Nervous wreck before first interview?

[lakeplacid]

I didn't anticipate getting so nervous before the first interview. No, it's not at my dream program, but I still want to do well. Any tips on how to prepare and stay calm? My anxiety is actually making me not prepare for the interview, which is bad. Instead, I'm worrying about details like what if II can't fall asleep the night before, etc. I figure this can be a place for people to share how they've prepped for interviews and stayed calm.

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[Ariee]

I didn't anticipate getting so nervous before the first interview. No, it's not at my dream program, but I still want to do well. Any tips on how to prepare and stay calm? My anxiety is actually making me not prepare for the interview, which is bad. Instead, I'm worrying about details like what if II can't fall asleep the night before, etc. I figure this can be a place for people to share how they've prepped for interviews and stayed calm.

Hey, grab a friend and practice, just like studying for CS. When you get there, you know what to expect and how to answer. Have confidence in that. Be yourself, you're going to do GREAT! It's natural to be nervous, just try to control it better so you're not an absolute mess/wreck and can perform.

I was really nervous to. Grabbed my SO and practiced. My SO went through IV's last year and talked me through it. So ask ppl that have already gone through it too.

G'luck!!!

 

[Frugal Traveler]

You've come along way... graduated from college and almost medical school... so just relax... you've accomplished much... be confident and relaxed.

 

[BlazerMed]

I didn't anticipate getting so nervous before the first interview. No, it's not at my dream program, but I still want to do well. Any tips on how to prepare and stay calm? My anxiety is actually making me not prepare for the interview, which is bad. Instead, I'm worrying about details like what if II can't fall asleep the night before, etc. I figure this can be a place for people to share how they've prepped for interviews and stayed calm.

Vodka.

 

[lanzarlaluna]

Vodka.

Benzos work pretty well too.

 

[ShyRem]

beta blockers.

Seriously though, remember you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. It is in their best interest to try and fill their program, and that means you have to like them too. Unless you're going for a ROAD residency. Then they don't care if you like them. They just care if they like you.

As for practicing, I've had some of the oddest questions so far at interviews. Probably because I'm a nontrad with an unusual background. Definitely not the same questions traditional students got for residency interviews.

 

[lakeplacid]

thanks for the advice/well wishes, guys.
hmm, will they really prescribe beta-blockers for some interview anxiety? I somehow doubt it, but if people have had success with this, I may consider it.

I would and have practiced a little with friends, but the problem was I just couldn't take it seriously, so it wasn't really helpful. 🙁
Guess I'll just have to spend a lot of time talking to myself in front of the mirror.

 

[dmitrinyr]

Guess I'll just have to spend a lot of time talking to myself in front of the mirror.

Practicing infront of a mirror by yourself works just fine. Also, besides the questions and answers, practice how you will sit during the interview. Make sure you are comfortable (just not too comfortable) when you're sitting in that chair in front of the interviewer. If you're uncomfortable, you will change positions and move around and this will look weird to the interviewer and you will not look good. As for the questions, just relax and answer truthfully. Some questions you should have a set answer to (i.e. why do you want to do ___ specialty, why do you want to come to our program, what's your strength and weakness, name a situation in which you have overcame an obstacle, ect.) Also, make sure to interact well with the residents and other applicants in the main meeting area during interview day. This is the time when the residents try to see how you interact with people in regular situations and this will tell them if they can work with you.

 

[HCE]

beta blockers.

Seriously though, remember you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. It is in their best interest to try and fill their program, and that means you have to like them too. Unless you're going for a ROAD residency. Then they don't care if you like them. They just care if they like you.

Good advice here. Make a list of good questions to ask them. Most of the time will then be spent with them answering your questions rather than them asking you.

 

[HouseHead]

As for practicing, I've had some of the oddest questions so far at interviews. Probably because I'm a nontrad with an unusual background. Definitely not the same questions traditional students got for residency interviews.

Can you tell us some of them? I'm also a nontrad, several times over. During mock interviews I got a little flummoxed by some of the questions targeted at my background. I handled them well, but yes, I need to practice more!

 

[ShyRem]

Think about your own background and then think about anything they could possibly ask you. The questions I've had were specifically tailored to my background as well. Anything they know about you, read about you, is in your application, is fair game. My questions, I'm sure, would certainly not be yours.

 

[Ariee]

Think about your own background and then think about anything they could possibly ask you. The questions I've had were specifically tailored to my background as well. Anything they know about you, read about you, is in your application, is fair game. My questions, I'm sure, would certainly not be yours.

ShyRem is right on about q's being specific to the applicant. General q's they may ask though are:
1. Why this field?
2. Why this hospital/location?
3. What is professionalism or any of the other 6 core ACGME competencies?
4. Describe a tough situation you've been and what you did?

Although, it's more like a casual conversation.

Google residency questions for your field. Eg. IM interview residency questions, etc...you may run into some lists.

G'luck,
A 🙂

 

[HouseHead]

I don't think they will apply to me at all, I'm just curious about the questions. Should have put a return or 2 in my comment, but mobile browsing makes me lazy.

 

[tarlovcyst]

I've talked to residents who interview med students every November, and they said that the November groups always look the most tense and nervous. Don't fall into this trap.

Keeping this in mind before November begins, just kick back and relax. It's 4th year. You're trying to sell yourself to them, as much as they are trying to sell the program to you.

 

[indo]

Dude, you're interviewing them. They want you. They've already invited you for an interview so you know you're academically qualified for their program.

Just remember that you don't owe them anything but a thank you. Also, have a bloody mary in the AM before your interview. Your frontal lobe is probably working too hard anyway.