what to do and NOT do on the interview trail

1. what to do and NOT do on the interview trail etiquette, advice, & insider tips from the other side of your application June 17th & 19th 73-105CHS Meredith Szumski “One thing that I think could have been covered more was interview prep, in terms of questions to be ready to answer and to dodge. I'm concerned I'll get asked something ridiculous that I'm not supposed to answer and I won't know how to answer, but that's probably because I'm just a worrier for these sort of things.” -Int. Trail Survey #2 [c/o 2014]

2. Session Overview • Interview Season Basics • Etiquette Expectations • Interview Questions and Practice *At the end of the slides you’ll find tutorials and practice questions

3. Interview Season Basics: Keeping Informed Interview Trail Surveys Advice from UCLA Program Coordinators Residency Mixers “The beginning of the year is going to be tough with applications, sub-i's, interviews. Take advantage of interviews as a time to explore different cities and meet new people. Start early on your ERAS application; have somebody experienced in these apps look at your CV (you can include more things than you think!). -Match Process Survey [c/o 2014]

4. Interview Season Basics: The Importance of the Interview The interview provides useful information to the applicant about the personality of the residents and milieu if the institution. It also…provides the program a valuable glimpse of the applicant's maturity, work ethic, and compatibility with the personality of their particular program.

5. Interview Season Basics: Offers, Rejections, and Waiting…. Accepting Offers: You should accept offers quickly and graciously until you have reached a saturation point of at least 15. Once at 15, you can consider declining offers and/or canceling those scheduled for later in the interview season. Why 15? Because your rank list should be at least 10 programs long. You can only rank where you have interviewed. How to cancel an interview: First, can you answer YES to these questions? • Do you have more than 10 interviews scheduled? • Is the interview you’d like to cancel more than 2 weeks away? • Did you discuss why you don’t want to interview at that particular program with an advisor/mentor/the SAO? If you can answer “Yes” to all three then call the program, extend your thanks for the offer and your regret for canceling, and follow-up with an email to the program coordinator recapping the cancelation and thanking them once again for their time. Remember, your job is to preserve UCLA applicants’ reputation for the next class so be polite, timely, and gracious in all of your interactions. Interview Rejections This is just a part of the process. Accept it and move on.  However, if you are in a couples match situation, or it is one of your top choices, come in to the SAO to speak with Meredith or Jason to discuss. Regardless of the situation, do not contact the program to ask why you did not get an interview.

6. Interview Season Basics: Scheduling Issues Scheduling Interviews When to schedule top choice interview(s)/interviewing early in the season vs. late It depends. There are advantages to both, however nearly everyone suggests scheduling your non-top choices first. In doing so, you can “practice” and feel more comfortable with the process. How many interviews to schedule in 1 week Again, it depends. In general, each interview ends up being a 2-3 day commitment. When planning, you should allocate travel time, time for the pre-reception (usually held the night before), and time for the actual interview. If you are flying across country you should factor in time getting to the actual interview and how (public transportation vs. cab) and what happens if your flight gets delayed (frequent issue during the winter season). Combining multiple interviews into one trip For instance, “I got an interview at X program but haven’t heard from Y which is in the same city. Can I call Y to see if they’ll offer me one and if it can be at the same time?” Maybe. This isn’t unheard of but be aware that it’s likely to be viewed as a bit presumptuous on your part to make a call like this. Our advice? Give programs a chance to offer you the interview—the October 21st suggestion works here as well. If you hold multiple offers in the same city it may be fine to call programs to inquire about a date(s) that might allow for one trip-just be prepared for the answer to be no. Thank them profusely and make sure you don’t seem put out by having to make multiple trips.

7. Interview Season Basics: Types of Interviews Panel -Chaired by Program Director -Includes Attendings, Residents, Fellows, and Staff -May include all applicants at once Individual -One on one short meetings with members of Dept -Most will not have read your application/CV

8. Lack of Maturity, Work Ethic, & Compatibility?? Etiquette Expectations Pre-Interview Socials Interview Day Follow-up Communication

9. Etiquette Expectations: Social and Interview Day • Come prepared to talk about you and the program • Arrive on time • Smile and thank departmental coordinator for arrangements

10. Etiquette Expectations: Be Prepared to… • Order wine • Excuse yourself to the bathroom • Not want to/able to eat what’s on the menu • The obligatory kiss on the cheek (or both cheeks) • Manage jokes about LA and/or California • Know you way around place settings…

