Fellowship Interviews

1. Fellowship Interviews

2. The interview is important • First impressions are lasting • It’s the only chance they will have to meet you • Small problems can become magnified • Treat everyone well – including staff • The worst thing you can do is to stand out in a bad way – so try to fit in.

3. Survey: Qualities important to (cardiology) fellowship PDs: • Negative comments in letter written by IM PD • Personal comments by the IM PD • The personal aspect of the interview • Letter from a cardiologist known by the fellowship PD • Performance during an elective at the fellowship site • Rank order in the residency class • Genuine interest in research • Being a graduate of a US medical school • Letter from a nationally known cardiologist • Doing a residency program at an institution with a well known cardiology division • Participation in research prior to the fellowship program • Assessment of medical knowledge during the interview • Publications prior to fellowship • Performance on the ABIM certifying examination if available • US citizenship • Performance on the USMLE

4. Tips for the interview • You need to appear confident and professional • Be rested (as much as possible) • Dress professionally – better safe than sorry • Avoid overpowering colognes, perfumes • Carry a portfolio or briefcase • Bring extra copies of your CV and PS

5. Prepare in advance • Know your stuff • Be prepared to answer questions about anything on your CV • Interviewers can tell if you have really done the research – or have gone along for the ride • Know the program you are interviewing at • Read everything you can on their website • Know whom in the program shares similar interests • Recognize faculty member expertise – interviewers

6. Prepare in advance • Do be ready to ask questions • It shows that you are interested in the program; ask about specifics. No questions = not interested. • Stock questions: • What changes do you anticipate? • Where have graduates gone? • How much research productivity is there? • What is supervision like? Number of procedures? • Don’t ask certain “stupid” questions • Duty hours, etc • About services you should know they don’t have

7. During the interview • Shake hands • Maintain eye contact • Remember the interviewer’s name • Ask for their card or contact information • Take notes on the back of card as reminder • Concentrate on being concise and coherent • Be sure you are expressing enthusiasm – it’s catching

8. Prepare your answers to common questions • What are your career goals? • How can this program help you meet those goals/ what are you looking for? • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • Give an example of a great case you’ve recently been involved with. • What questions do you have for us? • Make sure you have some!

9. Practice being interviewed • Ask a friend with whom you feel safe • Make a list of questions you think you might be asked (specific to your application) • Consider audiotaping your answers so you can hear how you sound

10. Follow up • Thank you notes • If you write them, be very specific about what makes them and you a great match • Include at least one specific comment from each interview • Email only if invited to do so • Don’t go overboard

11. Comments from experienced residents