How to Be a Hit at Your DI Interviews

In this post I want to address what is usually the final chance to really set yourself apart as an applicant: the internship interview. For many programs, the interview is among the most influential factors used in ranking applicants for a match, and it’s also an outstanding opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and help the selection team get to know you as a person, beyond your resume and GPA! Below are some tips on how to use the interview to get you matched to a program that will be a great fit for you.

Before interview season starts, be sure you know the interview policy at each of the programs where you’re applying. Many programs (like Cal Poly) interview everyone who’s being considered for a match. However, I know of cases where programs are so sure about their top applicants that they don’t feel they need to interview those candidates, so not getting the interview doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not getting a spot!

There are a ton of online resources regarding general interview tips, which can be perfect for thinking through typical getting-to-know-you interview questions that might come up in the dietetic internship (DI) interview. Also, most of you probably have access to a Career Center at your DPD institution (often this resource is available to you even after you graduate), where they can provide tips or even offer mock interview sessions with thorough feedback. Especially if you don’t have much experience being interviewed, this can be an invaluable resource.

If you’re conducting your interview via phone (like we do at Cal Poly) or online, you’ll want to prepare the environment so you can be fully focused when it’s time for your interview. Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged and your connection is good; identify a quiet, comfortable space; and have pen and paper handy so you can jot down notes during the interview (tip: be sure to make note of the names of all interviewers). Block out extra time even beyond your interview appointment end time (in case the interviewers are running behind schedule) and ensure roommates or family members know not to disturb you. Even if you’re on the phone, be sure to dress professionally and to smile – these strategies will help you come across as positive and polished, even when we can’t see you.

Think ahead about previous experiences that particularly demonstrate any of the attributes programs are looking for in their applicants. Then, prepare yourself to talk about these situations during the interview by practicing (preferably out loud) how to succinctly explain the value of these experiences and what you learned from them. A smart spin on this idea that current Cal Poly DPD Director Arlene Grant-Holcomb shares with students is to identify distinctive aspects of your DPD program (such as a truly unique course, project, or practicum experience) and be ready to discuss how this has enhanced your preparation as a future intern. If a relevant question comes up in the interview, you’ll already have a great example you can discuss comfortably and confidently.

On the flip side, don’t try to memorize a script or write out responses word for word. Reviewers can usually recognize a “canned” response, and it can sound corny or insincere. Just keep track of the highlights you want to mention, and your “in-the-moment” response will flow. Additionally, don’t try to cram in your practiced scenarios where they don’t fit. When an interview answer doesn’t really relate to the question being asked, it hints at poor judgment or lack of critical thinking. The idea behind practicing is not to force those responses somewhere into every interview; instead, just use this as a tool so you have several terrific examples top of mind and ready to go if the interviewers ask about an applicable experience.

You may be wondering what other types of questions you might be asked in the DI interview. Sometimes interviewers ask specific dietetics content-related questions, but I wouldn’t try to study for your interviews as you would for an exam – there’s no way to prepare for EVERY type of content question, and stressing yourself out will NOT put you at your best in the interview.

You’re more likely to be asked a variety of situational questions, often putting you in the shoes of an intern or a dietitian, and prompting you to share what you’d do in a given scenario. Take time to think about your answer before diving in, and consider what the question is really about. Often as interviewers, we’re trying to see how you go about solving a problem, and there’s no single “right” answer we’re looking for. We may want to see that you’re considering all the possible implications before determining what you believe is the best-case solution. Perhaps we want to hear that you recognize there are resources you can access before jumping into a course of action blindly. Another terrific tip from current Dr. Grant-Holcomb is if you’re given a question about counseling a patient, be sure to go beyond providing education and dig into the barriers to behavior change that patient might need your help to overcome.

As the interview wraps up, you’ll probably be asked whether you have questions for the program team. Don’t underestimate the importance of this moment! We want to see that you care enough to want to keep learning more about who we are and what we offer, so even if you know the facts from our programmatic website backwards and forwards, have one or two questions ready that can’t be answered by a program handbook or list of FAQs. This is your chance to ask questions that will help YOU decide which of the programs on your list are truly the best fit for you. Ask questions that will give you new insights into what it’s really like to work with this team, to live in this area, to spend roughly a year of your life in this program.

Remember throughout the interview to be authentic. You want to match to a program that is excited about the REAL you, and if you’re too busy trying to be who you think we’re looking for, we’re likely to miss the true gifts you have to offer our internship.

Finally, it can send a very positive message about your professionalism and gratitude if you follow up on the interview with a thank you. Many people miss this step – consider it part of your interview process and use this as just one more chance to reiterate to the team exactly why they should want you in their next class of dietetic interns!