question regarding pre-interview social

[zurned]

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Do you think that not attending the pre-interview social ill impact my application at all? I know that it's supposed to be a chance for us to get to know the residents, but I feel that if the interviewers asked if I attended, and I said no, it would impact me negatively and might be seen as a lack of interest.

I really do want to make it to all of these events, but for several of the programs that I would love to go to, the scheduling doesn't fit. For example, somef lights get into town later than I would like. Just wondering what other ppl think about any possible negative impact this might have.

 

[BklynWill]

Well you can only do so much, and programs know this. If you want to show your genuine interest in a program then you'll find other ways to do so, which can actually be a bonus. Unless the residents are participating in your review, all you will be missing is a potential fun time and an opportunity to see if the residents are truly happy once the EtOH affects their inhibitions.

 

[Jeff698]

I'm sure everyone knows this but sometimes stating the obvious is worthwhile.

It is typically considered to be poor form to go to these, get loaded and (as loudly as possible) ask "where da hookers?".

Just thought I'd offer a wee bit of advice.

Take care,
Jeff

 

[Tiger26]

I think the most important part is to go to find out the hidden things that you don't necessarily see on interview day.

I won't say where, but in one of the places, I encountered a group of residents that I just don't want to work with

 

[WilcoWorld]

It would be foolish for a program to "grade you down" for not attending a social when many very good applicants will have to skip these for purely logistical reasons. If you are the sort of applicant who just blows people away with your personality, or if the program has some deep dark secret that will be discovered by hearing the residents spill the beans after a couple beers then getting to the social might make a difference. However, in the vast majority of cases it's no biggie.

 

[diamondbum]

Agreed. The pre-interview dinner is much more about you seeing if you fit in with the residents. It has little to do with your evaluation. However, I will say that at my program, our residents have a very big say in who ends up here, and we have blacklisted a few applicants because they were either arrogant or completely socially inept at the pre-interview dinner.

 

[hornsfan]

If you can't make it for logistical reasons, everyone understands and it won't hurt your chances....but do try and make it. Besides, you need a break from airport food.

 

[energy_girl]

My view re interview socials is that it's far more useful for YOU to go there. I certainly would not have figured out the "fit" issue as well if I didn't attend the socials--it's where the residents let down their guard more, and you can see (and they can see too) how well you'd like to work with potential future colleagues. It won't hurt you in terms of getting in to not go, but you may not know what you're getting yourself into as much if you don't.

 

[roja]

Many people can't make these. The preinterview socials are a chance for you to get to know the program in a more formal and relaxed environment.

I have never heard of someone being downgraded because they couldn't attend it.

However, I have head/seen several instances of very inappropriate behavior that impacted an applicant. So, although this is a chance for applicants to informally get to know residents and programs, do not forget that even though its more relaxed, you are still being evaluated.

 

[EvoDevo]

It can help us residents get a feel for who you are...to a limited degree, as most people are on their best behaviour and not always their true selves. And as others have mentioned, it CAN hurt you if you act like a tool.

Having said that, last year I occasionally skipped them for logistic reasons, slept comfortably, and don't believe that it impacted me negatively at all.

BUT! If interviewing in Texas, go for the chance for free Shiner Bock.

*drools*

 

[bongobingo]

Agreed. The pre-interview dinner is much more about you seeing if you fit in with the residents. It has little to do with your evaluation. However, I will say that at my program, our residents have a very big say in who ends up here, and we have blacklisted a few applicants because they were either arrogant or completely socially inept at the pre-interview dinner.

Could you please give examples of what were some things that applicants did or did not do which indicated that they were socially inept? Also I assume it was just a dinner, so like 20 people just sitting around a table and eating/drinking?

 

[Colbert]

Most of the ones I went to this year were at bars where the residents had reserved tables and ordered some beer and appetizers. I only had a couple that were sit-down dinners.

I definitely thought it was a great chance to get to know the program since it's hard to really get a feel for it during the 1-hour presentation from the director and then the 2 hours of interviews. Places certainly went up on my list because of the residents I met, and others certainly went down (including the place where only one resident showed up and was 40 mins late and the place where the residents just bad-mouthed all the other programs in the city).

 

[MSmentor018]

it's not a negative impact, just hard for us to evaluate you outside the suit/tie interview game. we understand scheduling conflicts, flights, etc....but it does make a difference. if it's a program that you're really gunning for then ask to go back on another interview dinner night or shadow the residents for a day. the whole point is so see your personality and for us to think "if it's 2 am and the ER is busting loose, are you the person I'd like to have working with me?" good luck!

 

[alexmtr]

It can help us residents get a feel for who you are...to a limited degree, as most people are on their best behaviour and not always their true selves. And as others have mentioned, it CAN hurt you if you act like a tool.

If being your 'true self' means being a tool - you'd probably be happier in a 'tool-friendly' program. So, I don't think you are hurting yourself by ‘being yourself’... and if you need to be told not to get wasted and throw-up on someone's shoes at a pre-interview social...well, you need more help than an internet forum can offer! 😱

I did enjoy the socials and found them very helpful. And it was a lot harder for me to figure out how I felt about the program if I didn’t make the social or if they didn’t offer one.