Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Interview
Skills
Michael A. Gisondi, MD
Program Director
Northwestern University
Interview Skills
..and the 10 Things That
The Other Program Directors
Don’t Want You to Know!
Disclosure:
I want you to match at
the very best program
for you.
#1:Interviewers are looking
for reasons to reject you.
It is just the opposite:
we want to find the best!
4
Interviewing = Talent Search
5
#2: Interviewing for residency
is just like interviewing for
medical school.
Truth: Residency is a job.
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This is a job interview!
PLAY THE PART
Dress Appropriately
Firm Handshake
Be Mature
Say Thank You
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What are we looking for?
• Professionals
• Goal-oriented
• Self-starters
• Evidence of achievement
• Learners who can pass the tests
• Employees who won’t complain
8
What is the 3am Test?
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#3: Your interview begins at
9am in the ED offices and will
conclude at 3:30pm.
Every point of contact is
an interview.
10
Who is interviewing you?
• The program coordinator when you call to
schedule (and re-schedule) your interview.
• The receptionist who sits in the lobby with you
during your interview day.
• The resident who is giving you a tour of the ED.
• The nurses on your second look day.
• Everyone.
11
Two Truths About Me:
• I offered interviews to three candidates that I was
impressed with at the SAEM residency fair last
year.
• I have rejected candidates who I have met at
residency fairs.
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#4: The optional pre-interview
social is truly optional.
Not anymore.
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Pre-Interview Social
What to expect:
• Occurs the night before or the night of your interview
• Some residents will be there (not all of them!)
• Faculty or alumni may be there
• There may or may not be food, alcohol
• You will learn a lot about the program
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#5: There is a delicate balance
between doing your
homework and kissing ass.
Come prepared.
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Before your interview…
• Read the website
• Read the information sent to you about the
interview day
• Know who runs the program (PD, APD, Chair)
• Ask your advisor what they know about the
program
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#6: There are no stupid
questions.
Truth: There are lots of
stupid questions.
17
Some general rules….
• Do not ask the program director about shift
length, vacation requests, days off, etc.
• Do not ask the residents questions exclusively
about shift length, vaca requests, days off…
• Do not waste your time with the program director
by asking questions that you could have
answered by reading the program website.
• Have a good reason for your questions.
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Always ask a question!
• No questions = disinterested
• Some back-up questions:
1. What do you like best about this program?
2. Why did you come here/why do you stay here?
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#7: You must wear a navy blue
suit and a white shirt to your
interview.
Dress professionally.
Plan for weather, lost luggage.
20
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#8: Interviewers will never ask
illegal or inappropriate
questions.
Prepare for the difficult
questions.
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The illegal and
inappropriate questions
• Marital status
• Arrest history
• Dependants
• Ethnicity
• Sexual orientation
• Religious preference
• Personal health
• Rank Number
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#9: Post-interview contact is
against the NRMP rules.
One rule for both sides:
be honest!
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Post-interview contact
• Thank you notes
• The Second Look
• “I plan on ranking you highly….”
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#10: It is wrong to “no show”
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#10: It is wrong to “no show”
Late cancellations are bad too!
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A lot of effort goes into
your interview day….
What to expect: 5-8 hour interview day!
• Pre-interview social the night before
• Continental Breakfast, Lunch
• Tour of facilities, Conference
• Several interviews
• Time with the residents
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DO NOT:
• Cancel less than 2 weeks ahead
• Cancel via ERAS website only
• No show
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Take-Home Points
• We are looking for talent – Impress us!
• This is a job interview – Be professional, prepared!
• Play by the rules, be honest, and be yourself!
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Final Words of Advice:
1. Find advisors that will tell you the
truth about your candidacy
2. Don’t trust blog websites
GOOD
LUCK!