How Should I Schedule Interviews?
Written by Sawyer Bawek, DO
Whether you have started the interview season off with numerous interview invites or are still waiting for your first invite, the match season is long and there is still time for more interview opportunities to come. If the programs you have applied for are already sending out interview invitations and you have not received one from a program you are really interested in, it may be helpful to send a letter of interest. Check out this post by Dr. Clarissa Jordan for more details on Letter of Interest Tips.
1). Receiving the Invite: For many specialties without universal interview days, interview invites can come any time. It is important to have your email notifications on so that you check your phone frequently throughout the day. Timing can be to respond to interview invitations if you are looking for interviews on specific days. If you are in the middle of a rotation and receive an interview invite, just ask your attending or resident if you can step away to schedule an interview. They are usually very understanding of the situation.
In the event that you are unable to have your phone on you during the day, see if a friend or family member can help with scheduling interviews.
2). When Should I Schedule: Every year many applicants have the question of if it is better to schedule an interview early or later in the year. The short answer is it does not really matter what month you interview. The most important thing is to be ready for interview day. Having mock interviews completed or other interviews already completed prior to interviewing at some of your top programs can also be beneficial. I would personally recommend trying to schedule interviews early during the application cycle as trickle interviews can occur and it is easier to schedule those if you have dates open in your calendar. Having to decide which program you are going to interview at if you are limited to the same date can be a very difficult and stressful decision.
3). Conflicting Interview Dates: Interview dates fill up quickly and you may be in a situation this year where you have two interview invitations where the interviews would be scheduled for the same day. It is important during this scenario to monitor for any interview date openings frequently. Applicants may cancel and an interview spot may open where you will be able to switch your interview date. Programs also sometimes add interview dates. You can also email the program coordinator letting them know that you are really interested in the program, but have another program interview scheduled during that day and that you would be interested in scheduling an interview on a different date if any opportunity arises.
I want to wish you the best of luck with your interview season.
