Advice For Interviews?

[anestheticman]

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Does anyone know where to buy one of those nice looking leather bound folders that people carry at interviews? I have a journal that I am using for information but it won't fit papers inside of it and I wanted to get a light folder to carry with me instead.

Also, how much research/preparation are people putting into each program before they go? Is reading the program's website, scutwork, etc. enough information?

I'm getting a bit nervous after looking at Iserson's advice about interview questions, sort of realized I have no clue at this point what to expect. People keep saying that anesthesia interviews are usualy just "get to know you" interviews but I still feel like I should be writing stuff down to prepare and make sure I know what to say beforehand.

Thanks!

 

[pjl]

I thought I would want one of those folders too in the beginning, but the way it turns out, every program gave out a folder at the beginning of the day full of their stuff. I never felt the need to have any other papers with me. I did carry one of those really small notebooks and a pen for any notes I wanted to make. That said I think officemax had some that were reasonable.

It depends where you go, but the questions asked at most anesthesia interviews are really much easier than you may hear about from other specialties. Do read over those questions because you never know, but I wouldn't worry as much about that. Be very prepared to answer "why anesthesia," "Why our program," and "Any questions for me."

As far as prep work, reading scutwork is ok, sometimes quite outdated, but the reviews on this site (use search) were pretty useful. The programs individual webpages should definitely be read over, but all tend to be pretty much the same.
The most useful information source for me was the dinner with residents the night before. Figure out if you like those people, there are definitely different feels to each place.

 

[anestheticman]

OK now I am reading random websites and books telling me to bring a copy of CV, PS, application, USMLE scores, picture, etc. Do I really need to do that? This is the first I have heard of that.

Also, a website said to send a thank you letter to the program director/ coordinator before setting up the interview date, I have never heard of that either...

So, what is everyone bringing with them and what is thank you letter business about? I would assume you just email a thank you letter to interviewers and the PD etc. the day after or so.

 

[excalibur]

OP, take a deep breath and relax for a moment,

you can buy one of those folder things at K-Mart. Where I got mine. Doesn't need to be fancy or expensive. Yes most places give you a folder, but some don't, and it is nice to have some paper to write on in your folder if you need it.

Only thing you may want to consider bringing is copy of CV and PS. No one asked me for either on my interviews though.

By now you should know what suit is appropriate for an interview. If you look professional in your black suit and you like your black suit, wear your black suit.

 

[pjl]

DO NOT go buy a new suit if you already have a black one and are worried about whether a different color is better.
As far as preinterview thank yous go I have never heard of the before the interview thing, but can't imagine that is done by many people. I guess when I accepted interviews I would say something like yes I will come on whatever day, thank you for the opportunity.

 

[badgas]

I sure do not miss those pre-interview jitters. Relax, anesthesiology interviews have to be some of the most relaxed out there. Do not study up on anesthesia because you won't be pimped. If you are, drop the folder they gave you and leave the interview because you probably don't want to be there. Look at their website for 5 minutes, read reviews on this website and maybe check out scutwork. Know your own application well because they will ask you about things on it, as well as your PS. So if you put down that you were your med schools head of brownie sales, be prepared to talk about that. The most common questions I got last year were "why anesthesia? tell me about yourself. what are your hobbies?" There were actually interviews where the ONLY topic was muscle cars. Buy the $5 walmart folder if you feel naked without it, but honestly I stopped bringing mine after the 3rd interview. So relax and have a good time.