Most physicians agree that medical schools, while supportive in many areas, are often lacking when it comes to career counseling. As an unfortunate result, most employers consider the interview to be many residents’ and physicians’ biggest weakness; yet, it is one of the most crucial elements of the hiring process.

If you followed the traditional path to medical school, chances are your interviewing experience is nonexistent or minimal at best. Therefore, the interviewing process may seem much more daunting to you than to your peers in other professions, who have already held a plethora of positions.

The first thing to realize is that an interview is a two-way street. While the employer has the upper hand in many respects, you are both trying to make a positive impression on each other in the hopes of finding a good fit. Therefore, you shouldn’t go into an interview feeling as though you are being put under a microscope.

It is important, however, that you understand proper protocol. Preparation is key, and if you internalize the information below, you will be able to present yourself as an articulate and capable candidate for any position.

First impressions

When an employer contacts you to schedule an interview, you need to make sure that you come across as enthusiastic and accommodating. Many physicians have a tendency to be abrupt on the telephone. While this is normally the result of a busy schedule, it can come across as rude and presumptuous. You should never give the impression that your time is more important than the person you’re speaking to.

Also, avoid asking questions such as “What hospital is this again?” or “I’m sorry, can you remind me of where this practice is?” You may have applied to numerous positions, but it is important to keep information about these positions handy so that you can immediately reference the caller/organization. Otherwise, the employer will assume that you simply cast a wide net and don’t have a genuine interest in his particular practice.

When it comes to scheduling the time for your interview, there are several factors to consider. If you are a morning person, see if you can schedule your interview early in the day. Likewise, if you can’t put together a coherent thought until you’ve had at least three cups of coffee, don’t schedule your interview first thing in the morning. You also don’t want to meet after a 14 hour day or at the end of a grueling week.

Make sure you clear adequate time for the interview, and that you consider the schedule of the employer. Even if the early morning or the late evening may be more convenient for you, it is more appropriate and professional to schedule your interview during normal business hours (unless the employer specifically requests otherwise). Additionally, if you are experiencing an unusually tight schedule on the day of your interview, don’t let the time crunch keep you from doing what’s important. Consider the interview an investment in your future, and make adequate time for it.

Do’s and don’ts

Do arrive on time. Plan your schedule so that you anticipate arriving at least 15-20 minutes early in case traffic is bad, you get lost, or something unknown occurs.

Don’t arrive too early. While it’s good to allow an extra cushion of time, you don’t want to throw off the interviewer by arriving at the office more than five minutes ahead of schedule. If you’re early, walk around the block and grab a cup of coffee, or read the newspaper for a few minutes at a café before making your presence known.

Do be courteous to everyone you meet. A receptionist who finds you rude could have a great impact on your ability to get a position, regardless of how smooth you come across in the actual interview.

 Don’t neglect to prepare. Ask colleagues and family members for help with mock interviewing and practice questions. Finally, make sure to stay current in your field so that you can discuss any news in the field.

 Do try on your interview clothes before you leave for your destination if you are traveling long distance. There is nothing worse than finding out that something doesn’t fit right 10 minutes before your interview when you are 300 miles from your closet.

 Don’t forget that interviews are an artificial situation in which the interviewer has power. This can cause you to feel overly pressured to act a certain way, which in turn will seem false and forced. Anxiety will interfere with your ability to answer questions intelligently. The more relaxed and natural you can be, the more likely it is that the interviewer will get a realistic impression of you.

 Do have a firm, solid handshake. A limp, weak handshake never makes a good impression.

Don’t be disrespectful during the interview. Never talk down to the interviewer. Be polite, listen carefully, and do not argue under any circumstances.

Do stay calm and maintain eye contact. You don’t have to stare, but keep consistent visual contact with the interviewer’s general facial area. Looking at their eyes, forehead, lips or chin is important, so that the interviewer knows you are paying attention.

Don’t forget that interviewers are not always trained in interviewing. You may find an interviewer rambling on about the position and the practice without asking you any questions about yourself. In this situation, it is okay to exert a little control over the process by discussing your strengths and explaining some key points that you want to get across.

Do ask questions. Asking questions shows that you were listening to and digesting the information the employer presented. It also conveys your genuine interest in learning more about the organization. Research the employer (and interviewer, if possible) extensively so that you can ask thoughtful, intelligent questions.

Don’t discuss politics and religion. These topics should be avoided at all cost.

Do remember that there are two major questions that every interviewer wants answered. Are you able to do the job and do it well? Will you be manageable as an employee or part of a partnership? If you can answer these questions to the employer’s satisfaction, you will get the job.

Don’t lie or be negative. Honesty is the best policy, but if someone asks you about a former employer with whom you had a hostile relationship, be tactful. It’s better to focus on strengths and positives than to give the interviewer the impression that you are not an easy person to work with.

