. It actually lasted quite a long time and Sheffield is hilly - so sensible shoes are a good idea! You didn't have to attend for the tour though, and if you're a nervous kind of person, I don't necessarily recommend it - the long lists of interview advice they kept coming out with seemed to do more to wind people up than calm them down. (But that may just have been my perception, and I'm sure it depends on the students).

For the interview itself, they sat us all (about 8 of us?) in a room, and had two sets of interviews going on at the same time, so some of us had to sit around for a bit waiting to be called in.

We were interviewed by three people - a doctor, a medical student and someone else associated with the medical school (who could be from admissions/admin, another doctor, a member of the steering committee, etc. I believe). Two of the interviewers were asking questions, while the third just observed - they rotate the observer with each interview.

I found my interview fairly laid back and very friendly. I wasn't asked anything very difficult or unreasonable - it really felt like a chat about my motivations, my reasons for choosing Sheffield, my interests, and my work experience. They also wanted to know whether I was up to date with medical/NHS news. I think Fawaz, who went in right after me, felt he'd received a bit of a grilling though, so the feel of the interview may depend a lot on which interviewer is not asking the questions!

I wouldn't describe it as a scary interview though - do your preparation (know about the city, the course, your PS and current affairs) and you'll be just fine. And Sheffield is fantastic, so you'll definitely want to come here!!!

**Electra3** · 09-11-2007, 09:43 PM

Oooh thanks for this, this is really useful stuff!

On the letter, it says that interviews last between 2pm and 5pm but might be delayed... does anyone have any experience of how much they could run over? I dunno how I'm going to book a train home when I haven't a clue when I'll be finished...

**purpleflower** · 12-11-2007, 09:57 PM

If you just book a return, then you can use the ticket to come home at any time that day.

**dugz** · 15-11-2007, 12:46 AM

Does anybody else think that the topics that they say you may be questiones on are very general and quite tough?! E.g. medical history...

**arienette** · 15-11-2007, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by dugz

Does anybody else think that the topics that they say you may be questiones on are very general and quite tough?! E.g. medical history...

Where did you hear about the topics you may be questioned on - was it in your interview pack? I don't think I saw anything about that :S

Edit: Don't worry; I've just found it on the website. And wow, they interview 600 and give offers to 500!

**danidelle23** · 16-11-2007, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by arienette

And wow, they interview 600 and give offers to 500!

That made me very happy and slightly more relaxed when I saw it on the website! I am so nervous....can anyone give me any adivce about how much I need to know about medical issues and the NHS.

**persianmedic** · 16-11-2007, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by arienette

Edit: Don't worry; I've just found it on the website. And wow, they interview 600 and give offers to 500!

Oh No ! why didn't i apply there?!

**dugz** · 16-11-2007, 05:53 PM

I'm confused about how much we need to know as well, the categories are soooo general, for example 'medical history'? Do any previous applicants know how much they expect you to know?