snazij Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be here". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Tetra Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be hear". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? I don't see a problem with the first quote, but the second one makes me gag. Really seems too much to thank the interview for asking a question. That's like thanking the cashier at mcDonalds for taking your order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macd Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 I don't see a problem with the first quote, but the second one makes me gag. Really seems too much to thank the interview for asking a question. That's like thanking the cashier at mcDonalds for taking your order. Do people not thank the cashier at Mcdonalds when they take your order.....? In all seriousness, I agree that you definitely should not thank the interviewer for the question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arztin Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be hear". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? It sounds pretty ridiculous, fake, and quite silly. People in general hate that kind of behaviour. No, absolutely don't do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunAndMoon Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 That's like thanking the cashier at mcDonalds for taking your order. ? That's not a bad thing to do lol As to OP, I usually say thank you to the interviewer/actor when I leave. As to the "interesting question", I would say it if I thought it was a particularly interesting question. Don't force anything though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arztin Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 ? That's not a bad thing to do lol As to OP, I usually say thank you to the interviewer/actor when I leave. As to the "interesting question", I would say it if I thought it was a particularly interesting question. Don't force anything though. yes. 100% agreed saying thank you for your time when you leave is completely fine. But it is my honor, bla bla bla, no And for the interesting question, as SunAndMoon said... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellorie Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 One thing that I was told about giving talks is that if somebody asks you a question it smooths the way if you start with "that's an interesting/good question" so I do sometimes do that. Unless I genuinely think it's a ridiculous question and then I don't. Also gives you an extra second to frame a response. In an interview situation I guess it comes off a little more ass kiss-y though. I think the most I'd say is "thanks for your time" at the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Tetra Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 So y'all telling me when the cashier says "Hi may I take your order?" You say "Why thank you for asking me this question!"....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunAndMoon Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 So y'all telling me when the cashier says "Hi may I take your order?" You say "Why thank you for asking me this question!"....... L2R buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milie.08 Posted March 23, 2017 Report Share Posted March 23, 2017 Hey guys ! I have kind of the same question but concerning a panel interview. Would you start by thanking the interviewers for their time and for the opportunity, etc ? (My first interview is coming up this weekend) Thanks a lot ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
End Poverty Posted March 23, 2017 Report Share Posted March 23, 2017 Hey guys ! I have kind of the same question but concerning a panel interview. Would you start by thanking the interviewers for their time and for the opportunity, etc ? (My first interview is coming up this weekend) Thanks a lot ! I think thanking them at the end of the interview is more appropriate. Best of Luck in your interview Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s2MD Posted March 23, 2017 Report Share Posted March 23, 2017 I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be here". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? bad idea if you ask me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milie.08 Posted March 24, 2017 Report Share Posted March 24, 2017 I think thanking them at the end of the interview is more appropriate. Best of Luck in your interview Perfect ! Thank you very much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollypercocet Posted July 1, 2017 Report Share Posted July 1, 2017 On 3/17/2017 at 11:41 AM, snazij said: I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be here". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? Worst idea. They're not idiots! They know exactly what you're doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellow daisy Posted July 3, 2017 Report Share Posted July 3, 2017 ^ Agree. A simple "Thank you for your time again" should suffice. "It's an honour to be here" or "thank you so much for the question" is a bit on the forced and disingenuous side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StefanL Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 On 3/17/2017 at 1:00 PM, ellorie said: One thing that I was told about giving talks is that if somebody asks you a question it smooths the way if you start with "that's an interesting/good question" so I do sometimes do that. Unless I genuinely think it's a ridiculous question and then I don't. Also gives you an extra second to frame a response. In an interview situation I guess it comes off a little more ass kiss-y though. I think the most I'd say is "thanks for your time" at the end. This is a better, subtle, way of approaching the intended politeness your MMI friend was hoping to convey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambi Posted July 6, 2017 Report Share Posted July 6, 2017 What is respected is a comprehensive, excellent answer to the question. The interviewer does not need your validation to the