Residency Interviewing

Residency interviews are your chance to demonstrate why you're the perfect fit for a program and assess if it aligns with your goals. These tips, gathered from University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) students, residents and program directors, will help you prepare. 

Interview tips:

Getting ready 

• Research: Learn about the program’s unique features and check interviewers' backgrounds, if available.  
• Point of contact: Identify someone reliable (coordinator or director) to communicate any changes — no-shows are unacceptable. 
• Professional communication: Use only your UNR Med email for correspondence. 
• Clean social media: Ensure your online presence is professional and easily identifiable to avoid confusion. 
• Travel light: Opt for carry-on only and confirm local transportation availability. 
• Plan smart: Group interviews to avoid burnout and schedule breaks. More than 3-5 interviews per trip can be overwhelming. 
• Mock interviews: Practice with your advisor or faculty to reduce anxiety. 

Interview day preparation 

• Punctuality: Arrive on time — punctuality is critical. 
• Confidence and respect: Be polite to everyone you meet. 
• Attire: Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes. 
• Engagement: Show interest, especially during conferences or rounds — avoid distractions. 
• Prepared responses: Practice answers for common questions like: 
  • Why this specialty? 
  • Why our program? 
  • Strengths and weaknesses. 
  • How you overcame challenges. 
  • Where you see yourself in five years. 
  • Discuss resume gaps: Address any gaps or red flags positively, without making excuses. 

Interview structure 

• Timing: Interviews typically run from October to February. 
• Event schedule: Plan for a full day, with social events the evening before—these are important to attend. 
• Community exploration: If unfamiliar, allocate time to explore the community. 
• Spouse considerations: If your spouse is with you, factor in their interests, like schools and housing. 

The “Big Day” 

• Prepared questions: Have thoughtful questions ready, such as: 
  • What are the strengths of the program? 
  • Where do residents go after completing the program? 
  • What qualities are you looking for in residents? 
• Group interviews: Participate actively, but don’t dominate the conversation. 
• Unusual questions: Stay calm — how you answer is more important than the content. 

Virtual interviews 

• Tech check: Test your internet connection and background before the interview. 
• Quiet space: Reserve a quiet space, like a study room in Pennington Health Sciences (PHS). 

Social and ancillary activities 

• Attend social events: Participate in receptions, but remain professional — be mindful of your behavior outside formal settings. 
• Resident interaction: Speak with residents about their experiences, including life outside of work. Observe their morale and engagement. 
• Clinical observations: Some programs include clinical rounds — show genuine interest. 

After the interview 

• Rank list notes: Write down your impressions immediately after each interview. 
• Thank you notes: Send thank you emails or notes unless the program specifies otherwise. 
• Second visits: If offered, consider a return visit for a deeper look at the program. 

Optimize your residency interviews by preparing thoroughly, staying professional and showing genuine interest in each program. 

Mock interview workshop materials 

Video: AAMC's Prep for Success on your Virtual Interview 

Sample interview questions 

The following sample questions may assist you in preparing for residency interviews: 

• Tell me about yourself. 
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
• Why are you interested in this specialty? 
• Why are you interested in this program? 
• What are you looking for in a program? 
• Where else have you interviewed? 
• What can you contribute to our program? 
• How prepared are you to begin as an intern? 
• Tell me about… You may be asked about something specific on your CV, such as research, time off, travel. Refresh your memory about what you included on your CV. 
• Which types of patients do you work with most effectively? 
• Describe how you make important decisions. 
• If you could no longer be a physician, what career would you choose? 
• How do you handle conflict? Pressure? Problems? 
• What do you think about what is happening in… (non-medical current event question)? 
• Teach me something medical in five minutes. 
• Tell me a joke (keep it simple and tasteful). 
• Can you think of anything I haven't asked you about that you want me to know? 
• Why do you want to relocate to this part of the country? 
• Why should we select you for our program? 
• How do you think future changes in health care will affect this specialty in the future? 
• Talk about a situation that has changed quickly and how did you respond? Would you respond the same way now? Differently? 

Questions you might want to ask faculty/program directors: 

• What contact will I have with clinical faculty? 
• What are the clinical responsibilities of residents? What are the non-clinical, administrative responsibilities of residents? 
• Are there opportunities for research? 
• Have any residents left the program? 
• What is the accreditation status? 
• How are residents evaluated? 
• How do your residents do on their written/oral board certifications? 
• What is the financial status of the program? 
• How is faculty turnover? 
• What fellowships are available? 
• What percentage of residents pursue fellowships upon graduating? 
• How much elective time is available to pursue individual interests? 
• Are away rotations available for residents? 
• How is the didactic program coordinated? Are lectures given by residents or attendings? 
• Of the faculty, what percentage are clinicians/academicians? 
• Have residents left the program in the last two years? 
• What are the teaching opportunities for residents? 
• Do you foresee any changes in the program in the next three to five years? 
• What makes your program unique? 
• Are residents allowed to seek out "moonlighting" opportunities? 
• Are educational and/or food stipends available in the program? 
• What research opportunities are available? 

Questions you should not ask or be asked (but probably will be asked): 

• Explain your benefits/stipend/vacation/maternity leave policies/arrangements. 
• What are your plans for a family? Are you married? 
• How old are you? 
• If you were offered you a position today, would you accept?