Do you know that 90% of medical students, before their medical residency program interviews, suffer from anxiety? A leading medical journal wrote that students go through extreme stress before their interviews because of a lack of information and confidence, and, of course, they are stressed out about the future.

The interview process for your medical residency program can be stressful. It is the deciding stage in your career and holds an important value. So Everything you do matters: how you walk into the room, sit, talk, and especially how you answer. Interview invitation sparks the fire of hope, while rejections can be the source of disappointment and uncertainty. Interviewing with the program directors is a crucial step, so it is important to maintain constructive and effective attitudes and actions during the residency interview season. There are several ideas and tasks the applicant can keep in mind. There are certain steps to make sure that you're as prepared as you can be.

THE DO'S

1.   Thoroughly research the program:- You must research each program you expect to interview at. Understand the program's goals, achievements, values, curriculum, unique features, etc. Demonstrating your knowledge of the program showcases your genuine interest and preparedness.

2.   Arrive early:- Whether the interview is in-person or virtual, arrive a few minutes early. Punctuality demonstrates your respect for the interviewer's time, the interview process, and commitment to the opportunity.

3.   Practice your response:- No one should go into a residency interview without extensive practice and preparation first. Prepare concise and compelling answers to common interview questions. Highlight your relevant experiences, qualifications, skills, and passion for joining the program.

4.   Ask Thoughtful Questions:- Prepare questions about the program's specifics. Ask about the curriculum, growth opportunities, and recent achievements to demonstrate your interest in the program.

5.   Provide Specific Examples:- Support your answers/statements with concrete examples from your past experiences. Examples and references from your past life add credibility and depth to your responses and demonstrate your ability to apply skills and knowledge in real-world contexts.

6.   Highlight Relevant Experiences:- Share experiences, achievements, and skills directly relevant to the program. Connect your past achievements with how they'll contribute to the program's objectives.

7.   Follow-up:- After the interview, you can send a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and maintain your interest in the program.

NOTE:- Remember it's good to maintain a positive outlook. Even if your response isn't good, try to end it with a positive note.

THE DON'T

1.   Avoid Overconfidence:- While confidence is admirable, arrogance is not. Avoid coming across as arrogant or dismissive. Strike a balance by showcasing confidence alongside humility and a willingness to learn.

2.   Don't Ramble:- Keep your answer/statement concise and related to the topic. Avoid going off on tangents and sharing unnecessary details that can make your responses less impactful and harder to follow.

3.   Stay Away From Negativity:- Avoid discussing negative experiences or speaking critically about past colleagues, institutions, or experiences. Focus on the positive aspects of your journey.

4.   Avoid Blaming:- Avoid blaming others for past failures or challenges. Focus on how you've overcome obstacles and have outgrown your past experiences.

5.   Steer clear of Irrelevance:- Discuss experiences and skills directly related to the programs' goals. Irrelevant incidents/experiences can dilute your responses.

Interviewing with program directors can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It is a unique opportunity to showcase your qualifications, passions, skills, strengths, and experiences. Interviews are about your qualifications and how you present yourself as a potentially valuable addition to the program. Most importantly, they are a chance to showcase yourself as a person. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you can increase your chances of making a positive and lasting impression on program directors. Approach it with confidence, preparation, and professionalism, and you can successfully handle interviews with program directors.

Good luck!