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You might be able to choose your preferred format, day, and time or this may be automatically selected for you. If you identify a scheduling conflict, reach out to program directly to learn more about what options you have.

Info

Interview accommodations: If you have an accommodations request, please contact the program directly, and/or review the program website or the interview invitation for further information

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How do I prepare for a professional school interview?

There’s no right way for everyone to prepare. You need to do what is right for you.

Consider the following:

  • Reflecting on questions you’re confident answering and which ones you feel less confident responding to – focus your energy on questions you are less confident responding to.

  • Research the school(s) you are interviewing with to understand the number of stations, time between each station, time in each station, past station types and other interview conventions.

  • Learn about your prospective field including scope of practice, key priorities, and issues through podcasts, documentaries, articles and books.

  • Prepare stories, reflections and anecdotes related to the program competencies.

  • Familiarize yourself with question types and possible answer structures.

  • Practice according to known interview logistics. Consider practicing on your own, with a friend, family member, co-worker or a member of the Centre for Career Development team until you feel comfortable and confident.

  • Start your own practice group or join one organized through a WUSA club.

  • Attend the Professional School Interview preparation workshops and MMI simulations through Centre for Career Development.

Info

Get interview ready

: CareerHub’s interview section covers all things interviews. Check out topics like these and more:

  • Interview accommodations

  • Managing interview anxiety

  • Preparing for interview questions

  • How to manage uncomfortable situations

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What is the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)?

Multiple Mini Interview or MMI, is used to support admissions to programs and is often used by those in health programs (e.g., Medicine, Pharmacy etc.). MMI consists of a series of structured interview stations, with each station featuring:

  • a set time to reflect on a prompt and prepare your response

  • a set time to respond to the prompt one or more individuals rating your response

MMIs are designed to allow you to show your characteristics and demonstrate your competencies to the interviewers.

What do I do during the reflection and preparation time?

  1. Take a deep breath

  2. Read or listen to the question carefully

  3. Identify the type of question so you have a better idea of what to expect next

  4. Organize your answer, using a model where applicable

  5. Take notes if your school allows this

What kinds of questions will I be asked?

In MMIs, you can anticipate reflecting on and responding to different types of questions:

Expand
titleGeneral questions

General interview questions ask about your goals, characteristics, fit with the program, past experiences and coping skills.

Examples:

  • How have you tested your motivation to work in this profession?

  • Tell me about yourself.

  • What’s a contribution to the community you’re proud of?

  • What do you do for fun?

How do I prepare for a general interview question?

Reflect on your experiences, growth, and motivation for the profession Review possible questions online and practice responding according to your interview’s known conventions.

Expand
titleBehaviour-based questions

Behaviour-based questions are interview questions that prompt you for a specific time when you used a skill or dealt with a situation in the past.

It combines a prompt for one specific example (e.g. “tell me about a time when”) with a skill you need or situation you will face in your program or profession (e.g. “you had to communicate complex information”).

Examples:

  • Tell me about a time when you had to communicate complex information. How did you do it?

  • Describe a situation when you took on too much and couldn’t accomplish everything.

How do I prepare for a behaviour-based question?

To help prepare for behaviour-based questions: Review relevant frameworks, skills and competencies essential to your prospective profession. Identify related personal experiences to start building your library of experiences you want to pull from in your responses. Consider reflecting on: What you did Why you did what you did What options you considered What you learned from the experience How you would handle things differently in hindsight.

Info

STAR approach

The “STAR Approach” (Development Dimensions International, n.d.) is a useful technique for answering behaviour-based questions:

  • Situation: Provide background and context

  • Task: Describe what you needed to do

  • Action: Explain what actions you took and how you did it

  • Result: Describe the outcomes of your actions

Expand
titleDifficult conversations

Difficult conversation questions will prompt you to share how you would deliver bad news or handle an uncomfortable conversation.

Examples: How would you communicate a cancer diagnosis to a 65-year-old patient? If you hit another vehicle with your car, what would you say to the other driver?

Difficult conversation questions provide an opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal communication. You will be evaluated on how well you demonstrate your skill set, rather than on solving the problem.

How do I prepare for a difficult conversation question?

If you find frameworks helpful to structure your responses:

  • practice with friends, family and peers so you feel comfortable in an interview

  • review frameworks for sharing bad news. (e.g., SPIKES model and effective listening strategies for uncomfortable conversations).

