Interview Trail.. Things to know.

Hey Friends,


As you all know I am on the interview trail for residency. There are a few things that I wish I had known. I am channeling my thoughts in this post for my fellow med students. 
** Side note.. these thoughts are purely my own opinion and apply to my experiences with internal medicine interviews.


Scheduling:


- If you have an early #1 or #2 in mind I suggest not making this interview first or second. It takes two to really warm up. 
-Schedule your most important interviews in the middle of the interview trail.. not brand new and not burnt out yet. 
- Is the city exciting and fun? Then schedule your interview for a Friday and enjoy the city :)
-But DO NOT feel like you need to stay in every city for a few days to feel it out. I typically was in and out and that worked best for me. I prefer to be in my own element and rest before the next interview
- Interviews per week: Two interviews in a week always worked best for me. 3 was max. There is no way I could schedule 4 in a week.  




Preparation: 


Who knew this was needed right?? I sure didn't..  For my first interview I was not well prepared which meant I had a tendency to ramble and not be direct. Prep included only checking out the website..
This is what I suggest:


1) Check out the website. Pay attention to the program values, unique curriculum aspects, fellowship match list.
2) Know the face and name of the various program leadership. (including chiefs)
3) Review common questions and brainstorm your responses (This was most helpful)
4) Email a resident from your medical school. This shows genuine interest and increased effort.
5) Review your personal statement and resume. 


Most Common questions I received
- Why this institution?
- Tell me about a memorable patient and what you learned?
- What are YOU looking for in a training program?
- What are your plans for the next 5-10 years? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- Tell me about your research?
- Give me an example of conflict during medical school, how you handled it and what you learned?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses




This Link was the most helpful. 


Outfits :-) 


It is important to be professional but you do not need to lose your personality. 


Lets talk suits. Invest in a good suit. I suggest at least 2. One might get dirty.. 


Color: Black, brown, grey, navy blue. All good options. EVERYONE wears black.. Do NOT be afraid to wear a different color. My tweed brown suit ALWAYS was a hit and received praises for not being black. It showed in a subtle way my confidence and personality. 


Stores I reccomend: Tjmaxx, Burlington coat factory, Loehmanns, Macys. All have GREAT suit options. 


SHOES! Comfort and style are the KEY! The tours are extensive. My favorite comfort brands are clarks and naturalizer. Not to toot my own horn.. But my shoes were a hit as well. 
- No wedges


Handbag: A small conservative handbag is best. This is not the place to go big. Bright bags are a no no. Stick to small black or brown.. depending on your suit/shoe color. Black goes with grey suits. I actually wore the same black bag even with my brown suit because it matched my black portfolio very well. 


Jewelry: Small and concise are best here as well. Chunky/ Big jewelry is distracting. I went with pearls and gold studs. I actually loved wearing my gold studs best with my brown suit because of the shades and the pearls with my black and grey suit. 


Jackets: A nice professional trench coat is a must for the trail. The programs always have somewhere for your jacket and scarves so do not hesitate to stay warm. 

This looks similar to my brown tweed suit. Classic.

I love this suit! I wish I had this one.

Nice skirt detail. FIT IS IMPORTANT!!

For those who want baby heels

Chunky heels offer more comfort

I opted for a strap to keep my foot in the shoe

I love these!

This post is long but I hope it helps someone have a smooth interview trail. 


Stay Fly and 25 :)


interview checklist:
-thank you cards
-portfolio
-good carry on luggage
-small purse
-multiple pairs of good stockings
-good jacket
-nice scarf and gloves
-fly suit
-nice casual outfit for interview dinners
-jewelry
-makeup/toiletry grab bag for easy packing/travel