No interview but very interested-Call the PD?

[reedrothchild]

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I know its early- but if you are very interested in a program and interviews have already started at that program, it is acceptable to call or email a PD to enforce that you are very interested in thier program??

Reed

 

[DrNick2006]

I don't think so because at this point the PD is not worried about your interest level, s/he is deciding who is most qualified to interview. They assume your interested b/c you applied. I would wait untill later in the interview season. If the program is not super-competitive and they havn't extended an interview to you, maybe you could call then as the program may be more interested in recruiting very interested candidates if they get the feeling they won't match well based on the interviews they have already sent out/conducted. Just my oppinion.

 

[neilc]

i think as long as you avoid being pushy or annoying, it is a great idea. i look at it from a risk/reward perspective...what are the risks? well, not much. if you were going to get an interview without the call to the program you would likely have got it by now (that is if you KNOW the program is already sending out invitations, and not just to current or visiting students). the potential reward is an interview...

and, i don't think that a phone call is only an indication of interest. i think that somebody who goes the extra mile to call and follow up, to show genuine interest and a drive to achieve when lots of others sit back and accept what is handed to them is another favorable aspect to making this call. finally, you could also just happen to be the application that was at the bottom of the stack, or left on somebody's desk and not fully evaluated....it could simply have been a mistake that you were not invited!

so, if you really want it, go for the call. have a nice positive tone to the call, express why you are calling, and be gracious with them for taking the time to talk to you, even if they don't give you an interview.

 

[ShambhalaRed]

I agree with NeilC. Our Dean encourages us to be proactive in calling PDs at programs that we're particularly interested in (or at least calling the coordinator) if we haven't yet been offered an interview and we know that interviews are being offered. She says that programs understand our need to bundle interviews in certain regions of the country and often you can get an interview at a place that might not have otherwise offered you one just by calling and expressing your interest. I think you have nothing to lose as long as you try your best to be polite and realize that the programs are probably getting bombarded with calls and are doing the best they can.

 

[NinerNiner999]

I don't think so because at this point the PD is not worried about your interest level, s/he is deciding who is most qualified to interview.

I could not disagree more. While a PD and recruitment group sort through hundreds of ERAS apps and personal statements, the BEST time to call and express your interest is when they are deciding who to ask for an interview, not after round one or two is complete. Having seen how its done at my program, the number one question that is always asked by the PD is "will this person really come here?" If you want to go to a program in a different geographic region than where you are now, you had better express your interest in a way that doesn't get your Iowa address thrown out of a New York City program's computer (for example, of course). Call them now, and be polite. Interest speaks louder than a computer screen.

 

[DrIng]

I also think it's worth it if you can value add so to speak when calling them. i.e. "Just letting you know that since my application I've published another article, started work as volunteer heart surgeon in Cambodia, whatever, oh and by the way I'm very interested in your program have you started letting people know about interviews yet?"
I've done something similar on several occaisions and it's always been well received- in fact on some similar phone call to the admission director when applying for med school and they said' oh don't worry about sending that through because we're offering you a place..." (I found out 2 weeks earlier than if I had waited for a letter in the mail!)

 

[DrNick2006]

you all have convinced me!!!!

 

[Methyldopa]

I also think it's worth it if you can value add so to speak when calling them. i.e. "Just letting you know that since my application I've published another article, started work as volunteer heart surgeon in Cambodia, whatever, oh and by the way I'm very interested in your program have you started letting people know about interviews yet?"
I've done something similar on several occaisions and it's always been well received- in fact on some similar phone call to the admission director when applying for med school and they said' oh don't worry about sending that through because we're offering you a place..." (I found out 2 weeks earlier than if I had waited for a letter in the mail!)

Calling schools to update your file, via phone call, is a great idea. You can tell the program what you have been doing and that you are very interested in their great program! 😀

 

[ORBITAL BEBOP]

how are written letters perceived vs phone call to a harried secretary

 

[Methyldopa]

how are written letters perceived vs phone call to a harried secretary

Written letters can be a good idea for a busy secretary, but can also be easily ignored (sending one to the secretary and program director is probably a better idea). As for calling them, they might listen to you yap away and not really pay any attention, and say "we haven't made any decisions yet, but I'll be sure to pass on your updated info." And they don't do squat!!

Secretaries come in 2 types. Those that don't give a damn about you or really about anything concerning their jobs; and are just there for the pathetic salary they make and do their jobs to the bare minimum. And those that actually care about their job, and about you. Unforunately there are a lot more of the former; and it's just luck as to whom you get when you pick up that phone to call.

