16 things to consider regarding residency interviews

Its interview time!

1. Make a new folder in your in-box to save all the interview mails.

2. Buy a dozen or more Manila folders, and write the name of the institution on the folder. Print out the e-mails that you have received and place them in the respective folders.

3. This is going to be your work dossier. This is allow you to place in the file any relevant document regarding the interview. For example, you can place printouts of airline tickets, maps, hotel reservations, important phone numbers and any other information that might be relevant to the trip.

4. Confirm with the program coordinator date and time of your interview.

5. Buy airline tickets from one airline that way you can benefit from frequent flyer miles. You might even get a flight free out of all of this expense.

6. Use public transport in cities like Chicago and New York. They have cheap transport and usually will end up taking you straight to the hotel.

7. Referring back to point number three, Make printouts of everything and anything you feel that is important for your trip.

8. Book your flights and hotels few months in advance so that you get the best deal. This is because on an average an applicant can spend anywhere from 300 to $500 on a single trip. if you have 10 interviews you are looking easily at a $5000 expense. so, any money you can save is money, you earn.

9. Buy a protective cover or case for your suit or dress, this is because the last thing you want is to look shabby and unkempt on the day of your interview.

10. Save the phone numbers of the program coordinator and the faculty office in your cell phone, so that you may give them a call, If for any reason your flight is delayed or you’re stuck in transit at the airport.

11. Make sure to pack warm clothes when you are traveling to the north or North East, this is because most of the interviews are between the month of December and March, when it can be very cold, even freezing.

12. Learn to travel light. Remember the three – one – one rule for packing toiletries. 3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

13. If the program is 6 to 7 hours away. Consider renting a car and drive there. It is much more suitable. Trust me I have driven twice for my interview. it is convenient and saves you a lot of money.

14. Eat a light meal that day prior to your interview to avoid problems with your constitution. If you are going for a pre-interview dinner, dress casually and eat lightly. Dont drink EtOH.

15.Present yourself professionally, be courteous to everyone you see, interact freely with other applicants, residents of the programs and the faculty. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and make sure you stand out in a positive impressive way.

16. Remember to thank the program coordinator on your way out. As much as you may want to hate them, they do work a lot during the interview season. And they’re absolutely swamped with hundreds of applicants. So before you leave, make sure you stop by their office and chat with them for a couple of minutes before you leave for home.

I will keep updating this list as and when I remember more things meanwhile you can read up about answers to specific interview questions here