Preparing for the interview

• Researching The Program
  • FREIDA (www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997.html)
  • MedScout (www.medscout.com)
  • Residency program web sites . "Word on the Street"
  • Faculty
  • Alumni
       
• Common Interview Questions
  • "Tell me about yourself."
  • "What are your strengths/weaknesses?"
  • "Why have you chosen this specialty?"
  • "Why should we accept you?"
  • "Describe a patient who challenged you."
  • "Do you have any questions?"
  • "Explain (failing grades, leaves of absence, low test scores, etc)."
  • "Where do you see yourself in (5, 10, 15) years?"
  • "What if you don't match?"
  • "Do you plan on having a family?"
  • "If we offered you a position, would you accept?"
     
• Choosing an Interview Wardrobe
  • Conservative suit
    • Blue, black or gray
    • White or blue shirt for men; muted colors for women.
    • Nothing bright, shiny or sheer.
  • Minimal jewelry
    • No rings except for wedding rings
    • No earring or necklace for men.
    • Small earrings, necklace O.K. for women.
  • Conservative shoes
    • Black or blue
    • Women in low heels or flats, with flesh-colored hose.
    • Both men and women: make sure shoes are shined and in good repair.
  • No cologne, perfume or after-shave
  • Keep hair off of your face Choosing an Interview Wardrobe
  • Simple makeup and facial hair
  • Nails should be short and clean. Clear or pale nail polish for women.
  • Invest in a briefcase. No backpacks, gym bags, etc.
     
• Mock Interviews
  • Ask a faculty member to perform one with you.
  • Dress and behave as you would during a real interview.
  • Tape yourself (audio or video) during the interview. Any bad habits you have will jump out at you.
  • Pay attention to non-verbal cues
    • Handshake
    • Tone of voice
    • Clarity
    • Speaking pace
    • Eye contact
    • Body language
    • Smile!
  • Answering questions
    • Take a breath before you answer.
      • Will send oxygen to your brain
      • Will give you half a second to think of your answer
    • Okay to ask for a moment to think before you answer.
      • Don't talk just to fill empty space
      • Better to take a moment than to give a damaging answer
         
• The Day Before the Interview
  • Make sure clothes are ready to wear.
  • Assemble your notepad, copies of your CV, extra pens, breath mints, etc.
  • Confirm your interview time and review the directions to the interview location.
  • Don't drink alcohol or take any drugs that might impair your performance.
  • Don't eat garlic, onions or anything else that will stink the next day.
  • Don't over study your notes.
  • Get to bed early and try to get plenty of sleep.

Interview Day

• The Morning
  • Wake up early and give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
  • Don't drink more coffee or caffeinated tea than you normally do.
  • Don't drink milk or eat any dairy products.
  • Plan to get to the interview 15-20 minutes early.
• The Lunch
  • Order something easy to eat: no pasta, soup, salad, tacos, etc.
  • No stinky food (garlic, onions, etc.)
  • No alcohol, even if it's offered!
  • No coffee or caffeinated tea.
  • No dairy.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Don't overeat.
• The post-interview reception
  • No alcohol, even if it's offered!
  • Don't let down your guard. You are being judged just as much here as during the interviews.

Writing Thank You Letters

• Why write them?
  • Gives you another chance to sell yourself to the program.
  • Helps interviewers remember you.
• Content
  • Keep it brief.
  • Mention specific details of the program that interest you.
  • The tone should be enthusiastic.
• Send it out within two weeks.

What you should never do

• Not prepare
• Show up late
• Tell inappropriate jokes
• Not wear appropriate interview attire
• Bad mouth your (school, professors, supervisors, etc).
• Drink alcohol or smoke
• Lie