Interview Tips
Source: AAMC Careers in Medicine
Before the Interview:
Plan to interview between October and mid-January
Establish your priorities for a good residency-training program.
Know the latest developments in the specialty that you’re interested in and what types of people they’re looking for.
If possible, schedule at least one interview for programs lower on your list first in order to familiarize yourself with the interview process.
Research the program as much as possible before the interview.
Treat everyone with respect – especially Program Assistants/Coordinators. They are the gatekeepers to the programs.
Confirm the interview date and time in advance.
If in person:
Plan for enough time- if necessary, arrive the night before. Leave extra time to navigate unknown city streets or buildings. Beware of winter snowstorms.
If you’re applying to residencies outside of the tristate area, you may want to consider joining the TSA Pre-Check program to save time at the airport.
If on Zoom:
Test out your electronics and wifi prior to the interview, ensure you have a strong connection
Make sure your background is clean and neat
Review this Virtual Interview Guide
Plan for sufficient time before the interview to gather your thoughts.
Review your application, personal statement, and CV.
Prepare a list of questions that you want to have answered. Different specialties demand that different questions be asked. It is imperative to gather the information you need to assess the program.
Spend some time on a personal reflection. Give some thought to who you are, both as a doctor and as a person; what you like and dislike; why you are in medicine and what you want out of residency.
More information about preparing for interviews can be found here (AAMC sign in required)
Budgeting for Interviews
Interviews can be an expensive part of the residency application process. Be sure to budget your funds carefully and be aware of what options are available to you. For assistance in budgeting and funding, speak to the Financial Services Office directly.
Save money by using Sinai's Recreation Office for discount programs when you rent cars, purchase plane tickets, and stay at hotels.
During the Interview:
Be on time.
Get the names (including spelling and pronunciation) of the interviewers from the departmental secretary so that you know with whom you’ll be meeting.
Begin by smiling!! Look the interviewer in the eye, greet them by name, and offer your hand for a firm handshake.
Show enthusiasm for the program.
Be assured and look confident. Tips to remain calm here.
Be an active listener.
Ask intelligent, well thought-out questions (this requires preparation).
Be yourself.
Present yourself as a team player.
If an interviewer asks a ‘taboo’ question (plans to marry, have children, support of your spouse), it is ok not to respond. You can say you had not thought of that question before, that is not an issue for you right now, or that it is a topic you need to consider with your spouse/partner/family/etc.
Visit the NRMP website to learn the code of conduct about illegal or coercive questions. If you are concerned that you were asked an illegal question, you can always get in touch with your Career Advisor.
Try to use as many examples to back up your statements as possible. Using real-life stories gives the committee a better feel for your personality.
More information on the three challenging interview questions can be found here (sign in required)
What if I’m asked a question that’s a Match Violation?
Match violations are serious offenses. Programs are not allowed to ask an applicant to reveal the names, specialties, geographic location, or other identifying information about programs to which the applicant has or may apply. Programs are neither allowed to ask you to tell them where you are ranking their program on your rank order list. Students can politely decline to answer any such question and consider reporting such violations to the NRMP.
After the Interview:
Immediately after the interview, write down your impressions of the interview, including topics covered and names of interviewers.
If you are interviewing at many programs, prepare a checklist in advanced that you can use to evaluate all programs.
There is more information in the specialty specific section regarding thank you emails for each program.
Some programs may have policies regarding thank yous- make sure you follow their guidelines.
If you are waiting to hear from a program:
Checking in is OK as long as you’re not overdoing it.
Check in via email with the Program Coordinator if you have not heard anything by a few weeks after their interview invitation date.
Many specialties have specific dates when they send out interview- check that information in the specialty specific section of this guidebook.
Discuss with your Advisor additional tactics such as emailing the Program Director or, for a select few programs your advisor believes would be a good fit for you, having a faculty member from ISMMS reach out on your behalf.
Interviewing as a couple:
You are NOT required to tell programs you're couples matching. They don’t know unless you tell them!
There can be benefits, such as coordinating to save on travel expenses.
Programs like couples as they are typically happier together and can support each other.
If your significant other (SO) is waiting to hear from a program at an institution you’ve heard from already, it’s OK to send them an email saying ‘My SO and I are trying to coordinate, and s/he hasn’t heard back from XYZ yet.’
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