DO AND DON’T’S DURING INTERVIEW WITH PROGRAM DIRECTORS

The interview process can be stressful. Everything you do matters: how you walk into the room, how you sit, how you 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 and 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:- It is absolutely critical that you 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 your commitment to the opportunity.
3. Practice your response:- Absolutely 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 that show your interest in the specifics of the program. Ask about the curriculum, opportunities for growth, and recent achievements to demonstrate your keen interest in the program.
5. Provide Specific Examples:- Whenever possible, support your answers/statements with concrete examples from your past experiences. This adds credibility and depth to your responses and demonstrates your ability to apply skills and knowledge in real-world contexts.
6. Highlight Relevant Experiences:- Share experiences, achievements, and skills that are directly relevant to the program. Connect your past achievements with how they’ll contribute to the objectives of the program.
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 DONT’S 

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:- Stick to discussing experiences and skills that directly relate 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 not just about your qualification but also about 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 dont’s, 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 handle interviews with program directors successfully.

Good luck!