88. Interview Prep For IMG’s Q&A

Are you nervous about your upcoming residency interview?

Do you have questions as to how to make those few interview invitations convert into your name being on the rank order list?

Keep listening to this live Q&A session on interview prep for IMG's to get all of the answers you need! Some questions we address in this episode include:

How do I prepare for behavioral questions?

Interviewers just use these questions to find out more about how you think.

Pause, think and answer to the best of your ability. Use scientific evidence where you can.

What is the best time to send letters of interest?

There is no best time - you should send them as soon as your interest emerges. "Now" is the best time!

What are some questions that I can ask an interviewer?

Ask a question that proves that you are receptive to instruction and learning  during the residency process.

A good example is: what do you think makes a successful resident?

Another is: what are some milestones that you expect interns to have achieved by the first half of the year?

Use these as an opportunity to promote yourself as a good fit for the program.

How do I stand out from other applicants via zoom?

Interact, smile, converse with the interviewers.

However, the most important part is to stand out in your individual interview.

What is the best way to show interest in a program?

Go through the program’s website and learn as much as you can to draw parallels between your strengths as a candidate and the program’s requirements.

Validate your interest with evidence you found by doing your homework.

How do I justify wanting to do residency in one state while living in another?

State valid reasons based on research done on the program.

Don't focus too hard on the fact that you aren't a local.

Leverage your strengths to show that you would be a good candidate for the program.

How do connections help during the interview season?

These are only helpful if the people put in a good word for you thereby improving your chances of matching.

People trust their contacts and their opinions, so it doesn't hurt to ask people to recommend you!

How do I answer the question: tell me about yourself?

Use the past, present and the future.

State what you have done before, are doing currently and will do in the future as relates to your medical career and the program you're interviewing into.

Be as forthcoming as possible, while emphasizing why you accepted the invitation to interview.

How can I stand out as a re-applicant?

• Ask for feedback from the previous interview.
• Ask your  mentors to put in a good word.
• Engage in introspection to identify your weaknesses during your previous interview.

Overall, confidence is key. Talk, smile, laugh, interact and you will be fine! You can book my interview coaching service at drninalum.com/interview today.

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.