Strategy meets opportunity
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It is the only thing
Getting into residency isn't everything;
Preparing for the interview
It is a good idea, however, to get a few interviews under your belt before you go to the ones that you regard as the most important. And it is reasonable to expect that after a dozen interviews you will be battle-weary. Therefore, scheduling your most prized interviews in the middle might promote the best results.
The outcome of the interview process will have a major effect on the residency program finally selected, and can have implications for the future medical career of the applicant. The interview process today in general takes the form of a relaxed, low-pressure conversation, and can be quite enjoyable to the applicant and interviewer alike.
The Mock Interview:
It is famous quote “practice makes prefect.” This quote is applied in every walk of life. If you will prepare with possible questions you could be asked and practicing answering them, it would help you a lot. The prepared applicant who well understands the purpose of the interview process will find that he or she can quite favorably increase his chances of being selected for the residency program of his choice. Make arrangements for your interviews as early as possible and start making travel plans.
All programs interview by invitation only. Review your application, personal statement and curriculum vitae and prepare yourself to discuss anything that you’ve mentioned on them, including any research that you’ve done. Prepare a list of questions that you want to have answered during your stay. And remember, you don’t have to memorize your questions; you can take discrete notes into the interview.
Beyond the routine questions, there are others that are more difficult, unusual, or even strange inquiries that may not seem to pertain to your future as a doctor. It’s a good idea to spend some time on personal reflection before you start the interviewing process; give some thought to what you like and dislike, why you’re in medicine and what you want out of your residency. Be prepared to explain any gaps in your resume, especially failures etc. Be confident while speaking and give only specific answers.
Interview Attire:
In your town, your reputation counts; in another, your clothes do." Appropriate dress is an essential part of any interview. Keep in mind that most interviewers are conservative. Above all, dress neatly. Men: two piece suits in a solid color (gray, black or navy). Does not need to be expensive, but it should be well-cult and tailored. If you don't have or cannot afford a suit, wear a navy blue sport jacket with matching pants. The shirt should be plain white long sleeve with a conservative tie. Be sure your shoes are well polished. Carry a notepad, preferably in a leather-like portfolio to take notes.
Women can wear two piece suit or a well tailored dress. Simple blouse (watch the neck line...). Shoes should be simple pumps, low heeled in a dark or neutral color. The less jewelry you wear the better. Carrying a purse is debatable. Some say to never carry one. If you have an attaché case, place all your stuff in that as well as a notepad (portfolio style as above). If you can get away with it, just carry a notepad-it will be easier on you. Failure to wear professional-looking clothes might not cost you a placement, but it can distract the interviewer. Sweaters and slacks are okay when you're on call in certain programs, but your safest bet when you interview is to dress for success.
The process of applying and interviewing for a residency position is frequently a stressful one. This process involves both selling yourself to a program, as well as collecting the information that you will need in deciding how to rank the various programs. You might be very knowledgeable, scored good marks in all your exams but if you could not be able to impress the interviewer, all your preparation to get into residency would be in jeopardy.
An interview is a way for an employer to see what he or she will get if they hire you. The interview process is an aspect of residency application which is of primary importance to the prospective applicant. The investments involved in this venture usually include a month of the applicant's time and a monetary expenditure that adds up real quickly.
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