11. Etiquette Expectations:What to wear to pre-interview socials OK NOT OK Denim of any kind Sneakers Flip-flops T-shirts or sweats Shorts • Slacks, skirt, or dress • Collared shirt, blouse, or sweater set • Collared shirt (tie optional) • Blazer or sweater optional

12. The “b d” rule Moving from the outside in Buttering and Cutting Napkin basics Etiquette Expectations:Place settings 101

13. Midwestern Rule of Thumb… Take cues from most senior host on… What to order ~ When to start eating ~ Which utensils to use ~ When it is ok to dip/share

14. Etiquette Expectations:What to carry & pack OK NOT OK Purse only Back pack Anything with a logo • Briefcase style bag • Leather (or similar) portfolio

15. Etiquette Expectations:What to carry & pack Entertainment iPad/iPod headphones In case of emergency Hard copies of flight info/confirmations Sewing kit Shoe shine kit Etiquette Savvy Thank You Notes Stamps Interview Journal

16. Etiquette Expectations:What to carry & pack Academic Info Portfolio CV Pen & Paper Business cards Hygiene/Grooming Travel size hairbrush or comb Breath mints Chapstick Pain-killer of choice (Tylenol, Advil, etc.) Anti-diarrheal/indigestion medication Travel size tissue pack Pocket mirror Tide to-go or Shout wipes Tampons Extra panty-hose Barrette or hair band In case of emergency Cell phone (sound off) and chargers SAO Phone # 310-206-0434 Power Bar or other snack

17. Etiquette Expectations:What to wear to the interview OK NOT OK Loud colors and designs Too casual (no tie, no jacket) Too revealing Not weather appropriate • Black, navy or dark gray suit • White or light-colored shirt • Close-toed shoes • Neutral hosiery • Minimal jewelry, make-up and perfume or cologne • Non-standard piercings – err on the conservative side • Hair pulled away from face

18. Etiquette ExpectationsSmall Talk Socializing • Be the first to say hello and introduce yourself • Learn names • Ask open-ended questions • Stay focused. Maintain eye contact. • Listen more than you talk • Watch your body language-shoulders back and act confident and comfortable! • Accept a business card as a gift. Hold it in both hands and take a moment to read what is written on it. • Before entering into a conversation that's already in progress, observe and listen. • Have a few exit lines ready

19. Etiquette Expectations:Post Interview Communication THANK YOU NOTES • Use simple and quality cardstock • Handwritten and mailed within 1 week of interview • Personal and specific to program and addressed to Program Director

20. Etiquette Expectations:Communicating with Programs • How much is too much? • Calling to confirm: acceptable • Calling every day to confirm: too much! • Asking questions • Don’t be scared to ask • Make sure you’re prepared BEFORE asking • Program coordinators are important!

21. Meredith’s Southern Belle Rules of Thumb… There is no such thing as too professional. ~ Be remembered for literally anything other than what you wore. ~ Smile ~ It really easy to spot the California applicants on the trail—bring a coat.

22. Interview Questions & Tips “After PD introduced himself, immediately asked so do you have any questions?Which left me stunned for a second. He didn't want to have a conversation and was going to I guess judge on the quality of my questions.” -Interview Trail Survey #3 [c/o 2014]

23. “What's the one experience that has been most influential in your life?” -Pediatrics "Why come to Michigan? Why not just stay at UCLA?" –Internal Medicine “What part of your application are you most proud of? -Radiology “Name two people you find fascinating.” -General Surgery What have patients said about you?” -Ob/Gyn "What specialty would do go into if cardiology did not exist?" -Internal Medicine “If you had 10 mil for research, but could not spend it on biology or medicine, what scientific question would you ask?” -Ophthalmology “PD: Are you the older or younger sibling? ME: Older PD: Any specific advantages or disadvantages of being the older sibling? Oh, and looking back at high school or middle school, was there anything that might have foreshadowed you choosing Psychiatry? ME: ???” -Psychiatry

24. Interview Tips: Preparing intelligent Responses [Applicant] • What questions do you have for us about the program? • What are you interests outside of medicine? • What are your plans after residency training? • Why have you chosen this particular specialty? • What aspects of this program are attractive to you? Are there any that concern you? • What are your outside interests? • In which direction do you see this specialty heading in the next 10 years and how can you contribute to the field? • What would you do if you didn’t match? • Do you prefer any geographic location and why? • Tell me about yourself….

