DVM Behavioral Interview

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has adopted a behavioral interview as part of the evaluation process for applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). The change reflects a growing trend in candidate evaluation and a response to changes in the veterinary profession, where success depends on the ability to handle more than just animal issues.

Why was this change adopted at the University of Minnesota?
In response to a trend of falling incomes and growing disparities between veterinary skill and employer demands, the University of Minnesota partnered with a small group of veterinary colleges to conduct a nationwide study of success in the veterinary medical profession. The study examined the professional success of practicing veterinarians as a combination of factors, with a focus on competencies gained through veterinary medical schooling.

Research results revealed a set of non-technical competencies developed over time, consisting of personality traits, abilities, interests, and values, which have a very important role in determining the success of a veterinarian. Yet unlike technical competencies, many non-technical competencies cannot be acquired during the short period of veterinary training. Participants agreed that veterinary students who do not possess certain non-technical competencies may not be adequately prepared for the profession.

What is a behavioral interview?
In the past, traditional interviews used to select veterinary candidates have focused on experience, largely ignoring the more enduring non-technical competencies.

The behavioral interviewer is trained to objectively collect and evaluate information, using a series of questions that focus on the competencies required for success in the profession. A typical question in a behavioral interview would be, “Tell me about a time when…” This allows the candidate to illustrate knowledge, skills, and abilities by giving specific examples from past experiences, thus revealing the non-technical competencies a candidate has demonstrated in previous similar situations. Behavioral interviews have become quite popular in industry and business, as they have shown to be a much more effective indication of future performance than traditional interviews that ask a candidate to describe what he or she would do.

What is the format of the interview?
Your interview will last approximately 60 minutes and consist of approximately 10 interview questions. You will be meeting with two individuals selected from a team of veterinary faculty, professional staff, and external veterinarians that have been trained in conducting a behavioral interview and have participated in practice interviews. The flow will be very conversational and members of the interview team may ask follow-up questions. It is important that we ask all of the questions so the team may ask you at times to shorten your responses so that they may move on to the other questions. Team members will also be taking notes during the course of the interview.