Residency Interview Basics

Let's Start with Empathy (Mindset) first?

What is the program looking for? A Good resident!

What is the Purpose of an interview? Find a Good resident!

• Clinical Job
• Team player
• Resilient
• Hardworking

• Clinical Training
• Empathic
• Learner
• Resourceful

Why a Video or in-person Interview?

• We communicate more with body language than words!

• Because medicine is a team sport, communication is key!

Interviewing is a Skill; Rather a Combination of Skills!

• Research - Make sure you know the job you are applying
• In terms of specialty
• In terms of program

• Prepare - Know thyself!
• Know your own application, personal statement
• Backup (equipment)

• Communication - It is more than words
• Body Language, Tonality

• Listen - Answer the question that is asked or get clarification
• Pause - Do not be afraid of pause or dead space

• Confidence - It is a match, not a lottery
• There is a difference between arrogance and confidence
• Tactful self-plug

• Show interest - Show excitement that you are going to be a Neurologist
 
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Ask program-related questions to show interest!
• If assuming attention and hard work, after graduating do you think I will be prepared for the real-world challenge of being a neurologist?
• What are the program's strengths?
• Where do you think the program can make improvements
• Education [interest of person and faculty]
• Experience [procedures]

• Dress Code - Dress professionally from head to toe.
• Anything can happen that would require you to get up.

• Be Punctual - Sign up on zoom at least 5-10 minutes before the interview starts.

• Be polite - Have a genuine smile on your face
• Be polite with every person you encounter during the interview.

• Addressing people - Address them with their last name
• Use their last name unless they invite you to call them by their first name

• Follow up - Keep a list of names, email,s and one topic that can be a memory trigger
• Neurology Application Dashboard

Other important Points!

• Do not use your phone while giving the interview

• Make eye contact during your interview
• Please stare at the camera during your interview
• Put a small pointer or a mark next to your camera to help you focus on the camera

• Sit professionally
• Don't cross your legs or lean back on the chair
• Don't put your feet on the desk

• Pronounce the name correctly
• Please ask the Program Coordinator beforehand if you don't know the pronunciation
• If you miss out the chance to ask the program coordinator, you can always ask the attending, the correct pronunciation, politely.
• Because there are so many genders nowadays, you cannot just assume someone's gender and it is always better to ask them how they would like to be addressed

• Don't make inappropriate comments regarding the faculty's dress color or how they look.

• Do not boast about your qualities without having any good examples to support your claims

• Be very cautious when questioning the authority because it can come off in a very negative manner

• Don't play the entitlement card (like from the same city/country/college)