Residency Interview Tips

Dr. Nuzzarello provided an overview of what students need to know and do
before they begin the residency interview process. The following lists
summarize her recommendations.

Interview tips:

1. Know what is unique about the program

2. Be aware of any recent changes in the program or department

3. Learn about the department's faculty and ongoing research projects

4. Use the Internet to learn about the program and hospital

5. Speak with alumni

6. Study the geography of the program, ie, remote clinical sites

7. Research the community

What to bring to the interview:

1. Directions and contact phone numbers

2. Any information you have on the program

3. Multiple copies of your CV

4. Copies of your papers and published articles

5. Portfolio, pen, pencil

6. Small suitcase, if traveling

7. Any updates to the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) or
transcript

8. An interview checklist

Tips for the interview:

1. Start with a handshake and make good eye contact.

2. Don't be afraid to smile.

3. Be aware of your body language (eye contact, position in chair).

4. Show enthusiasm for the program, no matter how interested you are.

5. Answer each question and then pause; know when to stop.

6. Pay attention to interviewers' cues.

7. Be wary of programs that do not allow you to interact with residents.

Questions and topics to anticipate in the interview:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What would you do if... (ethical dilemmas).

3. What attracts you to this specialty?

4. Describe the most interesting case you've seen.

5. Why should we choose you over other candidates?

6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

7. What are the biggest issues facing physicians today?

8. What is your greatest weakness?

Questions to ask the faculty (interesting questions will make you stand out,
as faculty often hear the same questions all day):

1. Are any program changes anticipated?

2. What percentage of residency graduates have passed the specialty board
exams on the first try?

3. Do you assist graduates in finding a job?

4. What do you feel are the strengths of this program?

5. What do your graduates do after residency? (what types of jobs, where
they are located)

6. What is the balance of didactics and clinical work?

7. How much contact do the residents have with faculty?

8. Are there opportunities for research? (only if you are interested)

9. Are there nonclinical requirements (research, writing, administrative
tasks)?

10. Is there elective time?

Questions to ask residents:

1. What aspects of the program need improvement?

2. What is one thing that you would change about this program?

3. How much contact do the residents have with faculty?

4. What do residents generally do with elective time?

5. How are residents evaluated?

6. Are you receiving adequate feedback?

7. Are there international opportunities?

Questions not to ask:

1. What is the salary?

2. What is the benefit package? (This should be in the information packet.)

3. How much vacation do I get?

4. When can I start moonlighting?

Finally, always treat the residency coordinator well. Your interview starts
with the first contact you have with the program, and this is often with the
coordinator. Many program directors ask the coordinators what they thought
about applicants, so it pays to be nice to them.

Also, students should follow up interviews with thank-you notes. For
interviews with multiple faculty members, a single thank-you note to the
program director will suffice. In fact, this is an opportunity to remind the
interviewer about something interesting about yourself.

In summary, the presenters emphasized that this is a match process where
both sides are trying to get to know each other. Students cannot predict
what program directors are looking for, so they should follow the above
recommendations but they should also try to be themselves. This way,
programs can determine which candidates are the best fit for them.