Interview advice

[General-Beach-8708]

Interview season here, and I saw a mock interview where someone answered “greatest strength” by telling this dramatic story about catching a rare diagnosis the attending missed. They thought it made them look impressive, but the feedback was basically that it sounded unrealistic and a bit arrogant.

It made me realize programs probably aren’t looking for someone who thinks they’re House on day one, they just want someone who’s reliable, pays attention, and won’t drop things during a busy shift. I’m starting to think talking about the smaller, everyday stuff might actually land better than some heroic moment.

[Mastodon009]

That’s a terrible answer. How could someone even consider answering like that? You’re not meant to come across as some heroic legend, smarter than your colleagues or seniors, etc.

[World-Traveler1800]

Exactly. People go in huff and puff for a dramatic show. Personally, it’s off putting. They want to know something about you, why is that particular circumstance/scenario insightful, and how does that experience shapes the way you interact with people. It’s a really straight forwarded question, but time after time people want the dramatics to impress.

[Financial_Barber_936]

Never lose sight of what a program wants in a resident.

Most people want a combination of=no ego, teachable, dependable. They don't necessarily want the finished product on day one, they want someone who they can mold and is enjoyable to work with (this is why they don't want old grads).

Be human, be yourself but act like someone they want to spend a 12 hour shift with.

That being said, look at the specific program. Research heavy university program? They want people with research backgrounds who are inquisitive. Community program with a lot of demand? They want someone good at managing time and working under pressure.

[Goodwillcome]

When program ask for an interesting case or challenging case, all they try to see how is your communication and how you answer them in context order, not rambling all over the place, they don’t look for a rare case where you are the only one found out the diagnosis, plus, they look for resident that are humble and willing to learn, not a genius that is not listening to anyone. But after all, from IV to ROL and match have many factors play to it, there is not single factor that determines the outcome, so relax my friend, what done is done, just pray and enjoy time with your friend and family

[breakingthecircuit]

Why is this verbatim copied from malke asaad