Are you a pharmacy student and want to learn more about post-graduate training programs such as residency or fellowships? In this video, I’ll teach you how to finalize last-minute interview preparations 1-2 days before the interview. Stay until the end when I share my most important piece of advice.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Jessica Louie and I’m an Associate Professor, Board-Certified Critical Care Pharmacist and entrepreneur. I help people find meaning beyond a job title and let go of burnout. We talk passive income and simplifying on this channel to combat stress and burnout. If you haven’t seen my burnout story or our debt-free journey while in residency/fellowship, please click those video links below.
If you don’t know about my journey, I completed a PGY1 in pharmacy practice and PGY2 in critical care in 2014 and 2015 as ASHP accredited programs.
This video is my personal opinion and not associated or sponsored.
With interview season in full-swing, I’m posting a mini-series on advice to help you stay confident during this time. Here are last-minute interview preparations I recommend for the 24-48 hours before the BIG DAY! Get excited because this is something to celebrate!
You can also watch my previous videos on how to prepare for interview questions.
Residency Interview Prep: Update your CV
You submitted a CV with your application (either residency or job application). This may have been 1-2 months ago and things may need to be added to your CV. Take 30 minutes to make the necessary updates, spell-check again, update your footer with the last revision date, and save. I recommend printing copies of this updated CV to bring on your interview. I used to think interview paper was necessary for all these copies, but copies can be on “regular” white paper – at the end of the day, it’s the content that matters, not how thick the printer paper is!
Residency Interview Prep: Prepare for Interview Questions
This goes without saying that you should prepare for potential interview questions. Gather examples and stories from your experiences to discuss during the interview. Remember, specific details are important when demonstrating critical thinking skills and behaviors. You will likely encounter a mix of behavioral-based questions along with clinical questions.
Residency Interview Prep: Prepare a List of Questions to Ask
The interview is not simply for you to answer questions all-day long, it’s as much about the company interviewing you as you interviewing the company. Come prepared with questions for your interviewers. You want to make sure this will be the right fit for everyone involved and that you don’t leave the interview day with doubts or uncertainties about how the company aligns with your goals.
Residency Interview Prep: Prepare your Interview Day Outfit
Refer back to my previous blog post about what to wear. Check that all items are clean (since many of us only own 1-2 suits) or finish dry-cleaning or steaming/ironing items. Ladies, pack your handbag as well.
Residency Interview Prep: Sleep!
The night before the interview can be filled with nerves and anxiety. Make sure to get a good night’s rest and relax for the next day. Staying calm and confident are important heading into the interview.
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You may also Enjoy Reading:
- 30 Questions to ask BEFORE applying to Residency
- How to Stand Out as a Residency Applicant
- Day in the Life of a Critical Care Pharmacist
- Roadmap to Pharmacy Residency
- 5 Ways to Improve Study Habits
- 5 Tips for Staying Focused while Studying
- How to Use Medication Charts to Study Drugs
Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.