Nailing Your Residency Interview

Residency interviews are notorious for pushing buttons. You’re likely stressed out, juggling prep work while picturing yourself fending off a sea of equally ambitious candidates.

On top of it all, you have to balance between showcasing your scores and letters of recommendation and letting your personality and values shine through. Blending that charm with your credentials without breaking a sweat? Easier said than done. 

If you’re trying to figure out how to nail your residency interview and stand out, keep reading.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare for a residency interview and how to research the program
• Common residency interview questions and how to answer them
• Questions you can ask interviewers in a residency interview
• How to practice and do mock interviews
• How to do your pre-interview research
• How to follow up after the residency interview

CHAPTER 1

Understanding the Residency Interview Process

Residency interviews vary widely, from 1:1 conversations to panel interviews or group discussions. Depending on the specialty, they can be thorough and formal or more laid-back and conversation-oriented. Plus, you can expect both virtual and in-person settings, and both have their own set of challenges you need to navigate.

But regardless of the residency interview format, interviewers want to find a candidate who:

• Has a solid medical foundation
• Has clear motivation for their chosen specialty (“Knows their why”)
• Is a good fit with the program’s culture and values
• Can answer questions clearly and navigate stressful situations with ease

Covering these key aspects will make all the difference in your interview.

Do Your Research

Here’s how to properly prepare for your upcoming residency interview.

Research the Program

Before stepping into the interview, research the program’s specifics. Here’s what you should focus on:

• Program’s curriculum
• Rotations
• Culture
• Key faculty members and their roles and research interests
• Program’s values 

This will give you sufficient background info to fuel more engaging and informed conversations during the interview. 

Explore networking opportunities

Networking is another great strategy to help you prepare and research the program. Connecting with the current residents or alumni will give you insights you won’t find anywhere else. Their experiences can give you a clearer picture of the program’s day-to-day life. Networking will also get you noticed and keep you top of mind during the process.

Ideas for networking:

• Attending medical conferences and seminars
• Attending alumni events and other gatherings 
• Inviting people for informational interviews
• Using social media and professional networks 
• Doing hospital or clinic volunteering
• Attending residency fairs and open houses 

✅ Pro tip: Aim to build long-lasting, solid professional relationships. Using people to gather information and never talking to them again won’t make you look good. Keep in touch with people and do them small favors like recommending them for different opportunities, connecting them with relevant people, and sharing valuable information and resources. Do good to others and good will come back.

Know Your Application Inside Out

Know your stuff — dive deep into your application materials when preparing for the residency interview.

Your CV, personal statement, and other relevant documents are the blueprint that interviewers will use to understand who you are. 

Many of their questions will be based on these materials — you need to know all the details.

A few tips: 

• Review your CV and make sure all the info is up-to-date and accurate.
• Review your clinical experiences, research projects, volunteer work, and any extracurricular activities you did. 
• Extract a few key accomplishments for each experience. 
• Be ready to discuss what you learned from these experiences and how they prepared you for the residency. 

All your materials and everything you say during the interview contribute to your image and the story you’re telling about yourself. You want to weave a coherent narrative that highlights your best skills and achievements but also conveys your values and passion for your chosen specialty.

CHAPTER 2

Prepare Responses to Common Questions

General Questions

These are the most common residency interview questions aimed at getting the conversation started.

“Tell me about yourself.”

The very first question you’ll hear. This question helps recruiters get to know you better and ease you into the interview, setting the stage for the subsequent questions.

Not having a proper answer can make the interview go off course fast. This is why you want to make sure you know exactly what you want to talk about without hesitation or rumbling. 

Tips for answering this question:

• Provide a concise professional summary containing your educational background (use our signature 3 whys formula). 
• Highlight your 3-5 proudest, most impressive relevant experiences and achievements, including clinical rotations, research projects, presentations, and skills you obtained.
• End with a brief personal note to show well-roundedness, like emphasizing personal qualities that would make you a fit for the residency program

For more information, head to this guide: “Tell Me About Yourself” 20+ Sample Answers + How-to. The guide contains general tips and examples, but we’re sure you’ll be able to adjust them for your residency interview. 

