After having gone on a few interviews myself, I wanted to share some things I noticed from other IMGs who were interviewing alongside with me. I understand that coming from another country and interviewing for residency is a very intimidating and nerve-racking process. When I first came to the US a few years ago, I felt the same way and I was very shy and anxious when speaking to physicians and other health professionals. But the truth of the matter is that the culture here is different and being shy was not going to take me anywhere. After getting to know the culture and spending some time here, I learned that I had to be more active and leave that shyness to the side (and I considered myself an introvert).
When I was interviewing, it was very easy to notice which IMGs had already been in the US for x, y, or z, and which IMGs had not. The former were much more active with other applicants, more talkative, and were not shy to ask questions to applicants, staff, or program directors. The latter have been more quiet and have not engaged as much. I understand that it is overwhelming, humbling and nerve-racking. But to all in this forum and future IMG applicants: YOU HAVE ALL BEEN INVITED FOR AIN INTERVIEW! That means you have ALL the qualifications to be a resident at their program. Regardless of whether you are an US IMG, non US IMG, AMG, DO, etc. You were called because the program thinks you have what it takes and you could be a good fit for that place. Try as hard as you can to leave that nervousness to the side and be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I'm not saying it's said and done. But acknowledge that you will feel nervous and uncomfortable, but also acknowledge that you are there because you deserve it. Nobody in the room is better than you. You are all in the same game, at the same playing field. Believe in yourself, believe in your trajectory, and show as much confidence as you can (without being arrogant) with EVERYONE in the room. Engage with other applicants, ask them questions about where they are from, what school they go to, how their training has been, what their interests are, etc. By getting to know other applicants, it will reduce the anxiety as you will start feeling more comfortable in the room. And when you meet your interviewers, remember they are people too! Have a conversation with them as you would with any other person. Be respectful and know how to talk about yourself, show them that you have truly thought about your goals. But also enjoy your conversation. Smile. Have fun. Laugh. Some fine humor here and there never hurts. It's a conversation, it goes back and forth. If they say something and you want to learn more about it, go ahead and ask about it, even if they haven't opened the door for questions. That shows that you are engaged and paying attention.
Believe me, I KNOW it's easier said than done, but we've come all this way. We have all been through SO much, and we can honestly say we are more resilient and perseverant than many of the people that we will encounter in our lifetime. The program wants you. Interviews are the time to show them that you want them just as much. Do your best to show that. Leave your shyness and nervousness at the door, before you walk in. It's our time to show them why our strength and resilience makes us the best candidates.
*visa* *visa*
