How to "Ask" for an Interview Invite

[John146]

Has anyone contacted programs about "asking" for an interview or expressing their interest in hopes of getting an interview offer?

Who should we contact: program coordinator or director? Call vs. email?

Any advice/experiences would be much appreciated.

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[Dr Roboto]

I have emailed a few, addressed to both PC and PD. One PC replied back saying thanks and that they are still considering. Three PD's have sent what look like personal replies stating that interviews are full, but that they'd get back to me.

My suggestion on content is to keep it short and simple. Keep in mind that EM docs, in general, appreciate getting to the point in as few words as necessary. In my letters, I pointed out a particular reason I liked their program, but only spent about 1 sentence doing so. I was also straight forward, stating that I hoped they'd consider me for an interview.

This is just my logic paired with advice from a mentor. Keep in mind that I am a fellow applicant with no real basis to give advice.

I agree, except I left out the PD. Up to you.

 

[monkeybutt]

I did this when I was interviewing. There was a program I really wanted to go to, and although it was early I hadn't received an invitation from them. I emailed the PD saying I wanted to interview at that program and listed a few reasons I liked it (from the website). It was maybe 3 sentences total. I got an interview invitation shortly after.

From what I can tell, PDs tend to be more enthusiastic about applicants who are enthusiastic about their program.

 

[DrPepperDO]

I might be one of the few that this worked for. I emailed a few programs I hadn't heard from and heard back almost immediately from one of my top programs. One of the interviewees had to leave during the meet and greet dinner only 10 minutes before my email (his wife went into labor), and I got an interview for the next day. I ended up matching there, so it actually worked out very well for me.

It is do-able to ask for and receive an interview if not originally invited, but it takes a lot of luck on your side. The PC is usually the best to ask, as they are the ones who know what's open and are more likely to return your email. Calling is a good option also, but it's much easier for the PC to forward your email to the PD than to give them a phone message. Make sure that you are polite but not 'needy' in your message.

Hope this helps.

 

[in1Q84]

Just call and ask. Say "I am so-and-so, student at so-and-so school. I applied to your program and wanted to know what the status of my application was." I got an interview that way, and I matched at the very program I called for an interview. One guy I met on interview trail called and, by some luck, the program director answered. And, he ended up getting an interview! But, it can backfire on you if you call too much or if you are annoying.

 

[Deuce Doc]

I tried this for some of my top programs and had one success. I emailed the program director and received an invitation the next day from him directly (though possibly a fluke). I figured that as the game goes on, the likelihood of already being put in the "no interview" pile is higher and the risk of annoying someone who might otherwise offer you an interview is lower.

If the PD puts his email on the website, I figured it was fairly safe to contact him, but if not, I stuck with the PC. Didn't try a phone call--that might be higher yield. Good luck.

 

[dav86]

I tried this for some of my top programs and had one success. I emailed the program director and received an invitation the next day from him directly (though possibly a fluke). I figured that as the game goes on, the likelihood of already being put in the "no interview" pile is higher and the risk of annoying someone who might otherwise offer you an interview is lower.

If the PD puts his email on the website, I figured it was fairly safe to contact him, but if not, I stuck with the PC. Didn't try a phone call--that might be higher yield. Good luck.

I have tried at three places and have had two successes, don't know if it was tied to the email, but got the interviews after the emails were sent, one was the day after and one was a couple of weeks after. Both are in my top 5, so I am happy with the results. One has not said anything back, but I have not yet been rejected, so still holding out a slim chance. I sent mine to the PCs who forwarded them on to the PDs.