How to call and "ask" for an interview

[turkdlit]

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OK, so I'm in the small group (at least on SDN) that isn't doing so great on the interview front - just one so far. And I've been told by many residents that it would be wise to call programs and ask for interviews in mid/late-october if I haven't heard from them yet.

So I've done this for about 10 programs and one of two things happen:

1) They reject me on the phone
2) They say haven't started sending out invitations...and I sort of go, "OK, well, I'm uh...very much hoping to hearing something, uh, positive from the selection committee..." which is met by silence on the other line.

I mean, how are you supposed to beg for an interview? Why would a program give you one if you're just basically saying, "pretty pretty please, I need interviews!"

Thanks and congrats to all who are raking them in !

 

[Iladelphia]

See previous post started by me entitled "One Interview." OK, so now I have two, but I'd say we would be among the last people picked if we were to start an "who has the most interviews" foftball team. Alleyesonme would be the ace of course, and niveknat would be batting cleanup. I digress....

I'm not sure how to go about this either. I do the same thing and I get the "we are still reviewing applications" response. And then I don't know what to say. I've said something to the effect of "well if you could pass on to the admission committee the fact that I called and would love the chance to meet them in person I would greatly appreciate it." This is typically meant with a "sure no problem." I don't know if they actually do it, but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

As for begging for interviews, I don't know if I could bring myself to do that over the phone. If you do, and it works, let me know and I will be quickly following suit.

 

[Wolverine98]

Be careful about doing this. Is there anything you think you can say that's going to convince the program coordinator to push for you to get an interview? I doubt it. However, on the other hand, you could come across as being sort of annoying and pestering.

 

[trail doc]

You can call nearby programs a day or two before they interview to tell them it would be easy for you to come last minute. They may have cancellations, and want to fill them with someone. There's nothing to lose, and this late in the game, it's not like they will look unfavorably on you for doing it.

It worked for me last year.

 

[eycer]

Be careful about doing this. Is there anything you think you can say that's going to convince the program coordinator to push for you to get an interview? I doubt it. However, on the other hand, you could come across as being sort of annoying and pestering.

what does it matter if you come across as annoying and pestering at a program where you DON'T have an interview? if you get an interview, great, you have a foot in the door. If you don't, it doesn't matter if they think you are annoying or polite.

 

[Wolverine98]

what does it matter if you come across as annoying and pestering at a program where you DON'T have an interview? if you get an interview, great, you have a foot in the door. If you don't, it doesn't matter if they think you are annoying or polite.

If you're on the border, and they're deciding between you and another applicant for the next interview spot, they can lean towards the one who didn't irritate them.
Also, if you do end up with an interview (which could very well happen without you calling), this could end up with you further down on the rank list than someone who didn't annoy the coordinator.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

If you're on the border, and they're deciding between you and another applicant for the next interview spot, they can lean towards the one who didn't irritate them.
Also, if you do end up with an interview (which could very well happen without you calling), this could end up with you further down on the rank list than someone who didn't annoy the coordinator.

I agree with this this. Don't call them... they will call you.

However, if you have a connection with a faculty who can call on your behalf to the program director, then this is a different story. I've called for my residents at various fellowship programs.

 

[Wolverine98]

However, if you have a connection with a faculty who can call on your behalf to the program director, then this is a different story. I've called for my residents at various fellowship programs.

Absolutely. That's a different situation altogether (both for fellowships and residency).