Info

SPIKES model (Sandrick, K.1998)

The SPIKES model for delivering bad news was developed by Robert Buckman, MD, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto and modified from the original version.

  • Setting  - where you as healthcare professional sit in relation to patient/family members; create best physical circumstances

  • Perception  - why here today: as you know we have done some tests; ask before tell to get patient’s understanding of medical situation

  • Invitation  - how much does the patient want to know? e.g. “how would you like me to provide information about your test results?” Some prefer the big picture and some prefer every small detail; let patient ask questions

  • Knowledge - (physician tells “bad” news: don’t tell them they have cancer immediately — use “tumour” first; did I answer your questions?

  • Empathy  - listen for and identify emotions of patient and identify cause, validate patient’s feelings and expressions, offer resources and other support

  • Summary - summarize discussion

...

titleCritical thinking and ethical questions

Critical thinking and ethical questions are designed to let the interviewer see how you think as you walk through a complex problem that doesn’t have a clear answer.

Examples:

  • Should Canada have presumed consent for organ donation?

  • You are a student working in a free clinic. After reviewing the scheduling for the day, you notice some appointment times are double-booked. Discuss the scheduling with the receptionist.

How do I prepare for an ethical or critical thinking question?

Ethical and critical thinking questions can be complex. There are various ways to prepare for these types of questions. You might:

  • Identify how you like to work through a problem

  • Review common ethical scenarios in your field

  • Search for critical thinking/ethical questions and practice responding out loud in a structured way

While responding to ethical or critical thinking questions, it may be helpful to:

  • Summarize the question in your own words to help the interviewer understand your sense of the question

  • Identify missing information or state assumptions or note the key issue to narrow the scope of the question

  • Structure the response to systemically work through the factors and perspectives

  • Incorporate information from other sources when applicable (personal experiences, articles, class content)

  • Propose a new initiative, training or information gathering mechanism that could improve your suggested solution

  • Summarize your response with a clear decision

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Ways to organize your response to ethical and critical thinking questions

PESTLE model (Wood, n.d.)

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Political: government interventions, tax considerations and policy initiatives

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Economic: cost in time and money

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Technological: R&D activities, automation and innovation

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Environmental/Ethical: weather, climate change, tourism and/or ethical considerations

CARVE model, developed by Eric H. Gampel (McClean, 2019)

  • Consequences: what are the potential consequences of the solution?

  • Autonomy: how fully does the solution preserve the right to choose?

  • Rights: how does the solution affect the rights of the stakeholders?

  • Values: how well does the solution uphold personal or organizational values?

  • Equality: how well does the solution promote equality? Is the solution just?

ABCDE model (Levine, 1994)

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Autonomy: how fully does the solution preserve the right to choose?

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Beneficence: does the solution provide the greatest benefit to the affected parties?

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Do no harm: how well is the principle of do no harm upheld by the solution?

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Mnemonic models for answering questions

There are many ways of organizing your response to different types of interview questions. Some individuals find mnemonic models helpful to structure their responses. No model is better than another and you will not be evaluated based on the model you choose or how well you adhere to it.

For behaviour-based questions

Expand
titleSTAR

The “STAR Approach” (Development Dimensions International, n.d.) is a useful technique for answering behaviour-based questions:

  • Situation: Provide background and context

  • Task: Describe what you needed to do

  • Action: Explain what actions you took and how you did it

  • Result: Describe the outcomes of your actions

For delivering bad news

Expand
titleSPIKES

The SPIKES model is used for delivering bad news and was developed by Robert Buckman, MD, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto and modified from the original version.

  • Setting  - where you as healthcare professional sit in relation to patient/family members; create best physical circumstances

  • Perception  - why here today: as you know we have done some tests; ask before tell to get patient’s understanding of medical situation

  • Invitation  - how much does the patient want to know? e.g. “how would you like me to provide information about your test results?” Some prefer the big picture and some prefer every small detail; let patient ask questions

  • Knowledge - (physician tells “bad” news: don’t tell them they have cancer immediately — use “tumour” first; did I answer your questions?

