Episode Details

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Today, I sit down with Dr. Andrea Zartman, a neuropsychologist and training director at the Dallas VA, to unpack what actually matters in internship and postdoc applications and interviews. We walk through the entire process, from CV structure and cover letters to letters of recommendation and interview performance, with a frank, insider perspective. Andrea shares concrete, experience-based guidance from nearly two decades of training work, including what makes candidates stand out, what quietly sinks applications, and how to approach interviews with confidence, authenticity, and professionalism. If you’re applying, interviewing, or supervising trainees this season, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Main Topics Covered:

• Why training and mentorship matter in neuropsychology (00:01:27)
• What makes an application stand out immediately (organization, CV clarity) (04:36)
• How training directors actually read CVs for internship vs. postdoc (06:51)
• Common CV mistakes and how to structure practicum descriptions effectively (12:06)
• The real role of cover letters, and when they actually help (20:06)
• How letters of recommendation are evaluated and what strong letters include (28:50)
• What differentiates strong interviews from average ones (36:29)
• How to prepare for interview questions, vignettes, and case presentations (48:32)
• Navigating personal disclosure, professionalism, and “fit” in interviews (43:05)
• Where the selection process is heading, including virtual interviews and AI (57:35)

Cool Things Mentioned

• The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
• Reverb: AI-powered report-writing software

Featured Resources

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About Dr. Andrea Zartman

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