Sample answer: 

I’m Alex Rivera, a recent University of Chicago medical school graduate interested in internal medicine, particularly in managing complex cardiology and infectious disease cases. Recently, I had the chance to present my research on managing hypertension at the American Heart Association conference. It was a nice opportunity to showcase my work and I enjoyed connecting with experts from the field. Outside the hospital, I’m a dedicated runner and community health volunteer. I’m eager to bring my clinical skills, research experience, and a strong commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle to your residency program.

“Why did you choose this program?”

Interviewers ask this question because they want to gauge your interest, commitment, and whether you’re a good fit for the program.

A well-thought-out answer will show your genuine interest, that you researched the program, and have specific reasons for why you want to join. 

Tips for answering:

• Mention specific aspects of the program that attract you based on your research.
• Align program strengths with your career goals and illustrate how the program supports your plans and goals.
• Reference discussions with current residents or alumni to show you’re resourceful and interested in the program’s culture. 

Sample answer: 

What attracted me to this Family Medicine program is how you dive into integrative care and lead the way with community health projects. It’s exactly what I’m looking for – to deliver care to areas that really need it. After chatting with Dr. Smith and some residents here, I was sold. I love the way you all work together from different disciplines and push the envelope with new ways to care for the patients. Plus, with my experience in leading a community health initiative that successfully increased access to hypertension screenings in underserved areas, I’m eager to bring that same energy and innovation to your program, contributing to new and impactful health projects.

Behavioral Questions

Interviewers will ask this question to assess your past behavior in certain situations. Based on your answer, they’ll try to predict your behavior in the future. 

You’ll recognize a behavioral interview question because they usually start with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Can you recall a situation in which…”

Use the STAR method (Situation–Task–Action–Result) to answer these questions. 

“Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you handled it.”

With this question, interviewers want to check your problem-solving abilities and how you deal with difficult situations.

Tips for answering:

• Set the context by describing the situation and the challenge briefly.
• Highlight your thought process and the actions you took. 
• Emphasize the outcome and what you learned, and aim to have a positive outlook. 

Sample answer: 

During a high-pressure rotation, I was looking after a critically ill patient who wasn’t responding to standard treatments. I exhausted all my options and was pretty unsure about what to do next, so I decided to consult with one of the more experienced doctors. We hashed out some alternative approaches together that I hadn’t tried yet. The doctor was really encouraging and after we got the thumbs-up to change our plan, we went for it. After implementing a new treatment plan, the patient finally started feeling better. It was such a relief and a big lesson for me on the importance of not being afraid to ask for advice in difficult situations.

“Give an example of a time when you worked in a team to achieve a goal.”

Interviewers want to see if you’re a reliable team player able to communicate clearly and set your ego aside. 

Tips for answering: 

• Describe the team goal and your role in the process.
• Discuss how you contributed and if you displayed leadership skills.
• Reflect on the results and key takeaways.

Sample answer: 

In my clinical rotations, I was part of a team that had to improve patient handover processes. Our task was to ensure no information was lost between shifts. Everyone got a different assignment and mine was to catch and document existing problems in the handover process. I was diligent and I made sure my findings were insightful and actionable. Based on our discoveries and ideas for improvement, we created a standardized checklist to help solve the problem. Our seniors recognized our efforts and approved the checklist and the new process pretty quickly. Within a few weeks, we saw improvement. The entire unit decreased the number of mistakes and handled communication better. Working on that project with that team was so cool and rewarding. I learned a lot about how to communicate with different people and how to split the workload based on everyone’s strengths. But I also learned to take initiative and step up when needed. It felt good and gave me confidence to trust myself and my abilities.

Questions About the Choice of Your Specialty

These questions are about your passions and motivations, and what drives you to a particular field of medicine. They will help interviewers assess if your interest and enthusiasm about the specialty are well-considered, honest, and indicative of your values and goals.

“Why did you choose this particular specialty?”

Here, you have to explain your reasons for choosing a certain specialty. 

