Interview Tips

It’s that time of year to start getting your applications in and preparing for your interviews!  I am Lindsey, a P1 here at PCSP, so the interview process is still pretty fresh in my mind.  The application process can be long and tedious, but remember your main goal and all the hard work you put into it will be worth it.  Many of you have already submitted your application and have started receiving calls to set up your interview time.  Congratulations!  

If you haven’t already submitted your application you still have time so don’t panic!  Make sure you continuously work on it and try to get it in as soon as possible.  After the staff reviews the applications, they select candidates for an interview.  I am well aware that after all the excitement has settled, the nerves start to sink in and can be very overwhelming, but don’t worry!  You received an invitation to an interview for a reason; you obviously have qualities that make you shine, so remember those as you are answering the questions.  The individual interview consists of a two-person panel, one a faculty member and the other a health care practitioner.  Often students wonder why we do not provide interview questions and the reason for that is you don’t need to have an answer already prepared.  The goal of the interview is for the faculty at PCSP to get to know you as an individual.  There is no perfect answer to any interview question asked; the answer is to determine who you are as a person and how you can perform as a healthcare professional.  

A group interview is a portion of the process as well.  As pharmacists, you will work in a team with other pharmacists, technicians, doctors, nurses, businessmen, etc. therefore the need to measure your teamwork qualities is essential.  On this day you will also get the opportunity to tour our amazing facility and meet some of our faculty.  During the tour make sure you ask any questions you have on your mind.  The tour guides are the student ambassadors of PCSP, and they more than happy to assist you during this process, answering any of your questions.  

From my personal experience when I came to interview at Presbyterian College of Pharmacy, automatically I could sense how much the students love this school and how much the professors care. The staff is by far the best I have ever experienced at any other school.  Within the first week of classes almost all of my teachers knew me by name, and they continually check on us to see how things are going.  This aspect makes PCSP really stand out from other schools, and it was a quality that definitely drew me here.  

Last minute tips you want to make sure not to forget are attire and punctuality.  Remember, this is an interview so dress in professional attire and give yourself an ample amount of time to arrive early.  For more specific information, visit the prospective student tab at pharmacy.presby.edu.  

Hope to see many of you soon here at PCSP!  Good luck on your interviews and most importantly remember:  stay calm and be yourself.