residency interview preparation timeline
Preparing for your residency interview can feel overwhelming. We recommend you start early, stay consistent, and focus on what’s within your control. The tips below have helped many of our successfully matched clients feel confident, calm, and ready to shine.
4 weeks before your interview:
Read about the CanMEDS roles. Note any relevant keywords you may wish to use. Brainstorm examples from your own experiences as you read.
Begin answering predictable interview questions with a focus on demonstrating the CanMEDS roles and the criteria outlined in the program description.
Identify / purchase the outfit you intend to wear in the interview. Ensure it fits well, feels good, and compliments your skin tone.
Schedule a haircut / manicure / beard trim if necessary.
Schedule mock interviews with professional services, colleagues, or mentors.
Establish a daily routine. Time is your ally and daily practice is far more effective for building skill and confidence than last-minute cramming.
Work on your story bank. Generate a list of “utility stories” that you can use to answer many different questions. Also, keep a pocket journal at work / observerships / volunteer positions so you can produce recent and local examples.
Don’t neglect the body. There are countless exercises, including stretches for the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders; warm ups for the voice; tongue twisters for enunciation; and of course, breathing exercises. Dancing, humming, arm swings, or light yoga might help to loosen your body and increase your energy levels. Start experimenting with what works for you, and do it each day leading up to the interview.
2 weeks before your interview:
Record a mock interview in the clothing, accessories, and hairstyle you intend to wear. Review your performance and seek feedback from trusted advisors. Watching your performance on mute is a great way of becoming instantly aware of your gestures, facial expressions, movements, etc. Ensure that you are well lit, clearly visible, and that the viewer can see natural hand gestures (i.e. you are not too closely cropped). Pay attention to where your gaze tends to move. Is there enough smiling throughout? Does your posture suggest you are relaxed, confident, timid, or something else?
Select a talisman or sacred object (jewelry, clothing item, photo, etc) to support you. This is optional but highly recommended.
Practice in your interview outfit, including your shoes. You will not be psychologically primed to produce your best possible performance if you practice in your pyjamas. You also want to determine well in advance if the clothes you intend to wear fit well and feel good.
1 week before your interview:
Be kind to yourself. Eat, sleep, exercise, and use positive affirmations.
Ensure reliable internet access. Know the address of your closest friend, cafe, or public library, in case your internet access is interrupted.
Schedule child / pet care.
If you have multiple invitations, confirm that no interviews have been double booked and that each interview is scheduled in the correct time zone.
3 - 4 days before your interview:
Review your resume, personal statements, and the program description.
Connect with a positive and energetic person who wants you to succeed.
Draft a thank-you note that you can customize and send as soon after the interview as possible.
(Re)arrange furniture. Remove distracting artwork or decor so you can comfortably sit or stand in front of a neutral background.
If you consume alcohol, refrain from consuming it for the days leading up to the interview. You can’t afford the hangover or sleep disturbances.
1 day before your interview:
Set up your desk so you are clearly visible, audible, and well lit. Adjust window treatments and camera angles; test headphones and microphones and ensure mouse and keyboard are fully charged; update relevant apps or software; ensure your zoom name is accurate.
Restart your device, if you haven’t restarted it in a few days or weeks.
Clean the camera of your device and if you plan to wear glasses, clean your lenses.
1 hour before your interview:
Warm up with light cardio followed by stretching and upper body, facial, and vocal exercises.
Recite your favourite positive affirmation.
If you have multiple interviews, write a conspicuous note with the name of the program visible to you.
Silence notifications for apps and e-mail; put devices on do not disturb.
Close apps that are not being used for the interview, to avoid lag time.
Ensure you have a glass of water within reach, in case of dry mouth.
Ensure your government-issued ID is handy and ready to be presented when your interviewers request it.
