Since we are starting the interview season, can some attendings and residents give some advice on interviews do and don't besides the obvious personality issues? Every year, there are candidates who go on the expected average interview # and go unmatched. Can you also elaborate on that and how to avoid that? TIA!!!
Interview do and don't
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Don’t be a dummy and practice common questions. Research the program and ask questions. You’ve done dozens of interviews in your life by now so cmon don’t overthink it
Jesus if you don’t have a better idea than please don’t comment, be rude and call me dummy. You think people fail to match w 15+ interview did not google and find interview practice questions as well researching programs...but why they did not match is really what I am asking.
Everyone get asked the same questions but obviously why someone do that better than others...it is obvious but your smart self does not seem to comprehend.
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Where did I call you a dummy? It is legit advice. Don't be a dummy haha sometimes things fall through the cracks but if you just be yourself you ahve the best chance. I don't see me being super mean but alrighty. Best of luck
If you don’t want to be super duper well prepared for interview, you do you. But I work hard enough that I really want to match...so I do me. Don’t go around and give advice by calling people dummy. Are you sure you are the smarter one just because you are ok w the “fall through the crack” and go unmatch? Obviously you are not and trust me I know someone who did and that is the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone.
“Don’t be a dummy...” ♀️
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I could be mistaken, but I think @Chibucks15 was making two suggestions in that first sentence: 1. Don't be a dummy; 2. Practice common questions.
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So another piece of advice. If a random stranger on the internet tries to give advice and you don't like the phrasing, definitely don't fly off the handle and let it get to you this much. If the word dummy sets you off I cannot imagine what mean patients can do to you. There is nothing you can do to guarantee you will match and it really isn't that complicated. Also, my above advice is all I've done and I've done 3 interviews that have all gone very well so far. So my strategy seems to work just fine. Insinuating I don't work hard and want to match is another weird strategy. As I said, you've done dozens of interviews to this point, there really isn't a difference. I'm gonna go ahead and leave now, I suggest you not be offended by the world and just do your best. I would say be yourself but you kinda seem like an insufferable turd. Peace!
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1) Develop good reading comprehension skills, because Citi did NOT call you a dummy. The advice given was "don't act like a dummy at interviews".
2) Develop a thicker skin
3) Do not target NYC programs, because my people use the term "F you" as a greeting.
4) Contact grads from your program on what they did
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don't act like this in the interviews and you should be good
Well he/she said “don’t be a dummy”...then go one and say google. It can be interpret as calling me a dummy assuming I did not google.
Now if he/she said “don’t act like a dummy during the interview”...obviously I would have taken it as a good advice instead
but thanks for your advice...
Sure you won’t be offensive if people call you dummy ♀️
Thank you. His/her post was not clear. I misunderstood.
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I'm guessing English is not your first language. In which case, my advice would be to give people the benefit of the doubt and not assume that they are insulting you. We use a lot of weird phrasings and idioms that don't seem to make sense in English, and it's unlikely that some random stranger giving you advice is insulting you. That will be useful for interviews and patient encounters, since you might think something they're saying is offensive when it very well could just be an innocuous thing.
Someone above also said I guess...if the person put “Don’t be a dummy during interview” and google practice question...I would have taken it as good advice...leaving out the word “during interview” makes it confusing. Some people on this forum are pretty mean...not the first time someone assume others do no work and call them dummy on this forum. Anyway I admitted that I misunderstood...can we move on to advice part? Thank you!!!
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You're getting advice. It just seems like it's advice you don't want to hear. Good luck.
So when I asked for more advice you assume I did not take previous advices? Again I already admitted that was my mistake, say sorry and thank you? What else do you want me to do? Do you think time is better to spend on going on and on how I made the mistake instead of getting more advices on interview preparation? I see how I made the mistake I admitted and learned from it...what else do you want me to do? ♀️
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Why do you keep using that symbol at the end of your comment? And I reiterate, do not act this confrontational at your interviews.
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The only person it confused was you. Which I would say does indicate that you could work on effective and courteous communication in advance of any upcoming interviews. Never act online in any way you wouldn't want anyone else to see because you never know who may be paying attention and will be able to identify you. Additionally, don't disregard the advice already given to you by @Matthew9Thirtyfive, @Goro, and @Chibucks15.
