By Nicole Hernandez
Interviews, while nerve-wracking, give you a chance to show who you are while learning if a program is the right fit for you! With some preparation, practice and self-reflection, you can walk into any interview confidently and ready to discuss your passions.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Whether you’re applying to optometry school, a residency or a job, preparation is key. Many colleges, universities and professional organizations offer mock interviews, résumé reviews, and workshops to help you get comfortable with the interview environment. Take advantage of these resources whenever possible. It’s also helpful to connect with peers, mentors or current residents and working doctors who have already gone through the application process. Ask about the types of questions they encountered and practice talking through your responses. This not only strengthens your interview readiness but also builds confidence. Strong communication skills are essential, not just for interviews, but for patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participating in activities like class discussions, presentations or patient role-play scenarios can greatly improve your ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
Get to Know Yourself
Whether you’re asked, “Why optometry?”, “Why this program?”, or “How would you describe yourself as a clinician?”, these questions help interviewers understand your motivations, values and strengths as an applicant. Reflecting on these ahead of time allows you to express your story confidently and authentically. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider using self-assessment tools to better understand your strengths, communication style, and areas for growth. Being able to clearly articulate how you plan to improve in weaker areas demonstrates maturity and professionalism, which are qualities that are highly valued both in optometry school and residency programs.
Here’s a personality quiz to help you start exploring your traits:
16 Personalities (10-minute quiz): https://www.16personalities.com/
Share Your Lived Experiences
Optometry schools and residences want to see your passion and your personal journey. Sharing your experiences (whether clinical or personal) can help set you apart from other candidates. This also may tie into your “why” when applying to optometry school or residency. Have stories ready to share so you can provide a memorable reason to your interviewers and display your passion for this profession confidently!
Do Your Research
Don’t forget to ask your own questions about the program! Doing so shows genuine interest and excitement about joining a new community if given the opportunity. A little preparation goes a long way, so take time to explore the program’s website or talk to someone who has studied or trained at that school or residency site. You may even discover shared values or experiences that help you connect your own goals to what the program offers, further solidifying your decision to pursue that specific program.
Progress While Interviewing
Interviewing is a skill that grows with experience, and every opportunity, no matter how small it may seem, can help you improve. Whether you’re interviewing for a campus position, a summer internship, a clinical rotation, or a future residency, approach each one as a chance to learn. Pay attention to the types of questions you’re asked, reflect on how you present yourself, and note what you’d like to refine for next time. Over the course of your academic and professional journey, these experiences build on one another, helping you become more confident, self-aware and prepared for the next step.
Takeaways
Interviews may feel intimidating, but they are an amazing chance for you to display your passion through your own words and experiences. The better you know yourself, the easier it is to allow your interviewer to get to know you. That being said, preparation goes a long way, and self-reflection can help you be confident in speaking about who you are and why you are a good fit. Take deep breaths, trust the work you put into preparing for this moment, and be grateful for the opportunity to be able to share a piece of you to help benefit your future!
