1)Prior to the
interview, don't be afraid to schedule dates that maximizeyour travel plans. It
is professional and expected that you do so. Onceyou agree to a date,
however, make sure that a tour of the facility andan opportunity to
speak to the current trainees is included. If not,arrange that
separately.
2)Dress neatly
and professionally. Grooming and demeanor count. It isbetter to be on the
conservative side until you know more about theenvironment you are
entering. Be pleasant and polite to EVERYONE. You are being judged every moment
that you are there. Hold the doorfor people. Dispose of your
trash properly, etc.
3)If you are
late, apologize and explain honestly what detained you. Consider rescheduling
but go through with the interview if at allpossible. Even if you
are late, take the extra time to compose yourself. Don't rush in and start
screaming at the first person that is not abletoinstantly direct you
to where you are supposed to be. You never knowwhen you might be
screaming at the program director's secretary
4)Appear EXCITED
and INTERESTED. It doesn't matter that you justflew in on the "red
eye" and you are completely sleep-deprived. Whenasked about a hot
topic or a controversial case, think, then smileknowingly, and then
slowly begin to answer as best you can. Yourgoal is to make the
interviewer think that you have already thoughtabout this issue in
depth and you are now going to teach him or her. When relating the history of
your interesting case, don't be shy. Getexcited; use vivid
descriptions of what else was going on at the time. "We were on call that night.
It was bitter cold out. The hospital wasdead quiet when
suddenly everyone was called to the emergencydepartment because of
a bombing ..."
5)Prepare at
least 2 interesting cases that you can discuss at length. Specific details about
age, etc. are not as important as the principlesthat the case
illustrates. Take care to prepare cases in differentsubspecialties. NEVER
volunteer to discuss a case in a particular sub-specialty with a faculty member
in that sub-specialty. Unless this is afellowship interview
then just be sure you know what you are talkingabout.
6)Be ready to
ASK QUESTIONS. Be as challenging (but notconfrontational) as
you feel comfortable being. Show that you areobservant by asking
about something that came up during theinterview day
(perhaps in conference or in rounds). The curriculum,faculty, board
passing rate, post training opportunities, unique featuresand future plans are
all good questions and show your interest in theprogram. The worst
thing you can say is, "No, I have no questions." This translates to "No, I have
no interest."
7)Research the
program as much as possible. Conduct a literature searchof the faculty's
recent publications to get a sense of the kind of workthat goes on there.
Will there be a conference for you to attend on theday of your
interview? If so, read up on the topic of the day so thatyou can ask
intelligent questions. Will there be a journal club for youto attend? If
possible make sure you've read the article in advanceplus any accompanying
editorial.
8)Inappropriate
questions for the "Do you have any questions?" part ofthe interview
include: "How much vacation do we get?", "What's theon-call frequency?",
and “What are the moonlighting opportunities”? These are all selfish questions.
Have some faith that the programconforms to work hours
regulations. On the other hand it is notunreasonable to ask
about family leave policies and other benefits. You can always ask a current
fellow about perks and work rules laterwhen you are alone or
better yet call one at home after getting theirpermission to do so.
9)If you have a
heavy accent, speak slowly and clearly. You may wantto practice in front
of a mirror or with friends that are NOT from yourcountry.
10)check out a
national newspaper for the couple of days leading up toyour interview. Be
aware about any late-breaking news about healthcare or medical
science.
11)If your
special talent is something unusual, do you have somethingwith you that will
leave a lasting impression, Pictures, manuscriptsoriginal art? A
physical object goes a long way toward planting amemory in the program
director's mind. Interesting people makebetter fellows. Use
what you have.
12)Try and get a
sense of where the program is in the recruitment process. How many will they
take? How may have already been hired? Howmany more will they
interview?
13)Get directions
to where you are going well in advance. If possiblebecome familiar with
the directions to the hospital the night before. Leave extra time to get there.
14)Try and
debrief someone you know that was already at the place youare going. Find out
what they asked, what else happened. Whateveryou can.
