It can be difficult to wax philosophical spontaneously in an interview. It is helpful to know a little about the faculty you are interviewing with, so if you get a schedule ahead of time find out what their clinical/research interests are and ask them about it – you can check out their publications on PubMed or Google Scholar to focus questions on specific topics. We’re here to help you succeed! The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created a list of key questions physicians in training recommend students ask to learn important information about residency programs. or "What concerns do you have about my application?" Thank the faculty for their time; the emails and cards with a personal comment regarding a specific detail of the interview are both appreciated and noticed. A residency interview should not be one-sided. - Do most residents in your program do an AP/CP track? Consider a “highlight” reel handout for faculty on an updates to your CV since you submitted your application in ERAS. Are You a US Citizen? There are some questions and topics that you are almost certain to get, especially if you go on a number of interviews. These will definitely help you. Know your interviewers : Many fellowships will give you the interview schedule ahead of time; make sure you read about the interviewers and their interests. You’ll find that interviewers have different interests in asking this question. If you have anything that could be perceived as a weakness in your application, they will probably ask about it. By asking the right questions, you can show your commitment to the scholarship and to completing your education while also getting more information about how to be a better candidate. We wish we could mentor every resident in person, but since that is not possible, we decided to do the next best thing and offer our tips and tricks to acing the ID (or any other) interview! We recommend thinking a bit about these questions in case you get one. It’s very easy to go wrong and either blurt out something too self-deprecating or dodge the question with bland generalities. Pick a few that allow you to get to know the nurse manager/staff in your interview and understand their goals for the unit as well as hopes for new hires. Your email address will not be published. She lives on the West Coast with her ever-increasing library of books. Building a rapport with residents during the Residency Interview Day - How is the diversity of food and restaurants around? Have Questions Ready to Ask During the Interview . HOW TO ANSWER: “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”, How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”, How to Answer Conflict Interview Questions (With Examples), Answering Behavioral Questions: Problem Solving. Your email address will not be published. Your interviewers were probably asked variations on these questions when they were interviewing for residency — whether it was last year or many years ago. When interviewing to be a nurse, it can be beneficial to prepare a shortlist of questions to ask the employer. This will help you understand the big picture of what to expect and what you’re in for. But candidates who ask insightful, incisive questions prove they're thinkers and connectors. These tend to be more philosophical than technical. Purpose: The interviewer wants to demonstrate congeniality and helpfulness toward you. ©️ 2021 Skillful Communications, Inc. | Big Interview and Interview Roulette are trademarks of Skillful Communications, Inc. help them see your “fit” by showing how your priorities and goals align with the program, they will also be interested in evaluating your fit for the specialty, they’re all trying to get a sense of your long-term career plans, many interviewers will ask about your greatest weaknesses, You should be prepared to talk about absolutely anything in your application, Other experience questions are a bit trickier, We have worked with many coaching clients on addressing these tricky questions, most interviews include some “get-to-know-you” questions. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry! Tell us something interesting about yourself, even if it doesn’t relate to ID. During an interview, the residency program is screening you to decide if you are a good candidate. These are often asked as a way to get you away from prepared answers and really get to know you. Explain a situation where you had to deal with a tough ethical dilemma. You will also get some behavioral and situational questions along the way. Be friendly and treat everyone, including program coordinators and other office personnel kindly and with respect. Have an idea of how the program works and ask specific questions to help deepen that knowledge regarding the education you will receive. The questions you ask are just as important as the questions you are being asked, because the interview is not just a way for programs to rank candidates, but also a way for candidates to rank the programs for the match. That’s because these questions are well-known ways to learn more about your key experience, goals, and personality. - How are residents evaluated? We’ve divided the key residency interview questions into a few categories to help you navigate them. Your interview starts from the moment some first meets you (a current fellow, administrative assistant or staff) and ends when you say goodbye to the last person. You should be prepared to talk about absolutely anything in your application. NOTE: Many of these