Interviewing Skills and Mock Interviews 

Remember these three simple rules:

1. First impressions are lasting impressions.
2. There are no second chances to make a good first impression!
3. It pays to be prepared.

Preparation Tips

Practice your interviewing techniques by participating in mock interviews. Do as many mock interviews as necessary to help you feel comfortable with the process. You might want to practice in front of the mirror or with family and/or friends.

Be Focused 

1. Develop a sound resume that outlines your experience and skills and that supports your objective of entering the Irma Lerma Rangel (IRL) College of Pharmacy. It is not necessary for you to bring a resume to the interview. However, putting your academic and employment experience on paper may help you get a clear picture of your accomplishments. This exercise is a helpful way to remind you of your best characteristics.
2. Review information about pharmacy as a career. Websites to help you do this include:
   
   1. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy found at www.aacp.org
   2. The Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov
3. Think about what you can offer the Irma Lerma Rangel of Pharmacy. Consider the unique skills and abilities that you bring.
4. Prepare a 1-2 minute mini-script about yourself.  You should include your educational background, experience, and the reasons why you are interested in becoming a pharmacist.
5. Bring a note pad and pen.

Dress / Hygiene

1. Dress in professional attire; it is best to be conservative.
2. Do wear deodorant, but don’t wear perfume or cologne. If the interviewer is allergic to perfumes, your interview could possibly end prematurely.
3. Cosmetics should be conservative.
4. Wear a minimal amount of jewelry.

During the Interview

1. Keep in mind that the interviewers are interested in how you respond. They want to see that you are logical and that you give thoughtful consideration to your answers.
2. Try not to hurry responses, take time to formulate your thoughts. There may be a few seconds of silence as you prepare your answer.
3. It is appropriate for you to discuss your academic and employment experiences.  Focus on your skills and abilities.
4. Be honest about what you do not know. Emphasize your ability to learn and adapt.

Standard Questions 

Successful preparation for the Irma Lerma Rangel (ILR) College of Pharmacy interview must include anticipating and rehearsing answers to commonly asked questions. The following list is intended to give a general understanding of the types of questions that interviewers may ask. It is not intended to be inclusive.

1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Why did you choose the ILR College of Pharmacy?
3. Why do you want to become a pharmacist?
4. What is your greatest strength?
5. What is your greatest weakness?
6. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
7. How would you define success?
8. What are your career goals?
9. Why should you be admitted to the ILR College of Pharmacy?

Behavior-based Questions

1. What do you feel have been your most significant college/work-related accomplishments?
2. Discuss an instance when you felt most pressured and stressed in college. How did you handle it? What was the outcome?
3. Describe the most valuable criticism you have received and what you did with it.
4. Tell us about the last time you made a decision that backfired. How did you resolve the dilemma?
5. Give an example of a project/situation that demanded attention to detail. How did you handle the details?
6. Describe what you liked best about the pre-pharmacy courses you have taken.
7. What did you like the least?

It is strongly suggested that you find a partner and practice answering these questions.