Tips for answering: 

• Describe what initially attracted you to the specialty, as this will give them insight into your passion, curiosity, and values.
• Highlight key experiences that reinforced your choice — it illustrates the depth of your understanding of the specialty and your engagement with it.
• Connect your skills and interests with the demands of the specialty to show you’re well-suited and able to think strategically, in accordance with your capabilities and preferences.

Sample answer:

I was drawn to pulmonology during my internal medicine rotation. I was fascinated by the complexity of respiratory diseases and their impact on overall health. A defining moment was when I participated in a research project on COPD management – I was amazed by how much of an impact a pulmonologist can make on a patient’s quality of life. It made me even more interested in the field. Plus, I always had sharp analytical skills. Paired with my interest in respiratory pathophysiology, I think it’s a nice combo that aligns with the demands of pulmonology. So I’m confident in my choice and excited about the work I can do in the field.

For more tips check out my full video on how to answer the "Why this speciality" question:

“What experiences have prepared you for a career in this specialty?”

This question helps them understand how your previous rotations, research, volunteer work, and other relevant experiences helped you develop your skills and prepare for the specialty.

Tips for answering:

• Provide specific examples from clinical rotations or research to show you’ve got what it takes and your interest is based on practical experience, not just theory and ambition.
• Discuss relevant skills you’ve developed to show you’re able to handle this specialty’s challenges.
• Explain how these experiences make you a strong fit for the specialty.

Sample answer:

Throughout med school and rotations, I was always very interested in endocrinology. I had the chance to work with patients suffering from thyroid disorders, and most of them were women who had connected disorders like PCOS and insulin resistance. Working with them made me understand how delicate metabolic processes are, how each body is unique, and how important a personalized approach and management plan is. In addition to this, I participated in a research project focused on the correlation between diet and type 2 diabetes. I learned a lot about innovative approaches to managing diabetes. All in all, I believe these experiences equipped me with a solid foundation in endocrinology. So I’m enthusiastic and well-prepared to tackle the challenges and complexities of the specialty.

“Tricky” Questions

This type of question is focused on your weaker areas, like gaps, low scores, limited experience in the US, and past failures to match. Interviewers ask them to gauge your integrity and honesty, your resilience and problem-solving abilities, and to simply understand your past and your development journey. 

“Can you explain this gap in your education?”

Typically, in the US, med students go straight to residency right after med school. 

If this is not the case with you, be prepared to address it because you’ll certainly hear questions about it. The key thing about addressing the gap is to be honest but keep a positive outlook.

Tips for answering this question:

• Be honest and concise about the reason for the gap. Transparency builds trust — if you’re able to communicate about the gap openly and without evasion, it’ll show you’re a realistic, reliable person who can confront and overcome challenges. 
• Highlight any productive activities or learning experiences during the gap. Show them that your time off was not wasted, but used in a productive way to acquire new skills and knowledge.
• Emphasize your readiness and commitment to the residency. It’ll show that your gap (and obstacles) did not deter you from your medical career and that you’re dedicated and ready for new challenges ahead.

Sample answer: 

After my second year of medical school, I had to take a year off to be there for my family because we were going through a difficult time. But during this period I volunteered at a local clinic, which helped me strengthen my clinical skills and practice patient care in the real setting. Although it was an intense and difficult period, that entire experience was rewarding. It made me realize I chose the right path and reinforced my dedication to finish school and move on.

“Why do you have lower grades in certain subjects?”

Your answer to this question will help interviewers assess your honesty and accountability. It’ll also show them how you handle challenges and setbacks.

Tips for answering:

• Take responsibility and avoid excuses. This approach shows maturity and integrity, and you’re going to need those during your residency.
• Explain the context if it’s relevant (like personal challenges, or heavy course load). The details will help interviewers understand the situation, but this in no way means you should avoid taking responsibility and blame it on something or someone else. 
• Discuss steps you took to improve and what you learned — it matters because it indicates that you are capable of self-reflection and taking action to address weaknesses.

