Tips for a Successful Residency Interview Season

Residency interview season is the final stretch of the residency application process. It is the end product of years of hard work and an opportunity to prove that you are the right candidate for your specialty. While the process can feel daunting, with the right preparation, you can approach your residency interviews with confidence. Keep reading to review our best residency interview tips, what to expect during your residency interview, and more.

[ KEEP READING: Residency Application Tips ] 

Residency Interview Tips

Set yourself up for success during residency interview season with these tips.

Your primary objective should be putting together a strong residency application. This includes scoring high on the USMLE, getting strong letters of recommendation, and performing well in audition rotations. Applying to a large variety of programs with a strong application can open the doors to many residency interviews and grant flexibility in arranging your schedule.

Equally as important is creating a lighter schedule during your heavy interview months. Depending on your school, you may be able to schedule vacations, electives, or more flexible rotations during this time period. Try to avoid required rotations or those involving shelf exams.  Since the residency interview season can range from late October to early February, most students won’t be able to keep the entire period free. Still, most interviews should take place from late November to mid-January. Offering to work extra days, including weekends, nights, and holidays to make up for the days you will be missing can go a long way to make your schedule work.

Become an expert on each program where you interview. As you start to think about your interview answers, take the time to research your program and institution. Check their website for opportunities or initiatives that resonate with you. Stay current with the latest trends and challenges in your chosen field to show your interest. And be sure to thoroughly research the faculty you’ll be meeting. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to formulate insightful questions and conversation topics to build a personal connection.

What to Expect During Your Residency Interview

Let’s go over what your average interview day is like. Many residency programs will have their interviews set at the beginning or the end of the week. This means if you have weekends off, you can fly out on a Sunday or fly back on a Saturday. Many programs also offer an interview dinner the night before with the residents. Whether or not you should attend is always a subject of debate, but it could make the difference between needing to leave in the morning or going to work and leaving for an afternoon flight. The dinner generally takes place around 6-8 PM and lasts about two hours. You should have time before or after to shop around for supplies or read up on the program before the interview begins the next day.

Most interview days begin between 7-10 AM and generally last until 3-5 PM. Plan your flights or travel accordingly, accounting for delays, car rental returns, traffic patterns, and TSA screening time. Usually, there will be no problem making it home around midnight, which lets you get some sleep before reporting in for work the next day.

How to Respond to Residency Interview Questions

Questions asked during a medical residency interview are designed to evaluate your suitability for a specific program beyond your resume. Instead of memorizing a script, prepare to tell your story and showcase your accomplishments in a compelling way. Below, we list some tips on how to successfully answer some common residency interview questions.

How to Ask Questions During Your Residency Interview

Your residency interview is a two-way street. Remember: You’re evaluating the school and program too. Asking questions during your interview demonstrates your interest and can help you determine if the program is the right fit for your goals. Here are some quick tips on how to ask thoughtful questions during your residency interview.

• Create a list of 5-10 questions you want to ask before the interview. When you have the opportunity to ask them, you’ll be prepared. Or, if a question has already been addressed, you’ll have plenty of alternatives ready to go.
  
• When writing your questions, remember you may have the opportunity to ask questions of different people during your interview. For example, come prepared with questions for the program director and questions for a current resident.
  
• Avoid questions that can be easily answered on the program’s website. Instead, ask about things that provide insight into the program’s culture and environment. 

How to Organize Your Interview Schedule

The key to achieving the perfect interview schedule is being proactive and organized. Interviews can start rolling in as soon as your ERAS application is submitted, so you want to have a calendar ready to mark down the invitations you get. Speed is also important, as you can be waitlisted if you don’t respond in time and slots fill up.

If you have conflicting interviews, make sure to call both programs to see what your options are. Some programs will also use the ERAS interview scheduler, allowing you to change interviews on demand. If you must cancel, call well in advance. Afford the program coordinators the same courtesy you would appreciate from them.

You will also find that certain programs interview late into the season, so scheduling these at the end will free up time during the busy months of November through January. And remember, holidays are observed, so there are generally few interviews during the Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.

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Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Jonathan Bruner, D.O., Executive Director of Institutional Medical Programs at Kaplan Medical. Jonathan graduated from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine before completing his residency in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM).