Okay, you’ve already read about how to prepare for CRNA school interviews and run through a couple mock interviews with your friends and family. What now?! You ace the interview! While prep is a pivotal step in your interview success, here are some tidbits on what to expect and how to approach different interview styles during the interview.
Are you looking for complete interview prep? We’ve got everything you need for complete CRNA school interview prep including bite sized what you need to know pathophysiology and pharmacology videos, interview math, emotional intelligence prep, done-for-you flashcards, and more (even lectures from faculty) inside our CRNA Club Membership!
In-Person CRNA School Interview Tips
First things first: dress professionally! This should go without saying, but it’s critical to look polished and professional when attending your in-person CRNA school interview. Be professional from the moment you arrive, and avoid distractions like being on your phone while in the waiting area.
Know your way around the campus before the interview day. If possible, visit the school ahead of time to familiarize yourself with where to park, how long it will take to walk to the interview location, and any other logistical details. Preparing for these small but important details will help reduce your nerves on the big day.
Also, be sure to bring a copy of your Resume, especially if it’s been updated since your submission. You might not need it, but best to have a copy!
When answering questions during your panel interview, be sure to glance at everyone on the panel, not just the person asking the question. This helps to engage all of the interviewers and shows you’re comfortable and confident in the interview setting.
Virtual CRNA School Interview Tips
Virtual interviews are becoming more common for CRNA school applicants, so it’s important to test your technology before the interview. Here are a few key tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Test your Zoom connection with a friend beforehand to avoid any technical hiccups.
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection to prevent lag or disconnections during the interview.
- Set up proper lighting so your face is well-lit and easy to see.
- Remove distractions from your background—a clean, neutral space works best.
- Dress professionally (even if only the top half is visible)! Appearance matters, even virtually.
- Elevate your laptop to eye level—stack it on books or a stand to prevent awkward angles and create a more natural camera setup.
- Position the Zoom window at the top of the screen just below the camera. This makes it easier to look at the camera, which helps create the illusion of eye contact with your interviewers.
- Join the interview early, about 15 minutes ahead of time, to ensure everything is set up and running smoothly.
How to Answer Clinical Questions
When it comes to clinical questions during your CRNA school interview, the most important thing is to be honest. If you don’t know the answer, don’t panic. Admission committees often want to see if you’re aware of your limitations and if you know when to seek help. Be sure to mention what you do know and express your willingness to learn.
If you can’t answer a clinical question, admit it, but also say that you’ll look up the information afterward and follow through by sending an email with the answer. This shows your commitment to learning and improving.
We have done-for-you pharmacology flashcards, 60+ drug ICU drug charts, and complete pathophysiology and pharmacology videos for your CRNA school interview prep inside our CRNA Club Membership – you can check it out here!
Emotional Intelligence Questions: Let Your Personality Shine
Emotional intelligence questions are where you get to show who you are as a person. These questions allow you to demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations, interact with others, and stay calm under pressure. Let your personality shine and be yourself during these questions.
For scenario-type questions (like “Tell me about a time when…”), use the STAR method to structure your answers:
- Situation: Briefly describe the context of the scenario.
- Task: Explain the challenge or task you had to address.
- Action: Describe what actions you took to resolve the situation.
- Result: Share the outcome of your actions and any lessons learned.
Example CRNA School Emotional Intelligence Question and Answer:
Question: Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a provider in the ICU and how you handled it.
Example: Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a provider in the ICU and how you handled it
Situation:
During one of my shifts in the ICU, a disagreement arose between me and a physician over the sedation protocol for a critically ill patient. The patient was intubated and required close sedation management. The physician wanted to increase the sedative dosage due to agitation, while I believed a lower dose with an adjunct medication would be safer given the patient’s comorbidities, including renal dysfunction.
Task:
My goal was to advocate for a sedation plan that prioritized both patient safety and comfort while maintaining effective communication with the physician to ensure collaborative care. I needed to address the disagreement professionally and present my perspective in a way that would allow us to reach a consensus.
Action:
I took a moment to collect my thoughts and approached the physician calmly, asking if we could discuss the patient’s current status in more detail. I explained my concerns about increasing the sedative dose, specifically the potential for prolonged sedation and adverse effects due to impaired renal clearance. I suggested an alternative approach, involving a lower dose of sedation combined with a non-sedative anxiolytic. To support my position, I referred to the latest ICU sedation guidelines and the patient’s lab values, making sure to emphasize our shared goal of ensuring the best outcome for the patient. Throughout the conversation, I maintained a respectful tone and actively listened to the physician’s concerns.
Result:
After discussing the patient’s condition and reviewing the evidence together, we reached a compromise. The physician agreed to trial the lower dose with the adjunct medication, while keeping a close eye on the patient’s response. This collaborative approach not only ensured the patient’s safety but also strengthened my professional relationship with the physician. The patient’s agitation improved without the need for excessive sedation, and I gained confidence in advocating for patient care in complex situations.
General Interview Tips
Make sure to have 1-2 questions for them at the end of the interview! Tailor it to that specific school. 1 question could be about the program, and then the 2nd question could be asking when you should expect to hear back (if that have not already disclosed this info prior in the interview)
Send follow-up thank you emails for BOTH in-person and virtual!! (Feeling like you have writer’s block? We’ve got email templates for you inside our Membership!)
- Ok to just send the email to the program director (whoever holds the highest title that was in your interview) – no need to send to every single person
- Make it personal! Tie in something unique about you that you discussed in the interview, and why you believe you will be a good fit for the program
Example:
Good Morning [Program Director] and Interview Committee Members,
I want to personally thank you all for taking the time to interview me yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with each one of you about [Program Name] DNP Anesthesia program. After our discussion, I feel even stronger that I am an excellent candidate and addition to your program. [Personal detail of why you would be a good fit to the program here].
I would be honored to attend such an inclusive and supportive university. I enjoyed hearing about [the answer to the question you asked specific to the program]. I look forward to [insert 1-2 facts about the program that appeal to you most]. I know that [Program Name] will provide me with the education and skills necessary to be a strong, competent provider with the ability to practice anesthesia in all settings.
As your interviews come to a close, I hope to be at the forefront of the strong list of dedicated, passionate individuals who will undoubtedly add value to your program. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the admissions decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Preparing for a CRNA school interview can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can confidently showcase your skills and personality. Whether you’re facing an in-person or virtual interview, dressing professionally, practicing good communication, and being well-prepared are key to success. In-person interviews require attention to body language and knowing the campus logistics, while virtual interviews demand a strong internet connection, proper lighting, and a professional setup.
Clinical and emotional intelligence questions both test your knowledge and ability to handle challenging situations, so be ready to demonstrate your critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Don’t forget to follow up with a personalized thank-you email to leave a lasting impression. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to acing your CRNA school interview!
Want more CRNA School Interview tips? We’ve got templates and how-to videos inside of our Membership! Plus over 60+ pathophysiology, pharmacology and interview prep lectures by faculty!