15)PRACTICE being
interviewed. Participate in mock interviews; go forinterviews in places
you don't want to go to just for the practice.
1)Titles and
subtitles help to tell your story. They also break up thepage.
2)Grammar and
spelling COUNT! This statement is YOU! Make sure itis clean, and free
from errors. A carefully proofed personal statementis taken as a sign
that the author is compulsive and thoughtful -justwhat the training
program is looking for.
3)Don't be
afraid to be YOU! No one will remember that your gradeschool teachers
elected you most likely to become a doctor. They willremember the
candidate that had to deliver a baby horse on a farm as ateenager. They will
most definitely remember the candidate that ranfor public office and
lost or the one who was promoted in the fieldfrom medic to platoon
leader. Too many good candidates persist inthinking that the
statement is only for academic achievements andmedically relevant
stuff.
4)Use whatever
stories help define you, your skills, your character. Ifyou can find a way to
work your career as a medical interpreter intoyour story or even a
background in sales or your athletic skills.
5)Use the
personal statement to highlight your accomplishments. Youmay want to dedicate
some space in your personal statement for theseaccomplishments with
its own title and a skipped line to make it standout.
6)Whatever you
do, don't just print out your curriculum vitae in thepersonal statement
space. This is translated as "I had nothing to say so I thought I'd just plop
this down here."
7)BEWARE the TOO
SHORT PERSONAL STATEMENT. Having apleasant amount a
white space on the personal statement page is onething. It makes the
whole thing more readable. A 10 or 15 linepersonal statement is
the quickest way to turn off a program. It saysthat your patient
write-ups will also lack imagination and style.
8)PERSONALIZE
your personal statement. Don't settle for telling youraudience that there
was a diverse population of patients where youtrained. Tell them
(briefly) some of the stories of the people you havetreated. Doctors LOVE
to read each other's war stories. You mayeven find that the
stories form the basis for some of your interviews.
9)Don't make the
classic writing mistake of beginning every sentencewith "I". In fact,
you must work hard to make the piece a good bit ofwriting. Every
paragraph should have a topic sentence followed bytwo to three
sentences that support the topic and then a concludingsentence. Every
paragraph should build on the one before it. The firstparagraph
traditionally ought to tell the reader what you hope to proveand then the last
paragraph should tie up to the first and show how yousucceeded in telling
them.
10)Have someone
good read your personal statement and give youfeedback.
11)The personal
statement should fit on one side of one page. No one whoreads hundreds of
personal statements wants them to be long anddrawn out.
12)There should
be some white space on the page. A big box of wordscan be visually
discouraging. If you want it to be read, make isappealing.
13)Never fawn.
Never tell the program director that you are desperate orthat he/she will be
blessed if they accept you. This kind of behaviorundermines your
ability to be perceived as a quality doctor on yourown terms. In fact,
think as positively as possible. Believe it in yourheart and make it
clear that you consider yourself doing the program afavor by coming for
an interview.
14)Avoid the same
old clichés. No program director wants to read 300statements that
begin, "I have wanted to be a doctor ever since I wastreated by my family
doctor."
15)Don't be
afraid to be creative. Programs are looking for creativepeople. Creative
people make good problem solvers. They are thoughtof as more able to
handle emergencies. Use poetry (in limitedquantities),
religious stories, and flashbacks to your childhood. Usedifferent narrative
lines for effect like switching back and forthbetween the patient's
point of view and yours.
16)Back up every
descriptive thing you say. It's one thing to say, "I'm ateam player." It is
another thing entirely to say what makes you a teamplayer. Describe the
team you were on.
1. As more residency
applications are handled by the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
you have less flexibility to formatyour CV and present
yourself in an exciting way. Still, manytraining programs are
not yet on ERAS. Medical schoolapplications are still
mailed individually as are fellowship trainingprograms. Having a
good CV ready is still useful to you.