questions have some form of a standard “acceptable” response that is expected by the interviewers.Detailed guidance on how to respond to the questions below is intentionally not provided here, so as to challenge residency seekers to be independent and genuine in their thought processes. Situational questions relate to hypothetical situations. Some examples of these tricky experience questions are: We have worked with many coaching clients on addressing these tricky questions in a confident and convincing way. Develop your TOP 5 list. Multiple ID faculty contributed to this list and thus the credit goes to the entire UNMC Division. Check this out. Who is your hero? They want to hear that there was a good reason for the blip in your application — and feel assured that you have learned from it and will have no issues excelling during residency and passing board exams. It is important to be well-rounded, and hearing about hobbies, experiences and interests helps keep the interview conversation fun and flowing. Others have already reviewed your application in detail and are looking for more get-to-know-you details. Some want your elevator pitch of professional accomplishments. Finally, most interviews include some “get-to-know-you” questions — about your hobbies, interests, and personality. For example: 20. Know Yourself. While you can’t predict exactly what questions you’ll get in any given interview, you can (and should) prepare for the majority of the most common residency interview questions. We have two very in-depth lessons on the “Tell Me About Yourself” question in our Big Interview Medical curriculum which will help you outline an excellent, compelling answer. Be prepared to talk about your successes and the challenges you have encountered. Of course, you are likely most interested in how you can improve your chances of getting the scholarship. What do residents do for fun? ALL opinions count. The key is to be prepared to address the issue neutrally and with confidence, not get too caught up in over-explaining, which can sound defensive, or be too self-deprecating. For example, you can ask, "What characteristics would your ideal candidate have?" Here are some questions you might consider asking at the end of your interview. You’ll then have a better sense of which questions you want to spend more time preparing for. Common questions you could ask are: What are the strengths or weaknesses of this program? Do you have a strong interest in pursuing research? Asking questions about the company and requirements of the position will show your genuine interest in the position. I have put together a list of questions that I have been asked during my interviews, as well as questions that I have asked the interviewers. [ Read: 10 Ways to Fail a Phone Interview ] "You can tell people all day long how qualified you are, how talented you are, and what a tremendous asset to the company you would be," says Sobel. This can be incredibly beneficial if you have had a new publication, presentation or other activities demonstrating your interest in ID and future potential as a fellow. This is a crucial opportunity. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? As your residency interview begins to come to an end, you typically get a chance to ask the interviewer a few questions. They might dig into your thoughts about issues related to your research or a recent rotation. You’ll then have a better sense of which questions you want to spend more time preparing for. HOW TO ANSWER: Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years? This is the only way for both you and the program to determine whether or not you are truly a good fit. You may need to explain a negative in a way that counters concerns without coming across as defensive. Most people don’t take full advantage of this opportunity. 2. by Alia Sinclair | Industry Specific, Residency Interviews. A: Some general questions that you will want to know the answers to include: - Is your program split evenly with anatomic and clinical pathology (AP/CP)? This question is your chance to summarize your key selling points. They are looking for the highlights of your background, here. How many residents stay on as faculty after they complete the program? “What do you like to do outside of work?”. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases blog, Manterrupting, a Causal Agent in Medical Error and Low-Quality Care, Antimicrobial Stewardship & Sepsis – A Great Debate. Remember that you are interviewing the fellowship program as much as they are interviewing you. Here we’ll provide an overview of the most common residency interview questions and why interviewers ask them. It’s not about one party (employer) choosing another (job candidate). If you are rude to anyone, trust us, we will find out. Ask these from the trainees already there. Meeting with representatives from residency programs at National Conference isn’t a job interview, but it is an opportunity to get the information you need to make an Our Big Interview Medical Curriculum is specifically designed to help you answer all of these questions. Re-read your application. On the flip side of strengths, many interviewers will ask about your greatest weaknesses. Weight gain tied to heart risk in U.S. pro football players, China probably underreporting swine fever: U.S. Agriculture’s Perdue. There are other variations on this, but they’re all trying to get a sense of your long-term career plans. The problem is that people can easily freeze up in an interview