25. Interview Tips: Asking Intelligent Questions about the Training Program [Faculty] • What paths have most of your recent graduates taken following completion of their training? • What are you looking for in a candidate and how might I fit into your program? • Do you feel that the volume of patients seen on both the inpatient and outpatient services provide an appropriate load of each house officer? • Can you describe the structure of your continuity clinics and the extent to which residents are allowed to balance their other responsibilities to attend? • Are house officers encouraged/given funding to attend any continuing medical education courses or conferences during the academic year? • What changes in the program do you anticipate over the next 5 years? • How would you describe the teaching program? • What elective opportunities are available to house officers?

26. Interview Tips: Asking Intelligent Questions about the Training Program [Residents] • What made you select this program--would you choose this program again? • Are faculty/administrators receptive to your suggestions for improvements? • Do you have time to enjoy [the city] outside of work? What do you like to do for fun? • How would you describe the camaraderie among the residents in this program? Hospital in general? • What are your research interests--were you able to continue to pursue/present/publish during residency?

27. Interview Tips: Free-Text Response Examples of the Potentially Illegal Questions Asked During Residency Interviews and Survey Respondents’ Comments Marital status • I was asked about my marital status at almost every interview. • I was asked about my marital status but not how it related to my specialty choice. • I found it unusual that every program asked me whether or not I was married. The question was often followed by a remark like: “Oh, I’m not supposed to ask that—it’s illegal.” But, it didn’t stop them. • EVERYONE asked about being married! It’s not an option in the Midwest. Family planning • I was asked about having children during residency and lied and said we had no plans of having children. • I had a number of questions as to whether I would be having children in the near future/during residency. I am hesitant to say that the field of orthopedic surgery has entered the 21st century with regards to attitudes/concerns regarding employing women. • Someone asked me if I was pregnant. Religion • I was asked repeatedly about my religion, mainly due to me being from a state with a particularly predominant religion. This bothered me to no end and was incredibly unprofessional in all instances. I believe this is one of many incredibly poor reflections on our profession. • I went to a school in Israel. They asked me if I was Jewish. Age • Lots of very offensive “How do you expect an old fart like you to handle a residency?” • I had two interviews in which the question of whether my age would be a problem during my residency was asked. • Before I even had a chance to shake one of my interviewer’s hands, he told me that I was too young to be starting residency and that I should probably take a year off. Sexual orientation • “Do you have a girlfriend?”… Answer: “No.”… “Do you like girls?”; “You do like girls.”… “What do you think of her?” pointing to the secretarial [assistant]. • I have found it to be very difficult to be a gay medical student at my medical school and interviewing for residency was no easier. In fact, a couple programs made me feel that if I were to let them know my sexual orientation I would not be considered.

28. Curriculum Vitaevs. ERAS Mitsue Yokota, Ed.D. Career Advisor myokota@mednet.ucla.edu

29. Common Uses for CV as MS4 • VSAS / Away Rotations • Letter Writers • Applying for Scholarships • AOA Application • Residency Interviews

30. CV vs. Resume CV • Scholarly identity • Academic Settings • Can be 20+ pages • Educational /academic background • Research, publication, presentations, awards, affiliations Resume • Professional identity • Non-academic • 2 pages or shorter • Skills, experience, education • Can be chronological or skill based

31. Sections of a CV - Academic • Publications • Presentations and Posters • Invited Talks • Honors/Awards • Grants/Fellowships • Academic Service • Professional Affiliation • Language • Skills • Personal Information • Education • Licensure/Certification • Research Interests • Research Experience • Teaching Experience • Clinical Experience • Professional Experience

32. Sections of a CV – Medical Students • Personal Information • Education • Honors and Award • Research • Publications and Presentations • Activities • Certifications/Languages

33. CV vs. ERAS (sub-tabs) • Personal Information • Education • Honors and Award • Research • Publications and Presentations • Activities • Certifications/Languages • Interests • 2 pages • Page-breaks • General • Education • Medical Education • Experiences • Work • Volunteer • Research • Publications • Self-Identification • Language Fluency • Miscellaneous

34. General Guidelines • Formatting Consistency (CV only) • Readability • Word Choice • Order • What to include? • What to exclude?

35. Common Uses for CV as MS4 • VSAS / Away Rotations • Letter Writers • Applying for Scholarships • AOA Application • Residency Interviews

36. Common Errors • Spell Check • Standardize Date • Standardize Organization Names (DGSOM vs. UCLA School of Medicine) • Standardize How Information is Presented • Descriptions – Your Contributions • Descriptions – Bullets ok

37. Common Errors cont. • Verb Tense • Use Correct Name of Organization • Use Correct Titles • Include Only Significant Contributions • Stick to Medical School

38. Resources? • Career Center • Graduate Writing Center

39. Questions?