2. You may want to invest in
a couple of boxes of high quality bondpaper (Heavy weight -
24 pound) in "natural" or "cream" - avoidthe unprofessional
multicolored paper. Also avoid the temptationto have the paper
embossed with your picture. Paper that is too "arts and crafts" or is so over
the top just to make an impressionconveys the message,
"I have nothing outstanding to say so I'mmaking the paper
shout for me." If you are going to mail out your CV separately, be sure to pick
up envelopes that match the paper. This is simple and understated enough to be
very classy.
3. CV's can be organized
either in forward or reverse chronologicalorder. Classically,
the CV was formatted in forward chronologicalorder. When a new
entry was made it was simply tacked on to theend of the existing
list. Publications lists are still organized thisway. In today's
environment of desktop publishing, however, it isvery easy to insert
more recent (and usually more impressive)entries above the
existing list so a reverse chronological order issometime used.
4. Include some indication
of the dates for each activity. There is noneed to get it to the
day but some indication of years and months.
Also give a location for the
activity whenever possible. Forexample:
July, 1998
-June 1999
Rotating Internship The Royal Hospital
London UK
Three months rotations
in each specialty: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ob/Gyn and Anesthesiology
5. Make a concerted effort
to leave no time holes in your vitae. Thesestand out like
nothing else. Account for all time even if what youdid during that time
was not glamorous. It's worse to leave a holein your CV than to
admit that you drove a taxicab for a year.
6. Spelling and grammar
count. Make sure your CV is clean and freefrom errors.
Carefully proofed curriculum vitae are taken as a signthat the author is
compulsive and thoughtful - just what the training program is looking for.
Consider having someone else read it overto look for errors or
potential misunderstandings.
7. Separate "Education" from
"Work" experiences. If "work" was atraining position,
list it as "education".
8. Any entry on your CV is
fair game. Be prepared to discuss it at aninterview. If you say
you won the spelling contest in the sixthgrade, be prepared to
explain why this was so important to you thatyou felt compelled to
include it 15 years later. If you say you are aclassical musician,
be ready to talk about it. If your interviewer ismore familiar with it
than you are, you may wish you never put itin. On the other
hand, don't fail to include those things that makeyou stand out.
9. Activities on your CV
that are unusual but important should have afew lines of
explanation under them. This will make the itemstand out and be
noticed and it serves to direct the questions towhat you want to talk
about. For instance, it is often useful toinclude under
"research" positions a brief description of what youpersonally did for
the project. What you don't want to convey is "Iwashed bottles".
Something like the following is helpful:
Sept.1996 -June,
1998
The Farquar Institute
Research
Assistant
Conducted
experiments on cultured myocardial tissueinvolving flow
cytometry, polyachrylomide gelelectrophoresis
and Northern blotting
Zurich, Switzerland
10. For CV's that are
publication "light" consider a list of projects thatare "in progress".
These would not need to have a publicationattached to them
unless they are very old. Alternatively, consider alist of
accomplishments that are not publications. Perhaps youorganized a large
charity function. Perhaps you helped to plan amore efficient way of
getting your business done. Don't be afraidto write:
Major Accomplishments:
March, 1999 St. Barts Hospital
Ontario, Canada
Assisted radiology
department in complete re-structuring offiling system
including computerized bar-coded film jacketsand magnetic tags to
prevent unauthorized removal of filmjackets.
11. Did you remember to
include special talents? Traditional dancing orother performance
arts? Sports participation? Languages spokenfluently?
12. If you include a list of
"references", make sure you have letters fromthose people.
Actually, it is not necessary in a physician's CV to listreferences since
virtually all residency programs require them andwill look for them.
It is probably better not to confuse anybody bypotentially listing a
reference that doesn't appear as a letter in yourfile.
13. Publications should be
listed chronologically or in reversechronological order.
Separate abstracts, books and book chapters,and journal
publications. Make sure you are ready to discuss anysubject you have
published on when it comes to interview time.
14. Don't forget a section
on committee work. If you workedadministratively in a
hospital, clinic or practice that attests to yourorganizational
skills.
15. Have someone good go
over your draft. Get feedback on it.
16. Is your CV still
"light"? Consider taking on a project.
(Content provided by
EssayEdge's Harvard Editors.)
