Interview Tips
for Prospective Genetic Counseling Training Program Applicants
Congratulations on being invited for an interview at a genetic counseling training program! The following are tips to help you put your best foot forward during the interview.
Think of some questions that you think the program(s) might ask you and come up with concise and honest answers with examples in advance. Here are some ideas:
Why do you want to be a genetic counselor?
Why are you interested in our program? (be specific)
What makes you unique as an applicant?
Tell me more about [insert weak spot on your application].
Practice your responses, try not to fidget, and make direct eye contact as much as possible
To avoid sounding scripted, make bullet point lists of the things you want to cover in the answers of questions you are anticipating and practice stringing them together in different ways
Remember that interviews are also your chance to get to know a program, so make sure to have a few questions ready to ask!
If you are asked a question you weren’t prepared to answer, don’t panic. You are allowed to take a few brief moments to consider and plan your response before answering.
Remember that the interviewers may also be assessing things like how you react to questions, non-verbal communication, warmth, poise, and other communication techniques to get a sense of how you might be as a genetic counselor.
Many programs encourage the current genetic counseling students to meet the applicants. Be friendly, and remember that this is part of the interview process too, so try to make a good impression.
It’s ok to say you’re nervous, but don’t forget to smile! Let your enthusiasm come through!