  • Empathy  - listen for and identify emotions of patient and identify cause, validate patient’s feelings and expressions, offer resources and other support

  • Summary - summarize discussion

(Sandrick, K.1998)

For ethical and critical thinking questions

Expand
titlePESTLE

PESTLE model

  • Political: government interventions, tax considerations and policy initiatives

  • Economic: cost in time and money

  • Social:cultural considerations, health consciousness, population growth and social determinants

  • Technological: R&D activities, automation and innovation

  • Legal:legal implications

  • Environmental/Ethical: weather, climate change, tourism and/or ethical considerations

(Wood, n.d.)

Expand
titleCARVE

CARVE model, developed by Eric H. Gampel

  • Consequences: what are the potential consequences of the solution?

  • Autonomy: how fully does the solution preserve the right to choose?

  • Rights: how does the solution affect the rights of the stakeholders?

  • Values: how well does the solution uphold personal or organizational values?

  • Equality: how well does the solution promote equality? Is the solution just?

(McClean, 2019)

Expand
titleABCDE

ABCDE model

  • Autonomy: how fully does the solution preserve the right to choose?

  • Beneficence: does the solution provide the greatest benefit to the affected parties?

  • Confidentiality:how well are principles of confidentiality preserved by the solution?

  • Do no harm: how well is the principle of do no harm upheld by the solution?

  • Equality, Equity or Justice (justice): how well does the solution promote equality/equity? Is the solution just?

(Levine, 1994)

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Panel
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panelIcon:busts_in_silhouette:
panelIconText👥
bgColor#FFFAE6

What is the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)?

Multiple Mini Interview or MMI, is used to support admissions to programs and is often used by those in health programs (e.g., Medicine, Pharmacy etc.). MMI consists of a series of structured interview stations, with each station featuring:

  • a set time to reflect on a prompt and prepare your response

  • a set time to respond to the prompt one or more individuals rating your response

MMIs are designed to allow you to show your characteristics and demonstrate your competencies to the interviewers.

What do I do during the reflection and preparation time?

  1. Take a deep breath

  2. Read or listen to the question carefully

  3. Identify the type of question so you have a better idea of what to expect next

  4. Organize your answer, using a model where applicable

  5. Take notes if your school allows this

What kinds of questions will I be asked?

In MMIs, you can anticipate reflecting on and responding to different types of questions:

Expand
titleGeneral questions

General interview questions ask about your goals, characteristics, fit with the program, past experiences and coping skills.

Examples:

  • How have you tested your motivation to work in this profession?

  • Tell me about yourself.

  • What’s a contribution to the community you’re proud of?

  • What do you do for fun?

How do I prepare for a general interview question?

Reflect on your experiences, growth, and motivation for the profession Review possible questions online and practice responding according to your interview’s known conventions.

Expand
titleBehaviour-based questions

Behaviour-based questions are interview questions that prompt you for a specific time when you used a skill or dealt with a situation in the past.

It combines a prompt for one specific example (e.g. “tell me about a time when”) with a skill you need or situation you will face in your program or profession (e.g. “you had to communicate complex information”).

Examples:

  • Tell me about a time when you had to communicate complex information. How did you do it?

  • Describe a situation when you took on too much and couldn’t accomplish everything.

How do I prepare for a behaviour-based question?

To help prepare for behaviour-based questions: Review relevant frameworks, skills and competencies essential to your prospective profession. Identify related personal experiences to start building your library of experiences you want to pull from in your responses. Consider reflecting on: What you did Why you did what you did What options you considered What you learned from the experience How you would handle things differently in hindsight.

Info

The “STAR Approach” is a useful technique for answering behaviour-based questions.

Expand
titleDifficult conversations

Difficult conversation questions will prompt you to share how you would deliver bad news or handle an uncomfortable conversation.

Examples: How would you communicate a cancer diagnosis to a 65-year-old patient? If you hit another vehicle with your car, what would you say to the other driver?

Difficult conversation questions provide an opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal communication. You will be evaluated on how well you demonstrate your skill set, rather than on solving the problem.

How do I prepare for a difficult conversation question?

If you find frameworks helpful to structure your responses:

  • practice with friends, family and peers so you feel comfortable in an interview

  • review frameworks for sharing bad news. (e.g., SPIKES model and effective listening strategies for uncomfortable conversations).

Info

The SPIKES model is a useful tool for answering questions about delivering bad news.

Expand
titleCritical thinking and ethical questions

Critical thinking and ethical questions are designed to let the interviewer see how you think as you walk through a complex problem that doesn’t have a clear answer.