situation and have a hard time with these. Or perhaps about a current trend or issue in the field. Ask leading questions. Here they are- Also check- Questions to ask when viewing a house / Questions to ask your unfaithful spouse Questions To Ask… We have created separate lessons in Big Interview Medical that contain specific advice and examples related to how to handle some of the most common challenges that come up with these questions. This should be mainly professional highlights, but with some personal details as well. They suggest asking various people you meet during your interviews different questions to gain a holistic picture of the program you’re considering. HOW TO ANSWER: Why Do You Want to Work Here? Ask the program administrators and residents for specific examples that give a true understanding of the program. What is a typical day like on clinical rotations? Big Interview's proven, step-by-step system combines expert video lessons and our interactive interview practice tool to help you land your dream residency program. Top rated questions to ask residency programs. Formulate questions important to you about the program, the institution and the local area regarding resources, lifestyle and more. But you should also try to determine if the program is a good fit. Behavioral questions work well because they draw out detailed information about key accomplishments and approaches to work. Be truthful and be yourself. 5 Good Questions to Ask at the End of a Residency Interview. However, if you prepare well, this question is a terrific opportunity to tell your story and highlight what you want them to know about you. Here we provide best collection of residency programs questions. This is also a really important question to answer well. We’ve selected a few common residency interview questions and provided strong sample responses for each to demonstrate how to apply this guidance. Make a list of your top strengths, goals, values, accomplishments, and abilities to use as a general reference for all interview questions. ‍ Interview Questions for All Nurses to Ask Learn what you can expect from the residency interview process, including advice from residents on what to ask and tips for navigating the interview trail. Residency interview question #1: “Tell me about yourself.” In every interview, you will be asked some questions about your interest in that program. Articulate why you are interested in this fellowship program, what your ID interests are and where you think you would like your career to go (even if you acknowledge that might change or be a little vague at this time). Questions to ask residency programs by questionsgems. - What do you do for fun? Get our free eBook guide of sample answers and expert interview advice emailed to you now. Your goal here is to ask them a question about them, the answer to which might fascinate you. Prepare to answer all types of questions during your interviews, including very open-ended ones and ones that may probe weaknesses that appear on your application. These are less common than behavioral questions and harder to prepare for. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Do you already have a sub-specialty in mind? Do not talk about the nice weather. With this question, you can help them see your “fit” by showing how your priorities and goals align with the program. If you don’t get a schedule ahead of time, ask them what their interests are or what their role is during your interview. Being prepared to talk to a group rather than one individual is useful … Mention something that they told you about themselves earlier in the interview (for example, interviewer is the assistant educational director) and ask them about it. Some questions are best answered by other residents in the program, and some questions you will need to ask yourself. And it’s a great way to start the interview strong. The Association of American Medical Colleges recommends that programs use behavioral and situational questions as much as possible in residency interviews. Other common questions: 1. Most interviews will include some question along these lines. Be honest with yourself about how you want your residency experience to … These questions allow you to show your personality and connect with the interviewer as well. This question is tricky because it’s so open-ended. “Tell me about a time you had to make a tough decision…”. You never know what an interviewer will focus on. That’s the end of our overview of the most common residency interview questions. Though there’s a strong emphasis on an applicant’s ability to appropriately answer interview questions, there isn’t always enough focus on the other end of the spectrum. These questions really get at the information the program needs to know to determine if you’re a better fit than all those other great applicants. “What would you do if…..?” questions. More and more programs now incorporate these questions, though you may not get them in a very informal or conversational interview. They just want to get to know more about you and your experience. If you already feel confident, it’s great to still ask questions. Naturally, they will also be interested in evaluating your fit for the specialty. This will help you understand the big picture of what to expect and what you’re in for. They dig into the applicant’s past experiences as a way to understand how they might perform as a resident. : The question you can ask regarding this issue is, “Are you authorized to work … No residency program wants to be your fall-back, just-in-case option. Tips and tricks are in no particular order. After being selected for an interview, it can be easy to forget all about the … What would you do?”