 

[medlaw06]

is an e-mail to the PD a bad idea?

 

[orientedtoself]

is an e-mail to the PD a bad idea?

I think a call would be more effective- make you more of a real person.

 

[RadOncMan]

My advice (proven to work): write a letter to the program director stating your interest in the program and give them a COMPELLING reason why they should take you/why you are a perfect fit/how the program provides a UNIQUE and UNPARALLELED opportunity for YOU to continue your clinical training. This accomplishes several goals: 1. it's personal and targeted specifically to your program of interest rather than a generic ERAS personal statement. 2. it makes you stand out amongst the thousands of other applicants that look similar on paper. 3. it gives the Program Director a good reason (or excuse) to interview you.

You really have nothing to lose by taking the intiative and being proactive about expressing your interest in a program.

An e-mail to the program director can be just as effective imo.

 

[CTKN2]

I'm just curious if anyone has actually done this, and if so, what was the outcome?

 

[CambieMD]

Calling cannot hurt. I called my present residency program. Calling shows guts and initiative. The most they could do is say no. I have heard that some programs only offer interviews to applicants who call. I cannot verify that but it makes sense to me.

CambieMD

 

[Noelle]

I interviewed in peds last year. I hadn't heard from some programs so I finally called and got 3 interviews from those phone calls. One program even paid for my flight and hotel. One program was way probably out of my league but it was great interview and the other program I matched at. So please call, be nice to the secretary and express your interest in an interview.

 

[NinerNiner999]

I had not heard from one of the programs I wanted go to last year, so I called in the middle of November. They pulled my application and, based on my interest, scheduled me for an interview while I was on the phone. I matched there and have loved every minute of it...

 

[Flea girl]

I had not heard from one of the programs I wanted go to last year, so I called in the middle of November. They pulled my application and, based on my interest, scheduled me for an interview while I was on the phone. I matched there and have loved every minute of it...

Can I ask how did conversation go. Did you say " Hi my name is ...and I have not heard from your program yet but am very interested." Just curious. There is a program I am very interested but no word from them yet. Did not know how exactly to broach the subject.

 

[NinerNiner999]

"Hi - my name is _____ and I will be in the Baltimore area in the next couple of weeks. I applied to your program and am very interested in interviewing for a residency position."

- "I have your application right here, hold on for a minute (one minute elapsed), can you interview with us while you are in town?"

"Yes I can, what day works for you?"

- "How about next week?"

"We'll see you then."

There really is no art form involved, just be polite and ask for what you want. Have courage.

 

[Flea girl]

"Hi - my name is _____ and I will be in the Baltimore area in the next couple of weeks. I applied to your program and am very interested in interviewing for a residency position."

- "I have your application right here, hold on for a minute (one minute elapsed), can you interview with us while you are in town?"

"Yes I can, what day works for you?"

- "How about next week?"

"We'll see you then."

There really is no art form involved, just be polite and ask for what you want. Have courage.

Thank you for the input.

 

[StringBean]

This is all great advice. Thanks!

I was just wondering when is a good time to start calling. Is it too early now? Should I still wait a little while? There are still a few programs that I'd love to interview at that I haven't heard from.

Thanks

 

[stat!!]

I'm struggling with these questions myself, particularly because I want to go to another part of the country and I'm not sure how seriously other programs take my application based on geography. After reading this thread I finally got up the nerve to call one of the programs I have yet to hear from, and they told me that I should hear this week, as they are still receiving boluses of scored applications from the committee. I am not sure what my call accomplished. I think the person who answers the phone is not necessarily the coordinator, certainly not the PD. I would think it pushy to ask to speak to them, but if you don't, how is your interest conveyed? I think an email might be the best, but made to be very specific to that program. I was sitting in my PD's office last week and asked him if they will be offering any more interviews, and he pointed to a couple piles in the corner, and confided that those applications hadn't even been read yet. I think it is probably around the time to make an effort to get those interviews not yet received, I just don't know what the best way to do it is...

 

[siskiyou]

I resolved to try a combination of these approaches, but only to the places that really interest me. I've emailed some, called some and plan to followup the email with a call at a select few. So far, I have one (live) reject from a place I called. Others I called just said that my app is still under review. I have nothing from most of the ones that I emailed and have no clue if anyone even read the emails.