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There's no secret code or handshake to do well in interviews. I think @Chibucks15 had covered it all.
Btw, you might give SJWs a run for their money of how easily offended you are.
Edit: preemptive sorry if the above offended you too
Btw, you might give SJWs a run for their money of how easily offended you are.
Edit: preemptive sorry if the above offended you too
Do I need to spend the next 20-30 post arguing about this to make you feel like I learn from it? Seriously...my goal is just to prepare for interviews. Obviously the more advice the better. I have friends who people thought would match sure (perfect app, no red flag personality) did not match...hence why I am asking for more advice other than obvious ones like googling interview questions or search the website ok. I know sometimes people just fall through the cracks...but again I am just trying to prepare my best.
Again I already admitted that is is my mistake. Did I say this is not. How many do I have to say this?
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And we're telling you, you are being extremely confrontational and defensive in this thread. If you act even a little like this in your interviews or pre-interview dinners, you will have a hard time.
I actually already learned and moved past the first post. Now I just want to prepare for my interview. You are the one who is still at the first post and make assumptions about me when I simply just asked for more advices...regardless of how many times I said I made mistake, I learned, and I appreciated the advices.
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Just shut up and move on. If there are more tips, theres still time. By you keep answering every single irrelevant comment, just make the misery last longer.
And that’s a tip right there, even for your residency. By bring your “mistakes” up and apologize every two seconds it will just make people remember it that much more.
Move on.
And that’s a tip right there, even for your residency. By bring your “mistakes” up and apologize every two seconds it will just make people remember it that much more.
Move on.
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I think the symbol comes from trying to do a female facepalm or shrug type emoji on mobile that gets reformatted as just a female icon.
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I literally don't see any problem with this advice other than OP misreading it and treating it into a personal attack for no reason.
I long move on...but some people take my move on as I don’t appreciate the advice...thank you for your advice. Time to go and prepare for my 20+ interviews
Every time a poster makes a bad impression, someone is convinced they're a troll, lol. Not every poster is super chill and amicable on the internet and oftentimes that's the best explanation
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I hope your humbling, shining personality shows through!
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At least the OP has given everyone multiple examples of what not to do on interviews.
Thanks OP!
Thanks OP!
Jesus it was a misunderstanding. I apologize. Move on. You also show me a good example of someone who can’t forgive...I am also not sure if it is something one should do during interview...”that person made a mistake...even tho he/she apologize...I will hold it against her/him for life”...
How do you feel if you make a mistake as a resident or attending and your attending or patient go on and on about it saying how horrible you are? Will you want to work with them? ♀️ Is that indeed an attribute to show during interview then?
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You’re on fire tonight.
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I think the general advice to not be so defensive has been given and reiterated, and while it may be valid continuing to pile on probably isn't productive. Let's just move on unless anyone has other useful advice for the OP.
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Okay, you asked for advice, here goes:
1. Be familiar with the program at which you are interviewing. Ask questions that show that you know at which program you are interviewing.
2. Be friendly and open. Be nice to everyone, especially the secretaries, support staff, and residents. It's not only the program director's opinion of you that counts. The number one criterion most programs use is "would this candidate be a good fit for OUR program?"
3. Be prepared to talk about yourself, how you decided on your specialty, and how you decided to apply to this program. Even if this program is not your first choice, make it clear that you would be happy to be a part of it.
4. Take the time to listen and understand before responding to a question or comment. This is especially important for applicants for whom English is not their first language. If you don't understand the interviewers, and they don't understand your responses, it will not make a good impression.
5. Above and beyond the program, be enthusiastic about the specialty for which you are applying. We have no interest in applicants who do not enjoy the specialty we have chosen (and for whom it is clearly a "backup" choice). Expect that your interviewers will engage you in discussions about your experiences with the specialty.
6. Read Goro's Guide to the Interview, and other such useful information on this site.
Hope this is helpful!
1. Be familiar with the program at which you are interviewing. Ask questions that show that you know at which program you are interviewing.
2. Be friendly and open. Be nice to everyone, especially the secretaries, support staff, and residents. It's not only the program director's opinion of you that counts. The number one criterion most programs use is "would this candidate be a good fit for OUR program?"
