Post interview doubts

So first things first, you should just acknowledge just how well you've done to get this far; you've done your research, nailed that personal statement and bagged yourself an interview for PA school. Now that's an achievement in itself if you ask me! But after all that preparation, nerves and a bit of adrenaline mixed in with it, you're kind of left in limbo. From my own experience at undergrad and more recently at my job interviews, I knew how I would feel post PA interview; which is why I made sure I obtained all the information that I wanted from the admissions tutor before I left my interview day. So if you're anything like me, and are your own worst enemy for being overly critical, I thought I would put this post together to offer a little advise and reassurance that you're not the only one doubting your own performance, but if nothing else, a little distraction until you get a response! So here are a few things that you can do to ease the post interview doubts...

1. Before you even leave, ask the admissions tutor about when you are likely to hear a response from them. Not only does it give you a chance to break the ice and instigate a conversation with them, you have a realistic time frame of when you will hear back, rather than winding yourself up everyday that you don't get that email from the admissions department.

2. Following on from that, find out how you will receive the response. Are they going to call you, if so make sure you can get to your phone at all times, or let the admissions team know before hand that you may not answer initially due to work/other commitments. Similarly if it's by post or email, check them regularly!!

3. Give yourself the credit you deserve! Like I said at the start of the post, you've done so well to get to this point, don't start doubting yourself now! Positive thinking and a bit of resilience is needed to get you through the whole process!

4. Make friends on with the other candidates on the day, they are the only ones who are in the same position as you and will be able to offer you a different perspective and hopefully a little more reassurance.

5.  Don't be overly critical of your performance during the interview process. Instead of focusing on the things you didn't do so well in, reflect on all of the positive things that you did. Ask yourself the questions, did you perform well in your MMI, did you present yourself professionally whilst still being true to your own personality, did you do your best? Focusing your energy on all of the positive things that will help you perform better during any additional interviews you may have; similarly there's no point dwelling on minor things, as you certainly cannot change them now.

I hope this helped in some way, even if it has just reassured you that you aren't the only one who's doubted themselves post interview, it's perfectly normal to think that way but the negative thoughts wont change the outcome, so think positively, distract yourself and hold tight with some crossed fingers until you get a response! 

Let me know how you coped with your post interview doubts. 

Until next time,

S