Sample answer: 

In my first year, I was going through an intense and stressful personal challenge that impacted my focus and performance. It resulted in lower grades in anatomy. I was aware of the problem and I started going to therapy — initially because of those personal problems, but eventually, therapy helped me develop time management skills and create a more structured study schedule. I was also able to get into a new mindset and felt more positive and confident. My grades improved in the following terms, and the entire experience taught me the importance of reaching out for help and working on myself.

Now that we covered the most common residency interview questions, let’s see how else you can prepare yourself for the interview.

CHAPTER 3

Prepare Questions to Ask Your Interviewers

Asking the right questions at the end of the interview is the perfect way for you to gain more information about the program and position yourself as a resourceful, curious applicant who prepared for the interview. 

A few tips for coming up with the right questions:

• Wait for the end of the interview to ask.
• Ask open-ended questions to gain as much information as possible. 
• Prepare 5 or more questions, but have your top 3 picks because it’s more likely you’ll have time only for a few of them.
• Modify questions based on who the interviewer is (it makes little sense to ask the same question to a program director, alumni, or chief resident).

Here are a few questions that could help you get additional information (or inspire you to come up with your own questions to ask):

• “Can you describe how the program supports resident well-being and work-life balance?”
• “What opportunities are available for residents interested in research or academic medicine?”
• “How does the program incorporate feedback from residents to improve the training experience?”

These could help you gauge if the program is the right fit for your personal and professional goals. But they also demonstrate your depth of thought about this potential residency experience, and your willingness to find a meaningful program where you could grow, contribute, and be aligned with the program’s culture and values.

If you want to learn more about the kind of questions to ask at the end of an interview, check out this guide: 40+ Smart Questions to Ask at the End of Any Job Interview. The questions in the article are not designed for residency interviews specifically, but there are plenty of examples you could find useful. You will also learn how to come up with a good question, and what to avoid.

CHAPTER 4

Practice and Do Mock Interviews

Mock interviews are the most effective and thorough method to prepare for a residency interview.

They mimic the real experience and enable you to hone your interviewing skills in a controlled setting. The best part is that you can get actionable feedback and improve before the actual interview, so that you can be the best and most confident version of yourself.  

How to do a mock interview

You can schedule a session with your mentor or peer, or you can use professional services, like a Mock Residency Interview Tool.  

If you’re working with a mentor or a peer, you’d prepare for an interview the usual way (learning how to answer common questions, how to sell yourself, learning which questions to ask) and then reenact the interview. 

If you’re using professional services, you’d prepare the same way, but you’d simulate the interview and answer pre-recorded questions. You’d get immediate AI feedback on your performance: your answers, your gestures, eye contact, pace of speech, use of filler words, and similar. 

But you can also share the video with mentors or peers and ask them to rate your performance and give you feedback too. This will help you be clear, concise, and confident in your delivery. 

Check out this comprehensive residency interview course to practice your skills, anticipate questions, and work on your weak spots — it’s helped hundreds of applicants nail their residency interview. 

CHAPTER 5

Special Advice for IMGs (International Medical Graduates)

Self-promotion

Self-promotion doesn’t come naturally to many people. Some are more shy or have more introverted personalities than others.

It can also be especially difficult for those from other cultures to sell themselves.

High-Context Cultures include many countries in Asia, the Middle East, and South America (among others). In these countries, there is more of a collective focus.

The emphasis is put on the family or group. As a result, people who talk about themselves a lot are not perceived favorably.

In Low-Context Cultures, there is more emphasis on the individual and a favorable response to people who “talk a good game” and strive to “get ahead” for personal success. Examples of low-context cultures include the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Australia.

As you can imagine, coming from a high-context culture and interviewing for a medical residency in the United States can cause some things to get lost in translation socially and verbally.

While it’s completely understandable to have the self-expression you learned in your home culture, you don’t want it to work against you in your interview.

In low-context cultures, you must know how to articulate your value out loud.

The interviewer wants to see what sets you apart from all the other candidates, and this is much easier to do if you tell them why you’re an excellent candidate.