Do establish rapport. Remember the interviewer’s name, and use it a few times throughout the interview. Show interest in the conversation. Ask questions, smile when appropriate, and laugh when jokes are told (regardless of how bad).

Don’t ask about salary unless the interviewer brings it up first. Even if the interview does bring it up, you shouldn’t discuss specifics. Focus instead on a salary range and don’t reveal exactly what you made in your last position. Detailed salary discussions should occur after an offer has been extended.

Do send a thank you note after your interview. It is proper etiquette, and employers appreciate the gesture.

Don’t forget that bias still exists. For example, it is generally regarded that an overweight applicant will have a more difficult time in an interview than a thin applicant. If you are overweight, you can avoid this bias by dressing well and making sure that your clothes fit well. During the interview, be as positive and high energy as you can. Focus on your strong work ethic and you should be able to overcome any stereotype of overweight people as lazy and lacking in energy.

What is your biggest weakness?

This question has plagued jobseekers since the beginning of time. The point of this question is to determine how self-aware and realistic you are. Truthfully speaking, there is no “right” answer, but we can offer some guidance for a better answer.

Saying “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too much” is overused and clichéd, and employers will see through it. Rather than trying to sell a strength as a weakness, you should discuss the steps you have taken in overcoming your weakness.

For example, you can say that you have traditionally been a shy person, but you have been actively challenging yourself by speaking in public and that you have made considerable progress towards alleviating it. Another example would be to discuss your own impatience when others fail to uphold responsibilities. You’ve had to resist stepping in to solve the problems of your employees, and now you’re trying to use these situations as teaching opportunities.

The second most difficult question is: “What is your biggest strength?” While this gives you the opportunity to tout yourself, you want to avoid sounding presumptuous. Try to present your answer in terms of what your colleagues and supervisors have said about you. This will allow you to avoid looking too egotistical.

Tips for the panel interview:

• It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Everybody is a little nervous or anxious, so don’t worry if you feel butterflies—it’s normal.
• When introduced, acknowledge each person. Try to remember their names.
• Listen carefully. Don’t let your mind wander. Focus on answering each question as thoroughly as possible.
• Address your answer directly to the person who asked the question.

Tips for the lunch interview:

• While this may be a more relaxed environment, you have to be completely “on” no matter what.
• Follow the ordering cues of your host regarding which courses you should order and price ranges. Obviously, don’t order a dish that you can’t eat neatly, like spaghetti or soup.
• Only order a drink if you are pressed by the host to do so. Even if you do order a drink, drink very limited amounts, and match each sip with a sip of water.
• Make sure your etiquette is excellent at all times. Table manners are of the utmost importance.
• Even if the food is fantastic, don’t become consumed with eating. Focus on the interview, and on answering and asking questions.

Tips for international applicants:

• Unfortunately, a thick accent or poor English speaking ability can affect your chances of success. However, more than 20% of positions in medicine are held by people who attended medical school outside of the U.S., so don’t despair. Stay relaxed and speak slowly. Don’t be afraid to ask for something to be repeated, and sometimes a little bit of humor can help.
• If your name is mispronounced, do not correct the interviewer unless they ask for help.
• Remember that eye contact is okay in the US and is expected in an interview.
• If it is a lunch interview, you need to be extremely cautious of your table manners. Customs are different everywhere, and you need to make sure that something acceptable in your culture isn’t a breach of etiquette here.
• Do not dwell upon your place of origin. This doesn’t mean you should hide where you are from, but you want to focus on working in the US.
• Do not attack or criticize US culture, even in agreement with the interviewer or as a joke.
• Try to get letters of recommendation from previous American employers or professors; they carry much more weight.
• If asked about your weakness, you should name your accent or English skills as your most prominent weakness, and you should outline the steps that you intend to take to enhance your English.
• Discuss your adaptability and your ability to fit in.
• Your motivations for entering medicine should be personal. Saying that you became a doctor because your family has always comprised doctors is not an appropriate response.
• Make sure you understand your visa status and that everything is in order.

Conclusion

 You may be a smart, hardworking candidate, but you are competing against equally intelligent, motivated candidates. Relying solely on your credentials is not sufficient; you need to understand the interviewing process in order to present yourself in the best light possible.

When it comes to interviews, practice makes perfect. For this reason, you should accept every interview you are offered, even if you don’t feel that the position presents the ideal fit. The more interviews you go on, the more comfortable you will feel, and the more exposure you will have to the types of questions asked.

Keep in mind that interviewers are as eager to find a good fit as you are. Before you sit down to an interview, take a deep breath and focus your attention on all of those things that make you a good candidate. When you are feeling confident internally, you will portray yourself as someone worth getting to know.

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