Does an IMG usually have to have connections where he/she gets an interview? I have been told by people that one should only to apply to a place where someone can put in a good word for you as chances of IMGs getting interviews and getting accepted into a residency without connections is slim. What is asked during an interview? Are we supposed to request the person who wrote our LOR to call up the PD personally too? How many people from offshore schools were able to get decent residencies without any connections? Do most of us have an equal chance or does knowing someone really matter that much?

I am a US IMG and I have been getting plenty of interviews, with no special connections whatsoever.

Congrats!
What are your scores and do you have us clinical experience or lor's?
Where are your interviews?
Good luck!