You've very likely been preparing for your interview for months. Truthfully, this has been years in the making. Once the big day arrives, how can you be sure it goes by without any complications? Here are a few things to do the day of your residency interview.
4 Things to Do the Day of Your Residency Interview
1. Dress Business Professional
Write this down: You do not want to be remembered for your attire. You're going to want to find other ways to stick out in your interviewers' minds — like with your professionalism, knowledge, and experience.
Gentlemen, stick with a suit and tie — black, dark blue, or gray will work. Ladies, go for a dark-colored suit or a dress with a jacket/blazer.
Opting for something more conservative is your safest bet. Steer clear of bright colors and busy patterns. This isn't the environment for them.
2. Assume You Are Always Being Observed
Before you are called in for your interview, you will likely be sitting in a large room with other people. This may include other applicants, staff members, and perhaps even residents.
Stay on your toes.
Manners matter. Be polite to everyone around you and carry yourself in a professional, presentable manner. If you're not alone, you should pretty much assume your behavior is being observed.
3. Shake Hands and Look Them in the Eye
You want to appear confident but not cocky. Offer a firm handshake and make eye contact, no matter who you're interacting with. It lets people know that you're serious and invested.
This goes for staff members and other students. Treat everyone with equal respect.
4. Bring the Necessary Materials
This is not the time to be under-prepared. Bring with you the following items:
- The contact number for the program.
- All program information.
- Writing tools.
- Thank you notes and stamps.
- Five copies of your personal statement and resume.
- The meeting address and directions, plus a map.
- A nice folder and/or bag to carry everything in.
Will you absolutely need all of these things? Probably not, but it's far better to have too much than not enough.
With the right preparation, you can ace your residency interview and move forward in your medical career and education.
Your job isn't done yet, though. Don't forget there are certain things you need to do after your residency interview, too. Pay attention to the details of the whole process from start to finish, and you're sure to have a positive experience.
Need more guidance along the way? Contact C.H.H.A. for help.
