Tips for the Phone Interview

With the huge inflow of applications per program, we are beginning to see a rising trend amongst residency programs resorting to phone interviews for screening applicants before inviting them for the actual interview (especially for IMGs) - coz it gives them a better picture of a candidate than what the ERAS application alone gives - like basic English speaking skills, enthusiasm about the program / specialty and maybe even double-check items you mentioned on the CAF. If the program is still interested in the candidate, the program will get back with a formal interview invite via MyERAS.

Here are some tips for preparing and performing well on the phone interviews:

1. Do not underestimate the seriousness needed for your Phone interview - at the same time do not over-stress yourself. It is certainly less stressful than an in-person interview, since no one would be eye-balling you ;-)

2. Keep five Documents in front of you (Printed or (or typed document front of you on the computer screen) :

• Your CAF
• Your Personal Statement
• Your prepared points for prepared answers to common questions
• A list of questions that you will be asking ( See questions to ask faculty and the residents)
  
• A blank paper to take notes

3. A great tip I got from a pal is to have a look at the picture of the people interviewing you before the interview. (Most likely to be the program director), so that you have an image of the person to "talk to" rather than talk into the air at nothing

4. Smile when make / take that call - it reflects in your voice and ease down on your talking speed - There is no hurry.

5. Just like a site-interview, be prepared for the most common questions such as :

- "Tell me about yourself" - See sample answer
- "Why do you like this specialty"
- "What are your career plans for the next 10 years"
- "Tell me about your clinical / research experience in US" OR "Tell me about your experience in this specialty", etc.

and of course the rest of the questions mentioned on this blog here and here.

6. Of course - Do the interview at a quiet uninterrupted place - no eating or drinking.

7. Towards the end, after you have asked your questions, update the program director about the new credentials on your side which were not included on your CAF when you applied.

8. Do not use phones in 'speaker' mode - they make your side of the conversation noisy for the other person to hear. A Land line is better to use than a cell phone.

9. This might sound as if I lost my marbles, but if possible, I recommend scheduling your interview when your voice is the 'best'. What Am I talking about ? We all have voice modulations that differ in the time of the day - like I feel my voice kinda weak and fizzled out during the afternoon hours, while it sounds more crisp, strong with a better bass and tone around 9 am to 12 pm, or lets say for a few hours after waking up from sleep. A strong, clear controlled voice instills more confidence while talking.

10. Standing while interviewing is something I would love to do even in an in-person interview, if only I could ;-) As medicos, all of you already know that the standing posture pushes the abdominal organs lower giving more breathing space to your diaphragm, which in turn allows better volume and voice modulation.

11. Thank the speaker at the end, and make sure you say that you look forward to meet him/her in person. Also, if he/she not already mentioned, you could inquire about when you would hear back about the formal interview.


What ? Dress code for the phone interview ? *Kick* *Spank* :p


Nice Books:

- The Art of Phone Interviewing: Tips and Strategies for a Successful Job Interview



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