residency interviewing 1193517458692419 5

8/12/2019 Residency Interviewing 1193517458692419 5

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Residency Interviewing

Feinberg School of Medicine

Northwestern UniversityClass of 2008


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Hiring decisions are made in the first 30

seconds of the interview the balance ofthe time is used to justify the decision.


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There is no right way to interview.

You will bring your own uniqueperspective and personality tothe interviewing situation.Be clear, concise and natural.


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Goals of the interview

You will be assessing your compatibility withthe program

You will be assessing the strengths andweaknesses of the programThey will be confirming and expanding uponthe information in your applicationThey will be assessing your compatibility withthe program


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They will be noticing.

Body language Affect AttitudeHonestyPunctuality

AttentionGenuine interest


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Scheduling Interviews

Respond to programs ASAP so that you can have your choiceof interview dates

If at all possible, dont interview at most desirable program first Review your schedule ahead of time so you know when you arefree for interviewingIf you decide to not interview at a program, cancel theappointment AHEAD of time.Remember that your interview starts with the first phone call.Call and confirm your interview a week before. Confirm placeand time.


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Typical Interview Day

Background on the program (group) Attend conference (morning report, GrandRounds)InterviewsLunch* (possible interview at lunch withresidents)

TourWrap-up


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Research the Program

**Know what is unique about the program **Be aware of any recent changes in theprogram/department

Know something about the faculty/research in thedepartmentFREIDA, internet, Google the program/hospitalSpeak with NU alums

Know the geography of the program, i.e. remoteclinical sitesResearch the community


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What to bring with you

Directions and contact phone numbers Any information you have on the program

Multiple copies of your CVPapers/articles publishedPortfolio, pen, pencil

Okay to bring small suitcase if traveling Any updates to MSPE or transcriptInterview checklist


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The interview

Be earlyCall if you are going to be lateTurn off cell phone and/or pager

Ask ahead of time what the interview day will be like,who you meet with, etcDo not drink alcohol at lunchYou are interviewing with EVERYONE with whomyou come in contact

Plan your day so that you dont have to leave early


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The interview

Starts with a handshake and good eye contactDont be afraid to smile

Be aware of your body language (eye contact,position in chair)Show enthusiasm for the program, no matter howinterested you are

Answer question and then pause. Know when tostop.Pay attention to interviewers cuesBe wary of programs that do not allow you to interactwith residents


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Questions you may be asked

Tell me about yourselfEthical dilemmasWhat attracts you to this specialty

Describe the most interesting case youve seen What is your greatest weaknessWhy should we choose you over other candidatesWhere do you see yourself in 10 years

What are the biggest issues facing physicians todayLook on OSP webpage for more sample questions


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Questions to ask Faculty Interviewers/Program Directors (PD)

Ask INTERESTING and UNIQUE questions!! Are there any programmatic changes anticipated? (PD)What percentage of residency graduates have passed thespecialty board exams on the first try? (PD)

Do you assist graduates in finding a job? (PD)What do you feel are the strengths of this program?What do your graduates do after residency? (what types of jobs,where they are located)What is the balance of didactics and clinical work?How much contact do the residents have with faculty?

Are there opportunities for research (only if you are interested)? Are there non-clinical requirements (research, writing, admin)?Is there elective time?*What aspects of the program need improvement?


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Questions to ask Residents

What do you feel are the strengths/weaknesses ofthis program?How much contact do the residents have withfaculty?What do residents generally do with elective time?What aspects of the program need improvement?How are you evaluated?

Are you receiving adequate feedback? Are there international opportunities?


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Questions you shouldnt ask

What is the salary?What is the benefit package (should be in theinformation packet)?How much vacation do I get (generally 2-4weeks)?

When can I start moonlighting?


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Please Do Not.

Talk badly about other programs, faculty or

applicantsTry to hide something that is in your recordLie if asked about whether or not you areapplying to a different specialty


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What are they looking for?

ConfidenceCommitment to the specialty- demonstrate this withknowledge about the specialty

Enthusiasm for their programThe right fit

Ability to talk about yourself and what is on your CVGood communication skillsMotivation


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Preparing for the interview day

Wear comfortable shoes, conservative clothes, noperfume, neutral make-up, minimal jewelryBe aware of your weaknesses and be prepared to

discuss without using excusesThink ahead about what you want to convey (teamworking ability, passion for the specialty)Write a list of questions you would like answered

Only ask questions in which you have genuineinterest


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Thank You Notes

Note will serve to reinforce the positiveimpression you made during your interviewTake blank note cards with you to write afterthe interviewMake notes personal (use the names ofinterviewers) and use key points to remind

the interviewer of your time with him/herUse professional stationary


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Difficult Questions

Speak with your advisor about the interviewprocess in your area of specialty

Handling difficult questions (unethical, illegal,etc)Interviewing for a back up specialty Interviewing for preliminary and transitionalprograms


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Mock Interviews

Please check with your departmentaladvisors about scheduling a mock interview.

They are aware of the potential conflict ofinterest of having you do a mock interview ifyou plan on applying here.


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Let us know how it goes.


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Resources

Collins, J. The Residency InterviewNorthwestern University Medical CenterIserson, KV. Getting Into a Residency: A

guide for medical students Sixth edition2003.Molidor, JB. Say the Right Thing! Masteringthe Art of Being Interviewed 1997

residency interviewing 1193517458692419 5

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