question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scorbix Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 Having interviewed applicants for other professional programs other than medicine, I can tell you straight up that being overly polite or saying things that have been mentioned above (regarding being overly polite) will get you nothing but an eye roll; it does not do you any good. You are being assessed on your ability to think critically, analyze a question, and adequately articulate your thoughts to the assessor. A simple "Hello, my name is [x], nice to meet you" at the beginning will do you just fine. If you'd like, a "thank-you for your time" at the end is also appropriate. Anything else is overkill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masterandmargarita Posted July 15, 2017 Report Share Posted July 15, 2017 On 3/17/2017 at 7:41 AM, snazij said: I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be here". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? I'll be honest, the first time, it's fine. Cool. Whatever. "Thank you for being so receptive" I would think to myself (if I were an interviewer of course). The second time I would just want to slap the transparent bastard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haribo7173 Posted July 15, 2017 Report Share Posted July 15, 2017 Even "it's an honour to be here" = cringe AF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InstantRamen Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 Don't be weird... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lulu95 Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 On 3/17/2017 at 10:41 AM, snazij said: I was practicing for mmi with someone who approaches each station with "buttering up" the interviewer, ie saying things like "thank you so much for having me, it's an honour to be here". and then when they ask the question: "thank you so much for the question/ that's a really interesting question" What are your guys' thoughts? Good idea/bad idea? I just remembered something relating to this. I do know some people who say "that's a really interesting question" to buy themselves time to think of an answer, and it's an interview strategy I've been told once or twice. I know I'm guilty of using this as a clutch to avoid using "um" to fill the awkward silence. Any thoughts on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freewheeler Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 8 hours ago, lulu95 said: I just remembered something relating to this. I do know some people who say "that's a really interesting question" to buy themselves time to think of an answer, and it's an interview strategy I've been told once or twice. I know I'm guilty of using this as a clutch to avoid using "um" to fill the awkward silence. Any thoughts on this? If it's sincere and you look pensive it's fine. If you use it excessively as a conversational crutch while saying it in an 'uptalk' tone then it's probably annoying/weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TARS Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 10 hours ago, lulu95 said: I just remembered something relating to this. I do know some people who say "that's a really interesting question" to buy themselves time to think of an answer, and it's an interview strategy I've been told once or twice. I know I'm guilty of using this as a clutch to avoid using "um" to fill the awkward silence. Any thoughts on this? Yea it's a good strategy if you use it for a question that is actually interesting lol... Don't say "that's a really interesting question" if they're asking you to describe your teamwork abilities or everytime they ask a follow-up. If you're going to need time to think for a follow-up, I don't think there's any problem with just saying "let me think about that" or whatever variation, and just think quietly for the next 10 seconds. It's better than stretching an "um...." or starting a thought or sentence that you cant complete because you haven't thought it through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralk Posted August 9, 2017 Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 On 8/4/2017 at 4:21 PM, lulu95 said: I just remembered something relating to this. I do know some people who say "that's a really interesting question" to buy themselves time to think of an answer, and it's an interview strategy I've been told once or twice. I know I'm guilty of using this as a clutch to avoid using "um" to fill the awkward silence. Any thoughts on this? There's lots of methods interviewees employ to buy a bit of time to think through an answer and I generally don't have a preference which is used. Even "can I think about that for a minute" is fine with me. Heck, even awkward silence works! I don't care about speed, I care about approach, content and presentation. Taking a bit of time to answer a question, regardless of how it's done, is a fine approach in my books, especially with some of the weirder questions that tend to pop up. Where "that's a really interesting question" or other rehearsed stalls can run into trouble is if it's clear flattery and not related to the question, as TARS mentioned, or if it's clearly being used to buy time and that time isn't used effectively. That is, if you say "that's a really interesting question" and then don't have a particularly good answer, I'd probably dislike that even more than just a mediocre response that they took some time to think about. Candidates struggling with a question is common and I won't hold that against them beyond the score for that question itself. Candidates struggling with a question and using rehearsed language to placate me in an attempt to cover up those struggles? Yeah, that's a problem with both approach and presentation, on top of content, and I will rate a candidate lower on their overall communication skills for that. No one's perfect in medicine, but I want colleagues who screw up honestly far more than I want people who attempt to cover up their mistakes (especially if they're good at it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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