Interview Components
Adapted from: Reile DM and Nickols JL. Survival Strategies for Your New Career. 2006; 33-34, 41.

Most interviews have elements in common: the introduction, the interview questions themselves, and the closing. Each is important for different reasons, and your success depends on knowing how to respond appropriately in each segment.

• The introduction. You may have heard all you need to know about a firm handshake and making eye contact. What you may not have hard is that many hiring decisions are made within the first 30-45 seconds. This points not only to the importance of appearance and proper grooming but also to your social and interpersonal skills.
  
  Remember, it is expected that, if offered the position, you can and will do the job. The interview is a time to confirm that and also to determine whether or not you will “fit in” with the organization. First impressions influence interviewers' decisions.
  
• Interview questions. Most of your preparation for the interview should focus on performing well at this stage. Even though some of the interview process is subjective and focuses on fit, interviewers are still primarily looking for individuals who can do the work. During this stage of the interview, you have the opportunity to offer an honest appraisal of your strengths and skills and to show why you are well suited for the position.
  

The average residency or fellowship interview lasts about six hours. Job interviews tend to be significantly shorter, although not always. If the interview is scheduled to last all day or over the lunch hour, you will probably eat with members of the staff at some point either at a restaurant or in the cafeteria. Occasionally, residency directors or others may offer to take you out to dinner or you may be asked to go to a happy hour with the preceptors, residencts, other applicants, and staff. Whether you decide to have an alcoholic drink is entirely up to you, with a few exceptions. Do not order an alcoholic drink at lunch; do not consume more than two drinks under any circumstances; and do not feel compelled to order an alcoholic drink if everybody else does.

When applying for a residency, you will want to speak with the current residents if you can get them away from the faculty preceptors. They will provide the most insightful information about the residency. It is very important that you ask them whether they would choose this residency again, if given the chance. If they say no, be sure to ask them why. The reasons they give for not liking the program may be something that is irrelevant to your situation.

• The close. As the interview draws to a close, you may need to offer a summary of your strengths in response to such questions as “Why should we offer the position to you?” You will also need to show interest and enthusiasm for the position and end the interview with another firm handshake and good eye contact. Additionally, you may be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer(s). No matter what, you must not respond with a “No.”
  
  If all of your questions have been answered, ask if you can have a brief tour of the facility or if you can meet some of the people with whom you will be working. It is appropriate to state that all of your major questions have been answered, but that you would like to emphasize your strong interest in the position. At least this response gives you another chance to “sell yourself.”
  
• Presentations. Although it is unusual for a pharmacy practice residency (not for a specialty) to require presentations during an interview, a few programs have asked applicants to give a presentation. Before you decide on a topic or format, ask the program director what is expected in the presentation. Find out what type of topic is preferred, whether audio visual equipment is required and if it will be provided, who your audience will be, and the desired length of your presentation.
  
• Interview follow-up. After your interview, be sure to write a formal and succinct thank you note. Writing thank you notes to the residents is a nice touch. You should mail the note as soon as possible and (if applicable) before the deadline for submitting match results. Letters and envelopes should be addressed with care so that interviewers’ names, titles, and degrees are correctly spelled. You should print your letters on good quality paper, using a standard business style.

In addition to writing thank you letters, you should debrief after interviews. Explore your thoughts about the position---its pros and cons---and any unanswered questions. Think about what you did well in the interview and what areas need further work. This focused debriefing can assist you in continuing to refine your interview skills over time and in learning to think critically about your job search in general.

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