Hi everyone,
You all know you interview well, since you matched at Yale. But with fellowship interviews upon us, let’s discuss what it takes to shine.
First, the obvious: dress professionally and arrive on time. If you’re Zooming, find a quiet spot with good lighting and strong Wi-Fi, and if you’re interviewing at home, tidy up.
Prepare for predictable questions. What draws you to this program and specialty? Can you tell me about your research project? The committee you led? That story in your personal statement? What makes you proud? What challenges have you faced? How will you contribute to our fellowship and field?
Consider how you’d respond to inappropriate questions, like “where else did you apply,” “do you have a partner,” or “where will you rank us?” Questions like these violate NRMP rules<https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NRMP-Match-Code-of-Conduct_Programs.pdf>, and good answers include “I’d rather not say” and “I’m not sure.” Consider what other rules these programs break.
Do your homework. If you know who’ll be interviewing you, look them up. Study fellowship websites so you can have informed discussions about clinical and research opportunities. Tap into Yale alumni around the country; they’re founts of reliable information and happy to fill you in.
Practice. Schedule a mock interview with your APD if you haven’t done so yet.
Be honest. Don’t cover up blemishes in your application. Instead, show what you’ve learned from your mistakes and setbacks. And be sincere about your goals: don’t pretend you plan to lead a research operation if your passion is to perform procedures, teach trainees, and round in the MICU (i.e., like me).
Bring questions. Ask interviewers about their work, what brought them to the program, and why they stay. Ask what sets their program apart, and don’t shy away from asking about opportunities for improvement. Probing questions show you’re serious.
Note your feelings. Ask yourself: Are they treating me respectfully? Are they committed to my professional and personal growth? Do I want to spend several years with these people?
Be your charming selves. Your interview will likely be the program’s sole opportunity to judge your maturity and emotional intelligence. Be engaged no matter where a program falls on your list. Be just as enthusiastic on your tenth interview as you are on your first. You never know…
Each one of you has a strong fellowship application and every reason to be confident about your prospects. Programs are just as excited about you as you are about them. So have fun, explore your options, and find the program that’s right for you.
Enjoy your rainy Sunday, everyone. I’ll be curling up with a book and will likely drive to Tarrytown this evening for dinner at one of our favorite Greek Restaurants, Lefteris Gyro.
Mark
P.S. What I’m reading and listening to:
The Cure For Self-Importance (Hidden Brain) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?i=1000664398968
A Compliment that Really Means Something by Arthur Brooks https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/08/give-great-compliment-happiness/679447/
P.P.S. Pictures from Friday’s Red Block Retreat at Nuzzo’s Farm https://www.nuzzosfarm.com/: