Interviewing for physician residency programs

First impressions are critical during your residency interview with your doctor. In fact, the interview process begins as soon as you contact the program. You should treat everyone you meet with patience and respect, from the receptionist you talk to on the phone to the program coordinator who greets you in the lobby.

Aside from following the golden rule, however, it can be difficult to know how to navigate the time leading up to and including an interview. Here are some tips.

Research each residency program carefully before your interview. Learn about the institution, its residency program, and faculty and staff to identify topics or issues to explore during the interview. Your research should include the specialty you are applying for. Are there trends or specific qualities that the specialty looks for in new doctors? Knowing this information can help you highlight experiences that meet their criteria.

Residents currently participating in the program will be additional sources of information to help you prepare. They will be your best window into the quality of life among program residents. Interact with current residents to ask questions you might not want to ask during an interview. These may include questions about social opportunities, the city in which the program is located, or practical questions such as how the program includes time off for emergencies or illness.

See what applicants need to know about medical residency interview invitations.

When the day of the interview arrives—whether it’s in person or virtually, via video conference—you should dress to reflect the seriousness of the occasion. In other words, formal business attire is appropriate. And remember to smile and make eye contact with your interviewer.

As you head into the interview, you may sometimes feel on edge. Know how to deal with it:

• It’s natural to be nervous during an interview – calm your nerves with a few deep breaths.
• Familiarize yourself with your application package and prepare for questions about your background.
• Practice answering common residency interview questions. Spend some time thinking about the questions you might be asked. These include: Why do you want to be a doctor? Tell me about yourself. What is your biggest personal weakness?

If you are asked what your personal weakness is, consider using this type of question as an opportunity to discuss a flaw that could develop into a strength.

Learn why M4s should be prepared for these three residency interview questions.

Interviewers will probably ask if you have any questions for them. This is an ideal opportunity to look up important information about the program, so be prepared. Check out these topics:

• Types of rotations required.
• Volume and type of electoral rotations.
• Resident Responsibilities for Patient Management.
• Turnover rate of residency program directors and faculty.
• Balance inpatient and outpatient responsibilities on various rotations including clinic.
• Structure and topics of the formal curriculum.
• Leave rules for leave, parental leave and participation in educational conferences.
• Employment policy after the first year of residence.
• Topics of particular interest to you.

Also, be tactful when asking your questions. Instead of asking how many hours you will have to work, consider phrasing your question as, “What is expected of a freshman?” Another way to phrase the question is, “What is the lifestyle of the residents here?”

Learn how to tackle these three residency interview questions.

Federal law prohibits prospective employers from asking certain types of questions during an interview. Prepare in advance by consulting the Prohibited Employment Policies and Practices of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Interviewers should not ask about your rank list priorities, although you are free to share this information. It’s important to convey your interest in the program you most want to match with so they know you’re serious, but you can do this without revealing your rank list. If you decide to share your list, be consistent from residency program to residency program.

Read what residency applicants need to know before interviews.

It’s important to maintain a professional and relevant social media presence. Some interviewers browse social media sites to learn more about their potential residents. Medical boards are also increasingly monitoring doctors’ online activities.

Set your accounts to private, or make sure your public posts only include information you don’t mind a potential employer reviewing, and of course you should make sure they’re HIPAA compliant. Consult the “Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Ethics and Professionalism of the Federation of State Medical Boards” (PDF) for more guidance.