Examples:

  • Should Canada have presumed consent for organ donation?

  • You are a student working in a free clinic. After reviewing the scheduling for the day, you notice some appointment times are double-booked. Discuss the scheduling with the receptionist.

How do I prepare for an ethical or critical thinking question?

Ethical and critical thinking questions can be complex. There are various ways to prepare for these types of questions. You might:

  • Identify how you like to work through a problem

  • Review common ethical scenarios in your field

  • Search for critical thinking/ethical questions and practice responding out loud in a structured way

While responding to ethical or critical thinking questions, it may be helpful to:

  • Summarize the question in your own words to help the interviewer understand your sense of the question

  • Identify missing information or state assumptions or note the key issue to narrow the scope of the question

  • Structure the response to systemically work through the factors and perspectives

  • Incorporate information from other sources when applicable (personal experiences, articles, class content)

  • Propose a new initiative, training or information gathering mechanism that could improve your suggested solution

  • Summarize your response with a clear decision

Info

Organize your response to ethical and critical thinking questions by using models like PESTLE CARVE and ABCDE.

Expand
titleEthical scenario/situational interview questions

Ethical scenario/situational interview questions ask what you would do in a hypothetical situation. These types of questions evaluate your interpersonal skills and fit for the profession based on your approach to a hypothetical situation. 

Examples:

  • What would you do if you saw a colleague cheating on an exam?

  • How would you fire someone?

To answer a situational question well, you will need to describe your actions in detail, including:

  • What options you would consider

  • What past experiences you would draw on in the situation

  • What you would do and why, and the outcome of your actions

How do I prepare for an ethical scenario/situational interview question?

To help prepare for these types of interview questions:

  • Reflect on your experiences, particularly your past handling of difficult situations.

  • Identify how you like to work through a problem.

  • Research possible questions online and practice responding according to your interview’s known conventions.

  • Practice summarizing the question in your own words and identifying missing information or assumptions - this will help to contextualize your responses.

Info

Tip: Asking questions

If there is an opportunity to ask your own questions in the interview, ask away! This is an opportunity to show your interest in the program, school and interviewers, as well as gather information to help in your decision-making.

It is recommended that you ask questions that you are genuinely interested in, that are not easy to answer elsewhere (e.g. not available online), and that create opportunities for your interviewers to talk about their perspectives or experiences.

For example: If you’re struggling with the idea of specialization, consider asking how your interviewer chose a specialty. If you’re interested in finding community on campus, consider asking how your interviewer got involved.

Expand
titleCurrent events or Knowledge stations

Current event or knowledge stations draws on your knowledge of healthcare to answer a question about policy or current events. These questions could be based on a wide variety of trends and topics.

Examples:

  • If you could recommend one change to the Canadian health care healthcare system, what would it be and why?

  • Compare and contrast the Canadian and American health care healthcare systems.

How do I prepare for a knowledge station?

You might already know more than you think; review some common questions like the examples listed above and work through your answer based on what you know right now. You may also want to add some current events, podcasts, documentaries or readings to your interview preparation schedule.

Other students have shared it is helpful to:

  • State the issue and why it is an issue. You might share what you’re basing your recommendations on and or what type of research you’ve done on the issue already.

  • Include ideas or initiatives to improve the issue. You might share how you think these suggestions could help advance change.

  • Discuss actions and implications. Depending on the issue, you might share possible financial implications; benefits and challenges to social or environmental concerns.

  • End with a summary statement.

Expand
titleActing/Role play stations

An acting/role play station is a station where you interact with one or more actors. There will also be an observer evaluating your behaviour. Acting questions evaluate your interpersonal skills and fit for the profession based on your approach to a situation.

Examples:

  • Your roommate, Alex, hasn’t done their share of dishes and constantly leaves their belongings around the common areas of your apartment. Their room is starting to smell from leftover food and dishes.

  • Your company needs both you and your colleague, Carter, from another branch of the company, to attend a critical business meeting in San Diego. You have just arrived to Carter’s office to meet with them first and then take them to the airport.

How do I prepare for an acting/role-play station?

  • Practice with friends, family and peers.

  • Ask open questions like “how can I help” and “how are you feeling”

  • Use closed questions like “when did this happen” and “has this happened before” to get specific information

  • Strive to identify the underlying issue or motivator

During the MMI, there will be an observer in the room. Remember to interact only with the actor.

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