Rock Your Emergency Medicine Interview
Written by Alyka Glor Fernandez, DO
Though it feels like a lifetime ago, I was just in your shoes anxiously awaiting interview invitations while scouring the internet for tips on how to navigate virtual interviews, an uncharted territory brought on by the pandemic. Have no fear! I did the navigating for you and I have compiled a list of the best tips, tricks, and advice I can give anyone interviewing for a spot to join the best specialty, Emergency Medicine.
1. Set yourself up for success.
· Good lighting is better than any Instagram filter. Position your desk next to a window, but buy yourself a ring light too. You’ll need it for those nighttime socials.
· Posture is key. Your body language speaks volumes. Exude confidence by sitting up straight. Consider getting a lumbar pillow to make sure you don’t slouch.
· Elevate your camera so that when you are looking straight ahead, it’s as if you’re looking at your interviewer’s eyes. It’ll help them feel like the conversation is natural; like you’re truly sitting across from each other.
2. Get your facts straight.
· Let’s face it: a lot of programs have several things in common, but you never want to get caught confusing one for the other. Do your research well in advance and review your notes the night before.
· If you know who your interviewers are, consider doing a quick search about them beforehand to see what they might be interested in. Knowing you’re chatting with the Ultrasound Program Director can help you form specific questions to ask.
3. Know your elevator speech by heart.
· An elevator speech is a quick spiel about who you are and what you bring to the table. This is the time to sell yourself and catch your interviewer’s interest! Highlight what’s most important to you and the journey you took to get where you are now. Rehearse it multiple times: when you’re driving around, taking the trash out, etc.
· Anticipate that you will be asked, “Tell me about yourself” at least once during the interview. Having your elevator speech down pat helps you start on the right foot without “umms” and “likes” and “uhhs”.
4. Have other questions ready.
· It is inevitable that someone will ask you, “Do you have any other questions?”, even after attending all the meet and greets, residency fairs, night-before social events, and the presentation during interview day on top of all the information presented on the website.
· I felt pressured to have a question to ask, which in hindsight, was very silly. If you are not convinced that you can say that you have no more questions to ask, think about a question you can ask that is specific to you.
o If you speak another language, ask if there are ways you can become a certified translator.
o For me, I asked whether I can have time off to attend conferences as a board member and without having a presentation to present.
o Interested in Wilderness Medicine? Ask if the program has the infrastructure to start your own elective or they will allow externships.
5. You’re interviewing them too!
· Now that I’m on this side of The Match, I truly understand the importance of “fit”. Yes, we want to train at a program that will mold us into excellent clinicians with proper support from faculty. It is just as important for you to match at a program with co-residents that you can hang out with outside of work.
· When the days are long and tough, your co-residents (and faculty) are who you have to lean on. During your interview day, interview them for who will make you feel supported both in and out of the Emergency Department.
6. Record your post-interview thoughts.
· All the programs will run together, especially after 3 months of interview season. When it comes down to creating your rank list, you’ll want an accurate recollection of your thoughts about each program.
· I used an excel sheet to keep track of my questions for each program with their answers, contact information for who I interviewed with, and my post-interview thoughts. Another applicant recorded videos of herself after every interview to refer back when creating her rank list. Whichever way you choose, make sure you take the time to be thorough about your thoughts.
7. Mind your manners.
· Thank you notes are always welcome but keep them short and sweet!
· If a program tells you not to send any thank you notes, follow their directions. They are inundated with e-mails, so you’ll want to respect their wishes.
Emergency Medicine is a very laid-back specialty. At the end of the day, the interview is meant for programs to find out whether they can pass the time with you at 2 a.m. on shift when there’s nothing to do. Be prepared, be yourself, and it’ll all work out in the end.