Employing all the advice we’ve given you here will help you build confidence in talking yourself up. Hone your speaking points by staying on task using STAR, outline your answer, and practice, practice, practice!

The more you hear yourself speak about your accomplishments, the more comfortable you will become.

Then, you won’t feel bashful on interview day, and words will come easy.

Language Barriers

Some candidates worry they will encounter a word they don’t know or understand in the interview.

To help relieve anxiety about this, study up on common interview terms.

Reviewing lessons like this is a great way to prepare by learning what types of questions you’ll be asked and how to answer them.

You can also simply be honest. If your interviewer uses an English term you are not familiar with, simply ask for clarity.

Accents

Some candidates worry a great deal about their accents.

They worry so much, in fact, they become overly self-conscious and struggle to perform as well as they could in interviews.

If you’re a candidate with an accent, it may not be as big a problem as you think.

Make sure you are speaking slowly and clearly.

As interview nerves creep in, it’s easy to begin speaking quickly and make your accent more pronounced and your words more jumbled.

There are accent neutralization resources out there, but we have found that clear, slow, repeated practice is the best remedy.

You can record as many answers as you like with our Big Interview Practice Tool and get honest feedback on your accent from someone you trust, as well as evaluate it for yourself.

CHAPTER 6

Prepare the day before

Preparing these details before the interview will minimize your stress levels and prevent last-minute hurdles that could impact your mood and performance. 

Prepare your attire

To make a good first impression, choose professional and appropriate clothing that fits you well and is in good condition. This will make you look polished and competent, but you’ll also feel more confident.

Confirm interview logistics

Confirm interview logistics time, like time and platform, if the interview takes place virtually, or the location in case of an in-person interview. 

Email is typically the most convenient and appropriate way for this, plus it provides a written record of the communication. 

Send the email to the contact person provided to you in your interview invitation, and keep it short and professional.

Organize necessary materials

Make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. 

This can be a copy of your CV, any other required documents, and a pen and paper for taking notes.

Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep before your interview is essential for your mental and emotional state. It will improve your cognitive functions like problem-solving skills, attention, memory, and mood, ensuring you’re the best version of yourself in an interview.

CHAPTER 7

Interview Day Checklist

For Virtual Interviews

✅ Test tech: check internet, camera, and mic.

✅ Pick a quiet, well-lit spot with a neutral backdrop.

✅ Log in early for last-minute fixes.

For In-Person Interviews

✅ Know the venue and arrive early.

✅ Bring all required documents.

During the Interview

✅ Online: smile and be friendly.

✅ In-person: smile, firm handshake, eye contact.

✅ Sit straight, maintain good posture and eye contact.

✅ Control nervous habits, take deep breaths beforehand.

Communication Tips

✅ Show enthusiasm and professionalism.

✅ Be an active listener, ask for clarifications if needed.

✅ Be concise and articulate, don’t ramble.

CHAPTER 8

Post-Interview Follow-Up

Here’s a key thing to remember: your residency interview is not done once you leave the room. You still have some work to do — send interviewers a follow-up email. 

Not a lot of candidates know this and send post-interview follow-up emails, so it will automatically make you stand out. Plus, it will demonstrate your superb communication skills, which is especially important if you’re applying for a residency in a field where communication is key. 

Tips for sending a follow-up email:

• Send a separate email to each interviewer.
• Briefly thank them for their time.
• Personalize the email by mentioning a specific point of discussion.
• State that you’re more than happy to provide additional information if needed.
• Express your enthusiasm and your hope of hearing from them soon.  

For a complete, detailed guide on how to write a follow-up email (and template emails you could steal), visit this page: How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview: 6 Templates.

✅ Pro tip: After each interview, while it’s still fresh in your memory, take some time to write down your impressions. 

Write about what went well so you’re aware of your strengths, and write about what didn’t go as planned, or the questions you didn’t know how to answer, or situations in which you felt confused or unsure of how to behave. 

This will help you gather your thoughts, objectively assess your performance, and work on your weaker areas so that you can improve and get better next time. 

