The Interview Blues

Yesterday I volunteered to be in a group of current HHMI scholars interviewing prospective HHMI scholars. It was an enlightening experience to ask someone questions like Where do you see yourself three months after graduate? and What do you want to be most remember for when you're gone? and see how they respond. One girl really slam dunked every question, answering clearly, concisely, enthusiastically and in a professional manner. Then there was the polar opposite, a boy who was palpably nervous, shaking and gave quiet, unconfident answers. Then there was the girl who gave abrupt answers without thinking about them, and lacked enthusiasm. Anyway, I really enjoyed this experience. It told me more than anything else could what really works in an interview. Things like an even, clear voice and eye contact made a big difference. What they wore said a lot also. Showing enthusiasm and ambition had perhaps the biggest impact, though. People tell you these things, but there is a difference between hearing what works and seeing it. Even being interviewed isn't really enough, you need a third party kind of perspective. I'm glad I did it.