Have an Interview at Columbia next week-any advice?

[easterdragon]

Hey everybody,

I have an interview at Columbia. Any advice? I know the name is really good for the school, but I don't know how their anesthesia program is. I know that they have had a turnover of professors and directors, I think.

I called the program assistant and she told me that they don't reveal what their interview questions would be so I don't know if they ask clinical questions or ethical questions.

Any help would be appreciated.

[m_playman]

Hey everybody,

I have an interview at Columbia. Any advice? I know the name is really good for the school, but I don't know how their anesthesia program is. I know that they have had a turnover of professors and directors, I think.

I called the program assistant and she told me that they don't reveal what their interview questions would be so I don't know if they ask clinical questions or ethical questions.

Any help would be appreciated.

It would be in your best interest to find out as much as you can before your interview. Generally speaking, you will find your way onto the "skip" pile rather quickly if you know essentially nothing about the program you are applying to. I would anticipate clinical questions.

[nojrevorg]

I dont know what their interview questions are, but I go to UMDNJ across the river, and some of my professors were from there and interviewed me. I would prepare to talk about your experience, Special cases that stick out in your mind, prepare to know how you are going to support yourself during school without a paycheck, as well as why you want to be a CRNA. Make yourself memorable. Really the key is, make it hard for them to forget you. They will see so many people, and you want your name to come back up again when decision time comes. Anyway good luck, and make sure to show up on time and dress like you are interviewing for a Really well respected Very desirable job, cause you really are. Good luck, and who knows may see you in clinical some day:)

[easterdragon]

Great words of advice! Thanks guys!

easterdragon

[nojrevorg]

Good Luck.

[Rioplatense]

Funny story, I flew to New York on Monday for my interview on Tuesday, and just my luck they lost my luggage with my suit!! So originally I asked for the 1:00 pm, knowing I would need some time after getting in late that night, well they assigned me the 10:00 am. Nothing was open in Manhattan, not even the 1000s of Gaps and Banana Republics on every corner. I had to go to my interview in jeans and a collared shirt!! So my advice is wear a suit. Good luck, maybe when you're a junior you'll be my mentor!!

[Nancicrna08]

That's funny. I flew to SanDiego for a job interview at Children's Hospital (as a RN) and my luggage went missing. I interviewd in jeans. Got the job.
Did they ask you what happened? Did you pony up the info if they didn't ask? It's definitely an ice breaker either way- good luck and hope you did well!

Easter- good luck in your interview too! Eye contact, firm handshakes, thank them at the end, be honest, smile :)

[gthcrna]

If you want advice from a Program Director, here goes the top 10 things to keep in mind for your interview:

1. Smile, be confident, but not cocky.

2. Admit if you aren't sure about the answer to a question.

3. Motivation is key - when they ask you what you would do if you didn't get an offer, say that it is the most important thing in your life and you will get in somewhere or apply there again next year. Also say that you will ask what you can do to strengthen your package when you reapply.

4. Don't get too flustered, and definitely do not cry. They look at that as a sign of weakness. They think that if they can get you upset in your interview, you will not be able to handle the pressure in the OR.

5. Be ready with a viable explanation to any possible issues with your transcripts or recommendations. Whatever you do, DO NOT become defensive - that is a total turn off.

6. Convey the enthusiasm they expect for someone who is seeking admission. Look and act like you can't imagine what you would do if you didn't get in. (I hope you are not acting :{)

7. Whatever they offer, take advantage of it. If they want you to tour the OR, do it. Don't decline because you are in heels.

8. Dress professionally for day meetings. I have seen applicants dress in cocktail attire, revealing attire, or inappropriately casual attire.

9. Don't ever say you want to be a CRNA to get away from being a nurse. That really ticks off many people.

10. Talk to their students. If they are keeping their students away from you, it is for a really good reason. If they are not happy, most likely you will not be either.

Good luck!

Jerry

[easterdragon]

Sorry to hear that your luggage was lost! Oh no! I purposely brought a carry-on. I'm usually a big packer, but knew something like that would happen, so didn't want to take any risks. Regarding having the interview in jeans, like the others said, it would probably be a great ice breaker!

Anyways, great words of advice! I have my interview tomorrow, will let you know how it goes!

easterdragon

[1PerpetualStudent]

Just wanted wish you the best of luck on your interview! Update us when you get back!

[Mophet]

Good Luck on your interview.

Here are some questions I was asked.

Why do you want to be a CRNA?
What do you think a CRNA does and have you shadowed them?
How have you prepared yourself for school?
How will you adjust from being the big guy on your unit to being at the bottom of the totem pole?
Tell us about a challenging patient you have cared for.

These are some of the questions they asked. Alot of the questions led to more questions. Good luck