Summary of the Main Points

• Residency programs can be extremely competitive. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare for them in advance instead of winging them.
• In addition to your medical foundation, you’ll need to prove you’re a motivated person whose values and goals are aligned with the program.
• Before the residency interview, research the program (curriculum, rotations, culture) as this will help you have a meaningful conversation with interviewers.
• Know your application inside-out and make sure your CV is updated and accurate.
• Prepare for common residency interview questions and practice answering them using mock interviews and tools.
• After the interview, send a thank-you email to each interviewer separately.

FAQ

How can international medical graduates (IMGs) best prepare for cultural differences in the residency interview process?

Learn about the US healthcare system and its differences from the system in your country. Be aware of healthcare policies, insurance systems, and patient rights because these can influence your interactions with patients and colleagues. Understand cultural differences, like cultural norms, communication styles, or non-verbal cues. Make sure you’re comfortable with medical jargon in the US, idiomatic expressions, and understanding different accents. Finally, understand the interview process and get comfortable with selling yourself and networking, as these are very common in the US. We’ve developed three entire lessons devoted to IMGs in our Residency Curriculum to make sure we cover as much ground as possible, so make sure you check it out.

What are some strategies for tailoring your interview preparation if you’re applying to multiple specialties?

If applying for several specialties, tailor your approach by researching each specialty’s program and focus and adjusting your application accordingly. Know your “why” — have a meaningful, strong reason for wanting that residency. Prepare to give specialty-specific answers about your interests in that field and highlight relevant skills.

How should you approach the interview if you’re a non-traditional medical student with prior career experience?

Use the interview to showcase your unique background and skills and how they enrich your medical career. Highlight previous relevant experiences and emphasize transferable skills (skills that are useful across different specialties, like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership). Demonstrate how your fresh perspective can contribute to the field and patient care. Prove your commitment and readiness for the challenges of a medical career.

What unique challenges might underrepresented minority candidates face in the residency interview, and how can they address them?

Underrepresented minority candidates might face different challenges: encountering stereotypes about their background, commitment, or abilities; cultural misunderstandings or lack of awareness about their differences; financial constraints; implicit bias; lack of mentors or role models who share their background or experience, which can lead to feelings of isolation. To combat this, they should seek to connect with people from similar backgrounds who navigated the residency process successfully; look for scholarships of grants to assist them with the financial aspects of the process; keep a record of their residency interview process and keep track of biased or inappropriate questions in case they need to report them. In addition to this, they should prepare responses about their background as a minority, highlight their strengths, and focus on finding a residency fit — a program that is committed to diversity and inclusion which would allow them to thrive professionally.

How can you effectively communicate your interest in academic medicine or research during the interview?

Discuss relevant research projects, publications, or academic roles you had. Talk about their impact and what you learned from those experiences. Express your passion and explain why you’re interested in academic medicine or research. Talk about your aspirations within the field, including specific research interests, or how you plan to integrate teaching into your medical career.

What’s the best way to explain a career change to medicine during your residency interview?

Be honest and provide your reasons but frame them in a positive way. This means talking about your journey and how you discovered your true calling in medicine. Start by briefly outlining your previous career, focusing on key experiences and skills you gained and how they can be applied in medicine. Then talk about the events that made you realize you want to make a transition. Emphasize key skills like passion for patient care, the science, or the impact you want to make in the field. Conclude by discussing how your background and skills can contribute to the field and the residency program. Show maturity, fresh perspective, and commitment.

How can you demonstrate proficiency in a non-native language during your residency interview?

Mention your language skills directly when discussing your qualifications and experiences. Share instances where you successfully used the language in a medical setting. If the interview provides an opportunity (like if they ask about your hobby or personal interests), you can mention language learning and your favorite ways of practicing a language. If an opportunity arises, you could briefly and appropriately say something in that language to showcase your proficiency and practical skill.

What’s the best way to address potential concerns about your age if you are an older candidate?

Frame your age and prior experiences as assets. Emphasize unique experiences and strengths you bring to the table: maturity, life experiences, proven track record in key skills... Focus on your adaptability and willingness to learn to demonstrate you’re a committed candidate.