How will your life
experience thus far add a unique dimension to our entering medical
school class? What will a medical degree mean to you or you family?
"Lastly, I would
like to acknowledge the assistance of my colleagues and our industrial
partners at Siemens and Radionics who were instrumental in the
completion of this research project, " I said concluding my presentation
at the annual fall meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society last
month in October. Although I felt nervous before my first oral
presentation at a professional conference, afterwards I felt an
overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. All the hard work and late
nights in the lab had finally paid off.
In my research, I
am involved with the interventional MRI project at [major hospital]
where MR images are used to guide and monitor minimally invasive
therapies such as localized biopsy and thermal ablation of cancerous
tumors. My research topic is on the spatial calibration procedure and
the interactive scan plane localization for device tracking in a
low-field open MR imager. In the course of my research, I developed a
unique and accurate method of defining spatial coordinates inside the
imaging volume of the open MR imager, which led to the publication and
presentation of two separate abstracts at two different professional
conferences in Sydney, Australia and Cleveland, Ohio.
My strong
scientific research background and my clear understanding of the basic
concepts of scientific inquiry and method will help me become a good
physician. Having learned the technical aspects of biomedical science
for the last six years, I am anxious to start learning about the
clinical aspects of biomedical science. To me, a medical degree does not
merely mean that I have survived four rigorous years of medical school
and have something tangible to show my family. To me a medical degree
has much more significance. A medical degree means that I can make a
daily contribution to society by utilizing my education to help others
in need.
Perhaps even more
important to my academic accomplishments are my experiences outside the
classroom. Being a minority student, I understand the importance of
diversity. As an active member of the Asian-American Student Association
at [major university], I helped to promote ethnic diversity and cultural
awareness on campus. Our Chinese Cultural Committee sponsored the
Chinese New Year event on campus to promote cultural awareness at the
school’ s international fair. Our group featured not only traditional
Chinese food but also a Chinese fashion show and a demonstration of
Chinese kung fu. Furthermore, our association organized several
volunteering trips to serve food to the homeless at a local soup kitchen
in Nashville.
In graduate school
at [major university], I continued with my involvement in
diversity-related issues by serving as a student representative on the
Faculty Senate Minority Affairs Committee as a part of my duty as a
senator in the Graduate Student Senate. I was involved in organizing a
special event on "Strategies for Success in Graduate School" for
minority students. The keynote speaker of the event was Dr. Howard
Adams, founder and director of the National Institute on Mentoring and a
recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science,
Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. I also engaged in a discussion
of diversity content in the curriculum of Arts and Sciences and helped
with the planning of a student-faculty roundtable discussion of how
diverse students learn. Moreover, our committee cosponsored a special
dialogue on race as part of the President's Initiative on Race entitled
"[major university] Talks About Race."
If given the
opportunity, I will bring my experience and enthusiasm in promoting
diversity to the Rush community. Moreover, I sincerely believe my work
ethic and considerable research experience will help make me an
outstanding medical student and will enable me to contribute to the
educational experience of other students at Rush Medical School.
Medical School Essay
As a potential
medical student, I will strive to be a tremendous asset to The Chicago
Medical School by devoting all my time and life to becoming an excellent
physician. I believe that I am obligated to use my talents in a
constructive manner, in a manner that benefits society. The medical
career gives me the unique opportunity to express my many talents while
benefiting human life.
B. Berston M.D.
once said: “ ... a funny thing happens to medical students on their way
to becoming physicians: they forget how to hold a conversation.” I
believe that my ability to communicate makes me well suited to pursue a
medical career. While I possess the strong science background necessary
for success in the profession, I also consider myself a “ people”
person. As a waiter and bartender, I dramatically improved and expanded
my communication skills since I was constantly meeting new people and
discussing different topics. Because people constantly disclosed their
personal issues to me as a bartender, I learned to become not only a
good conversationalist, but also an excellent listener.
