10 Questions to Ask During an Interview

Interviews are often perceived as an interrogation of ourselves, when in actuality, it should be the opposite way around. Don't step into an interview and allow yourself to be the only one that is questioned about every strength and weakness of your application. Let go of that mindset and remember: they should also be explaining themselves to you. Out of all of your possible options, why should that exact school/company have the honor of having you as a part of their team? What do they offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How would they be of benefit to you? One thing about my generation — Gen Z — is that we don't play when it comes to holding people accountable. It's time to put schools and jobs up to the test and see to it that they treat their students/workers better.

# 10: How early do students get hands-on experience?

This one is limited to students, but important nonetheless. The more experience you get, the better. You may prefer an institution that allows students to get their hands dirty your first year, rather than later on in your studies.

# 9: Are there any continuing education opportunities OR how does leadership here support professional growth and development?

As the saying goes, knowledge is power. You can’t know what you don’t know—which is why learning never ends. Schools (and especially companies) should provide ways for you to expand your knowledge, perfect your craft, and advance your career.

# 8: What systems are in place to support well-being and school/work-life balance?

Nowadays, this is one of the most important questions. More and more people are leaving the corporate, 9-5 world to work for themselves. We're tired of being told what to do without recognition. We're tired of being overworked without compensation. And we're tired of being confined to routines that drain rather than inspire us.

Hold schools/employers accountable to the well-being of their students/employees. One thing Gen Z refuses to do is work a job we take for our entire lives like the generations before us did, it's just not worth it anymore in this economy.

# 7: Are there any major changes that I should be aware of, should I be accepted/hired?

I asked this question as well, mostly because I was going to be in the second ever class. Change is something that should be welcomed and adapted to. Being aware of upcoming changes allows you to show interviewers that you can learn and adapt quickly to any situation, something every school and employer appreciates.

# 6: What systems are in place to support employees who may be struggling to meet expectations?

“All have fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)—and the same is true in our academic and professional lives! Find out if schools and companies will be quick to kick you to the curb at the first sight of a setback, or if they will help you work through it. Growth often comes from mistakes; see who will truly be your R.O.D.

# 5: How does this school/company foster diversity and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented students in medicine/dentistry?

Just because “DEI” may be a controversial buzzword doesn’t mean the need has gone away. Let's face it — black and hispanic candidates do not have the same opportunities and resources as others. In fact, having a name that "sounds" black makes you far less likely to be called back — have you seen what just happened with that one HR lady? How many of us know someone—or have personally experienced—being passed over for a job in favor of a less-qualified, white candidate? Discrimination and nepotism are still very real, and schools and companies should be upfront about how they’re addressing it.

# 4: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting here, what would it be?

I asked something similar in my interview to gauge how administrators would want my class to differ from the first, inaugural class. You want to make sure that you are set apart from other students/employees. I was raised to give my best in everything that I do; therefore, I ensure that my hard work doesn't go unnoticed. I put in 110%, whether there are eyes on me or not. That way, if or when I leave, you'll feel the difference. They say everyone is replaceable — but I try not to be. I recommend you try to do the same!

# 3: What sets your institution/company apart from others?

This simple, but powerful question allows you to hear their “elevator pitch”—the short, compelling reason why you should choose them over the competition. No two schools or companies are the same, and it's important for you to know the benefits of each one.

# 2: What are some challenges that the school/company is facing and hoping to improve?

On the flip side, it’s equally important to know their weaknesses. Schools and companies love to rave about their benefits, but where do they fall short? Maybe their shortcomings are a dealbreaker for you — or maybe it's an opportunity for you to explain how you could help improve those areas.

# 1: What reservations do you have about accepting/hiring me?

Though this question is extremely bold — but powerful. I asked this in my interview for dental school and believe it was the reason why I was accepted. My experience was extensive, but my DAT score was pitiful (17AA/TS/PAT) and GPA, average.

At the end of the day, many schools only care about the numbers, and companies, how many years of experience you have — without recognizing your skills or knowledge. Asking this question gives you the chance to clear doubts and address weaknesses directly, whether that’s explaining a gap year, inconsistencies on your resume, or (like in my case) why I took the DAT three times and still ended up with a mediocre score.

In my interview, they were honest: they worried whether I’d be able to keep up with a rigorous curriculum of dental school. Asking the question gave me the chance to explain that despite the adversities, setbacks, and unfortunate circumstances I've had to face, I would work tirelessly to succeed. Don’t shy away from defending yourself—and bragging a little (just not too much; no one likes a show-off).

BONUS FOR JOBS: Ask what the starting rate is and what the benefits include — if any at all. No one wants to break their back for low pay and no benefits. And of course, negotiation is key. Ask for a number slightly higher than what you truly want. By the end of the negotiation, hopefully you're at exactly where you hoped.

Best of luck during interview season—whether for school or for a job! Remember to stay true to yourself — interviewers know when you're faking it. If you don't know the answer to something, don't be afraid to ask for clarification or say that you’d like to think about it and follow up later by email. From what I’ve seen and heard from HR professionals and administrators, the most important thing they want from you is honesty and integrity.

What part of your journey are you at? Let me know down below!