Interview Preparation Essentials

What is the most important reason for going into medical residency or fellowship?

Which of the following is the best way to answer the question, “what are some of your weaknesses?”

What does talking to your interviewer about one weakness that you have worked on and improved demonstrate?

Which of the following is the best way to answer the question, “why should we take you into our program?”

Perform research in advance on the program and highlight what you bring to the table that is in line with the program’s values
Brag about yourself and how you will be the best candidate that they will ever have
Research the program in advance and pretend that you are interested in the same goals and values as the program
Talk about how this program is too good for you and how you don’t deserve a program as prestigious as this one

When researching a program in advance, which of the following are questions that should you ask yourself?

How should you respond if an interviewer tells you, “I don’t think you’ll be a good fit for our program.”?

Agree and give the interviewer a look of resignation
Become angry and shout at how unfair the interview process is
Calmly disagree with the interviewer and discuss why you are a great fit for the program
Agree and tell the interviewer that you didn’t want to join this program anyway

If an interviewer brings up any red flags on your application (disciplinary concerns, test scores, etc.), how should you respond to this?

Change the topic quickly
Discuss how that red flag had a positive impact on your life and how you are a better physician as a result
Make excuses for the red flag and don’t take responsibility for it
Talk about how sorry you are and how you hope the program will still accept you

What is the latent purpose of these negative interview questions such as those seen in question #6 and #7?

Which of the following are among the 5 qualities that are essential to determine your readiness for future interviews?

After completing a great interview, how should you prepare for the next one?

No preparation is necessary, you’re an expert in interviewing now
Memorize your answers from the great interview and repeat them in the next one
Think back on your weaknesses and strengths from the great interview, practice refining your technique for the upcoming interview, and perform even better on the upcoming one
Brag to everyone you talk to about how well your interview went and minimally prepare for the next one

Interview Preparation Essentials – Module 3 Review Questions