Day 75 Dr. Mike’s Getting into Residency For IMG Tip # 2 THE INTERVIEW

I decided to share my experiences in interviews to help those that are going to the interviews now. I went throught the match 3 times and interviewed a lot of places. And I wanted to share some tips that I think will be usefull to you when you go to your interviews.

1. Know the hospital You apply to!!
A lot of times you will recieve interviews to programs that you really don't know anything about. You are simply so happy to get the interview that you rarely even took time to figure out any iformation abotu it. This can present with a problem for you because when you go to the interview the program direct you will ask you what it is you like about the program, and you want to be able to look like you want to be there and that you are motivated to be there. SPend the night before reading on the website about the hospital, you might find questions you have about the program, and ask them when youa re 1 to 1 in the interview, and it shows that you are interested in them. The prorgrams will pick up on your level of interest. If you are interested in the program, then you will ask questions about it. Ask about its reserach opportunities and its didactic programs. Just show them, that you at least know where you are interviewing!! I can't tell you how many times I got stuck in the interviews, when the person interviewing me asked me if I had questioons about the program, it was almost a strange silence.

2. Know the Person your interviewing !!

this is easier said than done. I rememeber asking the FAMily practice director that was interviewing me if he was a cardiologis? lol... It was a stupid question, but it cam out of my mouth after I saw him giving a talk to one of the residents about an ekg. Geesh, was I stupid to ask him that. I didn't get the position obviously, but I saw the look on his face. he was in disbelief. A lot of these individuals have pictures in the website. Learn them memorize them. Don't do what I did!!

3.Base your interview on the personality of the person interviewing you

BAsically what this means is that, if you are interviewing a person you suspect is serious, then you be serious. If its a person you suspect is very go lucky joy joy, then loosen down a little bit. But not too down. If they want to talk sports, talk sports !! Let them lead the interview. Don't go over board either. Be professional, but adapt to the person. Don't be fake either. Just relate to the person. be yourself. and if you screw up the interview don;t worry, you will have others and in time you will get better. Interview yoru friends or strangers. Practice with other people. Good luck.

4. Find out wether they willa sk you questions? medical.

There are websites out there that tell you what time of interviews each program has. you will find it on forums. You don't have to study for them, but keep it in mind so if they do ask questions, you are at least 'prepared" for it. Take an educated guess and try to reason it. and if you get it wrong don;t worry. Your not expected to know everything. Its just a process. They know your grades, and they know more or less yoru academic background. Don't worry too much.

5. Dress appropriate.

Men wear suits and females also. I remember when I saw this one female come to an interview in her pajamas!! I couldn't believe it. It was pretty shocking. Dress to impress. Nothing to flashy. Serious clothe for serious times.

6. Be on time!

GO there a day earlier if you have to. Don't take a chance on something happening to you. a lot of programs will provide hotel if you ask them.

7. Be yourself

Most important. Be yourself. Don't try to be somoene you are not. YOu can tell a fake person a mile away. They have been doing this for years. Practice with yoru friends and family.

8. If you don't know good english what do you do?

PRACTICE PRACTICE with your friends with mock interviews, and talk slowly. When you speak slower you are able to understand a lot more.


9. Buy a book on interviews and visit websites with tips!!1

You be surprised how much you learn from reading these things. And lot of them are free!!!! google.. residency interview tips !!

10.MOst important!

Pray and have faith in yourself. You are being led towards your destiny. GOD is with you. Get up early in the morning. Kneel down on your bed, and pray to GOD to give you patience and calmness. He will provide and help you. The program is interested in you. Just be yourself, and have a good time. They want to just get to know you in a short time. Don't try to be fake. Be yourself. Lean on GOd when you feel overwhelmed.


GOOD LUCK !!!!

DR.MIKE