It seems to be getting late in the game, except that there are still many, many programs from which I have heard nothing. It's hard to know if they are still plowing through the applications, or have extablished a holding file and that, when the folks who scheduled too many interviews start canceling, it will free up interveiw slots for the applications on hold. This is beginning to feel like waiting for the med school waitlists to start moving. 🙁

 

[Zolpidem25]

I'm struggling with these questions myself, particularly because I want to go to another part of the country and I'm not sure how seriously other programs take my application based on geography. After reading this thread I finally got up the nerve to call one of the programs I have yet to hear from, and they told me that I should hear this week, as they are still receiving boluses of scored applications from the committee. I am not sure what my call accomplished. I think the person who answers the phone is not necessarily the coordinator, certainly not the PD. I would think it pushy to ask to speak to them, but if you don't, how is your interest conveyed? I think an email might be the best, but made to be very specific to that program. I was sitting in my PD's office last week and asked him if they will be offering any more interviews, and he pointed to a couple piles in the corner, and confided that those applications hadn't even been read yet. I think it is probably around the time to make an effort to get those interviews not yet received, I just don't know what the best way to do it is...

well, this kind of addresses my main question -- how do you know whom you are talking to on the phone? chances are, it will be picked up by a secretary... at that point do you ask to speak to the program director? or ask to speak to a "coordinator" of some sort? or is the secretary the appropriate person to be fielding phone calls? can i ask the secretary if my message will reach the PD? at what point am i asking for too much? i'm planning on calling a program tomorrow, so any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated...

 

[siskiyou]

You could ask for the PD and if told that she/he is busy or not taking calls then say that you understand but would appreciate it if the person on the phone could communicate to the PD your interest in the program and.......(whatever it is you want to say). Then say that you will willingly say the same thing in an email if the person you are talking to recommends doing that. Don't try to confirm if they will pass on the message less you come across as offensive. I'm pretty sure that I got an interview today as a direct result of an email. As someone else suggested, I made it very personal and specific to that program and it was easy to do so because I really want to be there. I'm sure that they hear the same old pleas from most of us, so if you can come up with something unique, do so.

Everything I have ever read in years of watching these threads says to never underestimate the importance of being nice to the secretary. Behind every important woman or man is a secretary who makes sure that the work gets done...IMHO of course.

 

[Peeshee]

Why is it that the residency program coordinator can offer you an interview just from your phone call? I had this happen to me, and she didn't even check with the PD to see if he approved.

 

[Poety]

Why is it that the residency program coordinator can offer you an interview just from your phone call? I had this happen to me, and she didn't even check with the PD to see if he approved.

Hi Peeshee!

I did this too, and you have it flagged on your folder whether or not you can be invited after they've reviewed - hope this helps 🙂

 

[Peeshee]

So, it's probably a good idea to call....then they'll review your file again,right? I think some of them just forget about you unless you remind them!

 

[Poety]

I think so, but I called really early in the game. Now my worry isn't getting interviews, its getting RANKED - I can barely stand all this stress. Its like a vicious cycle of will I get an interview, then will I get ranked, then what if my ROL wasn't in my best interest - what a mess.

I know lots of people believe in the match, and perhaps I will too after this is all over, but for right now, I'm wondering why we can't just interview at the places, and when done, just call and say, I'd like to come to your program would you be willing to give me a contract - like a regular job - this match stuff is nuts. 😳

 

[siskiyou]

So, it's probably a good idea to call....then they'll review your file again,right? I think some of them just forget about you unless you remind them!

Hey guys--it just worked for me, AFTER a reject. I emailed, then called. I got an interview at a place that is very high on my list. Thanks for giving me courage!

 

[Peeshee]

Hey guys--it just worked for me, AFTER a reject. I emailed, then called. I got an interview at a place that is very high on my list. Thanks for giving me courage!

That's great!
That's kind of weird though how they reject someone and then give them an interview when they show interest!

 

[NinerNiner999]

It's not wierd at all. I have seen the screening of applications and believe me - the first thing our PD's look at is where the applicant lives, where they have worked or gone to school, and how likely they really are to come to a program. You can have the best numbers and CV in the world, but if there is any reason to believe that you won't actually be commited to coming to a program (applying to an east coast program with no prior experience anywhere other than the west coast), you will not get the nod. It is for this reason that calling programs may make them reconsider your intentions (and make it less likely that you included a program in your application list for numbers).

 

[CTKN2]

Hey guys--it just worked for me, AFTER a reject. I emailed, then called. I got an interview at a place that is very high on my list. Thanks for giving me courage!

congratulations, siskiyou!!

i just called a program that i'm very interested in, but the coordinator just told me that they're still looking through apps and reviewing them. she took my name and told me she'd try to get my app in front of the committee. i guess that's better than nothing....