• Be prepared for the interview questions

1. The best thing to do is write down bullet point answers to the most common questions asked so you re not fumbling around thinking up the answer.
2. Most of the questions are pretty straight forward.
3. Attached will be some common interview questions to help you prepare.
4. There are many interview questions but they all tend to revolve around a similar theme.
5. When answering, try and be concise. Do not go off on random tangents.
6. Try and provide examples when answering questions.
7. Be honest. If there is something you know that pops up on your records that they will ask you about, just be honest and answer truthfully. Do not dance around the issue.

• Dress appropriately!

1. Wear a grey or dark blue suit.
2. For women, pant suits are preferable. It may be hot but wearing a skirt suit can be seen as inappropriate by some conservative people.
3. Brightly colored clothing is great but is probably not a good idea during an interview.

• Know your CV

1. Make sure you know your CV back to front. If you can’t talk about something on your CV at great lengths make sure to take it out.
2. Anything written on the CV is fair game during interviews.

• Arrive early

1. You definitely do not want to be late. It leaves a poor impression, so it is better to be really early.

• Send a thank you note

1. It does not have to be hand written. It can be an e-mail, but send it!!
2. Write down the names of everyone you interview with that day, or get their cards so you can send them a thank you e-mail afterwards.
3. I would also suggest thanking the coordinator as well.

• Ask good questions

1. Come with a list of questions prepared.
2. This is the time you can use to interview them!
3. Ask questions that are important to you that you know will help you choose between jobs when you receive offers.
4. Do not ask basic questions. Make sure to research the group or hospital so you know the basics about them.
5. Ask questions that you cannot find the answers to online, on their website.

• Keep your guard up

1. You can have interviewers that are very relaxed and put you at ease, hoping you will slip up and reveal something you would not normally.
2. Be relaxed, but always maintain professionalism.

• Keep your phone off

1. We are all addicted to our phones, but remember to silent it during the interview.
2. The last thing you need is a horrible ringtone going off during your interview.

• Be positive

1. No matter how horrible your residency program or medical school or any past experience, do not talk bad about them.
2. Always put things in a positive light.
3. It reflects badly on you, not on the people you are talking about.

Common Interview Questions

• How would you describe yourself?
• What are weaknesses? Strengths?
• How would your patients describe you?
• Describe when you dealt with a difficult situation in the workplace.
• What would you do if someone you were working with was not picking up as many patients as you?
• What would you do if you saw another physician doing something you thought was harmful to the patient?
• Why Emergency Medicine?
• Why Community Hospital? Academic? Fellowship?
• What would the person who likes you least, say about you?
• What is your ideal job?
• Why should we hire you? / What can you offer us?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
• Tell me about a time you made a mistake
• Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of

content prepared by Anchal Ghai, MD; 2014 Chair, New York ACEP Emergency Medicine Resident Committee