3. Be prepared to talk about yourself, how you decided on your specialty, and how you decided to apply to this program. Even if this program is not your first choice, make it clear that you would be happy to be a part of it.
4. Take the time to listen and understand before responding to a question or comment. This is especially important for applicants for whom English is not their first language. If you don't understand the interviewers, and they don't understand your responses, it will not make a good impression.
5. Above and beyond the program, be enthusiastic about the specialty for which you are applying. We have no interest in applicants who do not enjoy the specialty we have chosen (and for whom it is clearly a "backup" choice). Expect that your interviewers will engage you in discussions about your experiences with the specialty.
6. Read Goro's Guide to the Interview, and other such useful information on this site.
Hope this is helpful!
This is awesome thank you. I forgot about the Goro guide...will have to look for it.
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Don't be silent, but don't be the butt kisser. You have to be remembered.
Dress professionally or have a good reason not to, but not too flashy
LunaOri made a great point about being friendly to staff, they CAN have enormous input about it. If you came off as confrontational, demanding, etc they will definitely mention it to people
Brush your teeth
Small talk is important, it's how the residents will know if they can work with you and remember you
Don't be negative
Be prepared for ANYTHING. You can be pimped, asked to give a presentation, asked to take an examination. Hell, one PD wanted me to discuss Miley Cyrus with her (for twenty minutes).
Laugh at our jokes. <-- **
Dress professionally or have a good reason not to, but not too flashy
LunaOri made a great point about being friendly to staff, they CAN have enormous input about it. If you came off as confrontational, demanding, etc they will definitely mention it to people
Brush your teeth
Small talk is important, it's how the residents will know if they can work with you and remember you
Don't be negative
Be prepared for ANYTHING. You can be pimped, asked to give a presentation, asked to take an examination. Hell, one PD wanted me to discuss Miley Cyrus with her (for twenty minutes).
Laugh at our jokes. <-- **
These random interview questions: discuss Miley Cyrus...what is really the purpose of it? I know the program wants to assess people's ability to have a normal conversation aka life....but people like different things...which makes them unique...If I say I don't follow Miley Cyrus...is that bad?
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I havent paid attention to her much since Hannah Montana lol
But just say that, im not into her music. She does do a great cover of Jolene though.
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Yes she does. My favorite cover of that song is the White Stripes version.
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As you said, the purpose is just to see if you can have a normal conversation. If you share similar interests with them, all the more of a plus. But they want to be able to get to know YOU, doesn't matter if you know the works of Miley Cyrus but how you carry forward the conversation will speak volumes.
And not knowing Miley Cyrus is downwright unAmerican. How else are you going to Party in the USA and come out of it like a Wrecking Ball?
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I apologize if this is repeating some of the things others have said, but these were my take aways from applying last year.
1. Practice answering questions directly without rambling. Work with someone who will give you honest feedback, not someone who will make you feel good about yourself. If you feel you already have this skill, great, many people don't - especially when they get flustered.
2. Try not to get flustered. Some questions will throw you off or be unexpected. Take a second, think about it for a couple moments, and form a coherent answer.
3. Do NOT put other students down in your interview. This cycle we had a student who literally talked crap about other students on rotation with him during the interview. Immediately dq'd.
4. Tying into #3, if doing an away-rotation, be knowledgeable without being gunner-ish. There was a student who would answer questions asked to another student or and would try physically edging out residents in the OR (like who do you think you are??)...so have some courtesy and self awareness.
5. Know your strength and weakness, especially your weaknesses. There are good ways to phrase weakness, and there are bad ways. Saying "I'm not sure if I can handle the workload of residency" may be honest, but is concerning to an interviewer.
6. Have a TON of questions. Like on one of my interview panels, the doc literally just told me to ask about anything I wanted to know about the program, area, etc. I had like 20 questions written down ahead of time, and just slowly worked through about 12 of them during that short block during the interview day.
7. Maybe COVID won't allow it, but if you get invited to go out after the interview day with the residents and other med students, do it. Don't be the person who gets forgotten because they didn't unless you have a good reason (picking up a call-shift, etc).
8. Be flexible, be kind, and be humble. Interview day plans may change, just roll with it. Never, ever talk down to staff on a rotation. If a nurse or MA or tech tells your staff that you were rude, that will get noted when discussing the applicants.
9. If you have amazing life experiences, find a way to bring them up during the interview and tie them in to the discussion.
10. Know your CV and personal statement...sounds silly since you should have written it, but if they ask you about something on your PS, and you look at your interviewer like "what are you talking about?", that'll be pretty embarrassing.
Be the person that you would want as part of your class in residency and be the person that everyone wants to work with during residency.
1. Practice answering questions directly without rambling. Work with someone who will give you honest feedback, not someone who will make you feel good about yourself. If you feel you already have this skill, great, many people don't - especially when they get flustered.
2. Try not to get flustered. Some questions will throw you off or be unexpected. Take a second, think about it for a couple moments, and form a coherent answer.
3. Do NOT put other students down in your interview. This cycle we had a student who literally talked crap about other students on rotation with him during the interview. Immediately dq'd.
4. Tying into #3, if doing an away-rotation, be knowledgeable without being gunner-ish. There was a student who would answer questions asked to another student or and would try physically edging out residents in the OR (like who do you think you are??)...so have some courtesy and self awareness.
5. Know your strength and weakness, especially your weaknesses. There are good ways to phrase weakness, and there are bad ways. Saying "I'm not sure if I can handle the workload of residency" may be honest, but is concerning to an interviewer.
6. Have a TON of questions. Like on one of my interview panels, the doc literally just told me to ask about anything I wanted to know about the program, area, etc. I had like 20 questions written down ahead of time, and just slowly worked through about 12 of them during that short block during the interview day.
7. Maybe COVID won't allow it, but if you get invited to go out after the interview day with the residents and other med students, do it. Don't be the person who gets forgotten because they didn't unless you have a good reason (picking up a call-shift, etc).
8. Be flexible, be kind, and be humble. Interview day plans may change, just roll with it. Never, ever talk down to staff on a rotation. If a nurse or MA or tech tells your staff that you were rude, that will get noted when discussing the applicants.
9. If you have amazing life experiences, find a way to bring them up during the interview and tie them in to the discussion.
10. Know your CV and personal statement...sounds silly since you should have written it, but if they ask you about something on your PS, and you look at your interviewer like "what are you talking about?", that'll be pretty embarrassing.
Be the person that you would want as part of your class in residency and be the person that everyone wants to work with during residency.
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Lol good luck then with the humble brag. Numbers get you to the interview. The interview gets you through the door. Don’t humble brag at your interviews. Nothing turns programs off more.
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Wait is this true? (The bolded, not the Miley Cyrus. That's kosher.) For some reason I thought it wasn't allowed anymore.
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I can't believe that. That sounds totally made up.
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Is it? Sorry, been out of the residency game for a while then it may not be allowed anymore if that's what you heard. I remember some of my friends saying they were being asked questions, and some had tests. My hardest interview was when I had driven to an interview throughout the night, slept at a motel for a little bit, showered then got to the site. They were doing morning report, a radiologist was retiring and was presenting two interesting cases. Went on the interviews, then sat with the PD a few hours later.
PD: "Did you enjoy morning report?"
Me : "Yes, there were two cases presented and they were very interesting, and I learned a lot from them."
PD: "Good, do you remember them?"
Me: "Yes, I do."
PD: "Good, please present them back to me."
...
Thank God, I actually did find them interesting because as I was tired AF, I still remembered them, and presented back to her.
And the Miley Cyrus was absolutely true. Spent almost thirty minutes with the PD holding up the interview process. Walking out, everyone was like, "What were you guys talking about? "Miley Cyrus." They all thought I was lying and therefore a dick.
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Totally true. I got asked to demonstrate suturing, carve a nose, draw a caricature, describe the steps of a surgery I said I liked, pimped about random knowledge etc. But for the most part people want to see that you're a sane and reasonable person. Some attendings will say their criterion is that they're looking for someone they don't mind being called by at 3am. If the entire interview ends up being about music or the psychosocial issues of your transgender patients or gymnastics history (examples of some of my favorite interviews), I think that's more useful than asking canned questions.
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