In medical school,
I also plan to pursue side work educating students and serving as a
resource to the public. One of my most rewarding experiences has been
tutoring high school students in math, physics, and biology, and helping
people in my choir learn Byzantine music. Always able to develop a good
rapport with students, I believe I possess a talent for teaching others
in a friendly manner and in a manner that helps them to grasp difficult
concepts easily. As part of my medical career, I will aim to continue
teaching and to provide information to the public on the prevention and
treatment of ailments and diseases.
Undoubtedly my
cultural diversity will be a great contribution to The Chicago Medical
School. Being raised in a Greek family in Canada, visiting different
countries, and now living in the United States, I have experienced the
similarities and differences among many diverse cultural groups and
geographical areas. This allowed me to relate to different types of
people by understanding their ways and beliefs, a quality that will help
me work well with other medical students and help me serve my patients
better in the future.
Highly motivated
to succeed, I dramatically improved my grades following a time of
confusion and immaturity in 1990 and 1991,which was brought on by family
illness and turmoil. Once I realized what goal I wanted to pursue in
life, I worked hard to succeed, and my remaining five years of schooling
are truly indicative of my intellectual capacity and motivation for
success. My strength as a candidate to The Chicago Medical School lies
mostly in the objectives that I plan to fulfill upon becoming a
physician. They are, in no particular order of importance, as follows:
1) To provide
excellence in comprehensive care by using my acquired skills as both a
competent professional and also as a compassionate human being.
2) To cultivate my leadership role both in the community of my practice
and in the nation to formulate and maintain health care principles and
advancements.
3) To employ the latest knowledge and techniques in detection and
prevention of disease, and the restoration of health.
4) To develop and employ methods to take care of an aging population.
5) To show reverence for human beings by giving excellent care to all
6) To forever expand my knowledge through experience, continuing
education courses, and research.
I have been
diligent in my pursuit of medicine as a career because I am convinced
that medicine offers me the opportunity to live a fulfilling, rewarding
life dedicated to helping others. I will enter medicine eager to learn
and thirsting for the knowledge to help my fellow human beings.
Attending The Chicago Medical School would be one of the greatest
rewards for my motivation and persistence for success. I swear to uphold
and exceed all that is expected of a future physician while promoting
the progress of medicine and humanity.
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How to write a cover letter is a baffling topic for many job seekers.
Are you struggling to put one together? Keep this in mind -- your cover
letter is one long answer to this question: "Why should I read your resume and
call you for an interview?"
Here are four ways to answer that question and get called for an interview.
1) Build rapport.
Cover letters are read by people, so address yours to a person. NEVER start
your cover letter with such cliches as "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may
concern."
Take that extra two minutes to call the employer and get the recipient's
name. Ask the receptionist, "I'm writing a letter to the person who manages
(your target department). May I have the correct spelling please?" This will set
you apart from most applicants.
If that fails, begin your letter with, "Dear Employer." It sounds confident
and will stand out.
2) Avoid stating the obvious.
We know you're a quick learner, honest and hard working. So are the other 500
applicants who want this job. Don't waste precious space in your cover letter
saying so.
Instead, use the cover letter to display your knowledge of the company, the
industry and even to share specific recommendations you have for problems or
opportunities you've researched.
Example: "With 10 years of retail management experience and a record of rapid
advancement, I have found at least three ways to increase sales at your Edina,
MN location by $250,000 -- or more -- this year. May I discuss them with you?"
3) Stick to one page in length.
Doing this proves you can prioritize your thoughts and present them concisely
-- both admirable qualities. Also, it shows respect for your busy reader, who
may have hundreds more cover letters and resumes to wade through.
The cover letters I write for clients have an opening paragraph, three or
four fact-filled bullet points to build the reader's interest, and a closing
paragraph.
This usually comes out to five or six paragraphs that never exceed one page.
4) Get input from friends ... and strangers.
When you finish your one-page masterpiece, give it to three friends and ask
for their first impressions and overall opinion. Their advice is important.
Then, ask your friends to show it to three people you don't know. The
feedback you get from these strangers will be as important or more so, since
they won't be concerned about hurting your feelings.
-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets
Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ...
or your money back. For more information, please visit
http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/1dayresumes.html