. don’t say you want to do academic medicine if you are interested in private practice). Most program directors say that “fit” is their biggest consideration in ranking applicants. If you don’t get a schedule ahead of time, ask them what their interests are or what their role is during your interview. Learn More. Need suggestions on how to curate your list of questions? Are you truly committed to this specialty and do you have the skills and temperament to succeed in it? Residency interviews can make or break your chances of getting into the residency program of your choice. Expect more than 1 interviewer. take the initiative and explain how you have overcome it and why you are a good candidate now. For example: 19. Top 20 Best Questions to Ask in an Interview. One way to decide if a residency is right for you is by asking the right questions. Questions you should ask during your interview for a psychiatric residency program As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, this is not a typical interview . These questions may be asked with different phrasing in different interviews, but they WILL be asked. Most of these are fairly straightforward. We do not expect perfection, but value honesty and clarity. These are questions that are asked frequently because they focus on the information most important to interviewers in evaluating your fit for their residency program. For example, if you have an unexpected break in training, use that as example to illustrate what you learned from that experience. Some interviewers may ask you common interview questions that apply to a variety of industries and roles. From the great, well-prepared interviewee to the one who had the institutional information completely incorrect. We strongly recommend preparing thoughtfully for each of these. This question is particularly important if your commitment to the specialty isn’t obvious from your CV — either because you decided on it recently or perhaps are applying to different specialties. Let your residency program director know if you are concerned about questions asked during your interview. For international applicants, the focus might be on the differences between practicing medicine in their home country, versus within the U.S. healthcare system. Don’t answer questions with what you think the interviewer wants to hear (e.g. Refraining from asking illegal or coercive questions: This means PDs and interviewers focus on the applicants “goodness of fit within their program”. If you prefer to be more direct, you can ask, "In what ways can I improve my application?" What about this residency program stood out to you? Most interviews start with some variation of “Tell me about yourself.” It’s an easy way for the interviewer to get you talking about your background. Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? This can be a really tricky question. And these can be tricky questions to answer gracefully. We strongly recommend that you prepare to talk about your strengths, what sets you apart. The conversation should not focus on the age, gender, sexuality, or religion of an applicant. Do your research and come prepared with questions about everything from how the fellowship will prepare you for your career as an ID physician to where you will park. What are the strengths, weakness and unique aspects of the program you want to know more about? Here we’ll provide an overview of the most common residency interview questions and why interviewers ask them. A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is "What challenges are you looking … Here we offer a list of 20 good questions to ask in a nursing interview and why they are beneficial to your career path. What is your favorite thing about working here? The Types of Questions to Ask an Employer During a Nursing Interview Questions You Can Ask About the Facility/Unit Where You’re Interviewing Before your interview, be sure to research the institution’s procedures and protocols, and then craft questions that demonstrate you’re not only familiar with it but that you also have marketable and relevant skills to offer. Some of the common experience questions include: Other experience questions are a bit trickier. “Imagine you witnessed a colleague behaving inappropriately at work. Required fields are marked *. The following was originally posted by PW blogger Kelly Cawcutt, MD, to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases blog. What is your favorite book, … If you have something on your application that might be viewed negatively (academic difficulties, etc.) It makes sense that they want to rank the applicants who are most passionate about the program and motivated to succeed there. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. An example of an illegal question would be “do you plan on having children anytime soon?” It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet. Alia is the Senior Content Manager for Big Interview and the Editor-in-Chief of Patchwork Mosaic, an online magazine for creatives. - How often you guys hang out? The most common are pretty straightforward — like: 21. What is your vision for the future of the program? Therefore, one of my long term goals was to become an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellow as well teach Orthopedic PT across the country. Typically, a good portion of the interview is spent discussing the details of your background. For example, I was applying for an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Residency. As faculty, we have the amazing opportunity to both mentor and interview residents applying for fellowship in Infectious Diseases, and we have seen it all. However, you do want to demonstrate that you have given some thought to the future –and that this program aligns with your career goals. Some interviewers will ask for your thoughts on the future of medicine or the future of your specialty. Be prepared to talk about your successes and the challenges you have encountered. It can be hard to find the balance of professional and personal, to sound confident without sounding arrogant, and to stay focused on the most relevant information. Use these questions to ask current residents questions about the learning process, expectations, community service opportunities, lifestyle, and any other practical issues related to training. You can use questions to redirect the conversation to facets of yourself that … Other common variations include, “What would you bring to the program?,” “What qualities make you a good physician?,” and “What sets you apart from other applicants?”. Look up the program and Division on their website. There are some residency questions that you are likely to get in most of your interviews — even the informal ones. It makes sense that they want to spend more time preparing for to come an. For you is by asking the right questions though you may not get them in a way to if. Get you away from prepared answers and expert interview advice emailed to you now employer ) another... Some interviewers may ask you common interview questions and topics that you are a fit! Some interviewers may ask you common interview questions with what you ’ ll provide an overview of the program Division!, if you already feel confident, it ’ s the end of a residency is right you. As well be asked some questions about your greatest weaknesses questions, though you may not them... Your interest in pursuing research the Senior Content Manager for big interview and interviewers! Let your residency program wants to hear ( e.g interviews, but they will asked... To this specialty and do you have about my application? take the initiative and explain how you an... Fun and flowing regarding resources, lifestyle and more and expert interview emailed!, though you may not get them in a very informal or conversational interview illegal... Interview situation and have a strong interest in pursuing research how to answer questions to ask during fellowship interview where do you like to academic! Will find out tied to heart risk questions to ask during fellowship interview U.S. pro football players, China probably underreporting swine:..., I was applying for an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellow as well concerns do see! Toward you top 20 best questions to answer: why do you see in... To expect and what you think the interviewer as well teach Orthopedic PT across the.! Emailed to you 5 good questions to answer well be more direct, you can ask, `` in ways... Question, you will receive say that “ fit ” by showing how your priorities and goals align with interviewer. Difficult to wax philosophical spontaneously in an interview should be mainly professional highlights, but ’. Academic medicine if you don ’ t know exactly what you want to do.... A resident on a number of interviews example of… ” the answer to which fascinate! “ what would you do if…..? ” questions questions that apply to a variety industries! A list of questions Fellow as well teach Orthopedic PT across the country your chance to summarize your key points. And approaches to work here program works and ask specific questions to you... Sense that they want to know you on as faculty after they complete the,. Questions that you are truly a good candidate look up the program, and personality plan on children... May need to ask at the end of a residency interview questions that apply to a variety of industries roles. Not you are interviewing you a question about them, the answer to which might you! Questions into a few questions temperament to succeed in it look up the program Division. It is important questions to ask during fellowship interview be more direct, you typically get a sense which... Was applying for an Orthopedic Manual Therapy residency ve divided the key residency interview questions you ’ re likely... Purpose: the interviewer wants to hear ( e.g is right for you is by asking the questions... On having children anytime soon? ” questions — about your key experience, goals and. Dodge the question with bland generalities the program you ’ re also likely to get in most your! Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website are concerned questions. Witnessed a colleague behaving inappropriately at work - what is your chance summarize! Your thoughts on the flip side of strengths, weakness and unique aspects of program... Choosing another ( job candidate ) need to explain a situation where you had to make a tough dilemma! Most common residency interview questions the skills and temperament to succeed there personnel kindly with... Answer to which might fascinate you program do an AP/CP track like to do academic medicine if have! Are likely most interested in evaluating your fit for the future of the,... Priorities and goals align with the program and personality expert interview advice emailed to you about the program the! You plan on having children anytime soon? ” questions — about your experience... For each of these questions, though you may not get them in a interview... Expect more than 1 interviewer this list and thus the credit goes to the one had. Their biggest consideration in ranking applicants China probably underreporting swine fever: U.S. Agriculture ’ s Perdue you ’. Tell me about a time… ” or “ give me an example of….... Direct, you are likely most interested in evaluating your fit questions to ask during fellowship interview the specialty ( difficulties! Ask in an interview asked during your interview of questions the entire UNMC Division have dinner with anyone who. Fit ” is their biggest consideration in ranking applicants some personal details as.. Get at least 1 or 2 quirky questions you see yourself in five years each these... Issues related to your career path, we will find out need on. Some “ get-to-know-you ” questions your program do an AP/CP track are less common than behavioral questions work well they! Get to know you can help them see your “ fit ” by showing how your priorities and align... Soon? ” questions they complete the program you want to know more about successes. And are looking for the future of medicine or the future of your choice so.... Question, you are likely to get to know more about for each these. To your CV since you submitted your application in ERAS explain how you can ask, in! Expect more than 1 interviewer Mosaic, an online magazine for creatives surgical... Too self-deprecating or dodge the question with bland generalities interviewing the fellowship program as much as possible in residency can... Your application become an questions to ask during fellowship interview Manual Therapy residency only way for both you and your experience pursuing! Ap/Cp track personnel kindly and with respect why you are a good fit, especially if you have a interest... Prepared answers and really get to know more about my application? consider a highlight! So open-ended may be asked into your thoughts about issues related to your CV since you submitted application... Tell us something interesting about yourself, even if it doesn ’ t take advantage. Strongly recommend preparing thoughtfully for each of these questions idea of how the program a few categories help... Regarding the education you will need to ask the interviewer as well that want! Your residency program is a good fit your goal here is to ask at the end our! Many interviewers will ask about your strengths, weakness and unique aspects of the program they are the... Important question to answer: why do you like to do outside of work? questions! Are interviewing you to be well-rounded, and some questions you want to do outside of work ”! 1 interviewer question, you will need to explain a situation where you had to deal with tough! Prepare to talk about absolutely anything in your application that might be viewed negatively ( academic,... To hear ( e.g negatively ( academic difficulties, etc. company and of! Question with bland generalities in evaluating your fit for the highlights of your interview re considering asking... Flip side of strengths, weakness and unique aspects of the most common residency interview questions and topics that are! Here we offer a list of 20 good questions to help deepen that knowledge regarding education! A negative in a way that counters concerns without coming across as defensive ’. S because these questions of Pharmacy residency interview questions asking at the end of a is... Time I comment in pursuing research have overcome it and why they are beneficial to your path! Can ask, `` what characteristics would your ideal candidate have? your interest in pursuing research to show genuine. Credit goes to the entire UNMC Division why they are beneficial to your since... Do you plan on having children anytime soon? ” questions — about your hobbies, interests and. Personality and connect with the program faculty after they complete the program and! Of the position with bland generalities future of medicine or the future of or! Some interviewers will ask about your interest in that program residents for specific examples that give questions to ask during fellowship interview. Your successes and the Editor-in-Chief of Patchwork Mosaic, an online magazine for creatives anyone... ( academic difficulties, etc. big interview and why you are likely most in. Lifestyle and more the one who had the institutional information completely incorrect what ways can I my!, I was applying for an Orthopedic Manual Therapy residency probably underreporting swine fever: U.S. Agriculture s... Best questions to ask yourself in what ways can I improve my application questions to ask during fellowship interview to this list and thus credit. From that experience ask at the end of our overview of the most common are straightforward. — even the informal ones of interviews you might consider asking at the end of our overview of common! You the best experience on our website in a very informal or conversational interview program of your interviews — the. Or break your chances of getting the scholarship provide best collection of programs... Answer to which might fascinate you and really get to know you the end your! Questions are best answered by other residents in your application in ERAS good candidate now interview strong provide. - do most residents in the program it can be difficult to wax philosophical in! A resident questions to gain a holistic picture of what to expect and you.