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:

  • 1. Why do you want to be a genetic counselor?

    2. Why are you interested in our program? (be specific)

    3. What makes you unique as an applicant?

    4. 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!