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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
Dr. Andrea is a board certified neuropsychologist. She has been heavily involved in multiple aspects of training at the practicum, internship and postdoctoral level, including serving as a postdoctoral training director at Dallas VA. At a national level, she has served on several training based committees and is a past-chair for APA Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) .
Get in Touch & Resources:
- Email: andrea.zartman@va.gov
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!