• People will not remember everything you say, but they will remember how they felt when you spoke!
• Hiring decisions are made in the first 30 seconds of the interview – the balance of the time is used to justify the decision.
• Finally, the most qualified person probably won’t get the offer if s/he interviews poorly.

1. Know yourself

• TOP 5 PLAN – Go into each interview with 5 key things you want a program to know about you. These 5 things should answer the questions:
  • What makes you a good candidate?
  • What makes you unique?
• Make a list of your top strengths, goals, values, accomplishments to use as a general reference for all interview questions.
• Create a list of things you want/need in a residency program and rank them in order of importance.
• Review your application and prepare yourself to discuss anything you’ve mentioned. If you have something questionable/problematic now is the time to prepare how you will address it when asked.
• Make sure are able to describe your experiences, research, and interests so the interviewer actually believes when you speak.

2. Research the program

• Research the program as much as possible before your interview so that you will be able to target your questions for that program.
• What qualities is that program looking for in a candidate? Programs have different priorities – sports experience, research, leadership, community involvement – know what that program values.
• **Know what is unique about the program**
  • Review the Program Profile under the Directory of Residency Programs on the ABPTRFE website.
  • Review the Residency Program’s website and related content. For example, if a program is a part of a university setting, it would be wise to know basic information about the university.
• Once you are informed of whom you will be interviewing with, write down their names with a brief line about their interests and research. Use the program’s website, Google, LinkedIn, etc. to find common ground to develop dialogue; key in on similar research interests.

3. Practice Interviewing

• Practice will make you calmer, more organized and help you sound better during the real thing.
• MOCK INTERVIEW – Ask an advisor, faculty member, and/or colleagues to conduct it.
  • Consider putting together a panel consisting of staff and department supervisors. Everyone has their own opinions, so bringing together a group of individuals with various roles and backgrounds will bring diverse perspective when they are giving you feedback.
  • Not everyone is going to be familiar with or needs to be familiar with physical therapy residency programs to be included on the panel. The panel should consist of a group of individuals that are open-minded and comfortable with providing you constructive criticism.
  • If you are putting together a panel for a mock interview, please take the time to provide them with the proper tools to help in your interview process. They are taking the time to help you, so the least you can do is be prepared and assist them in the preparation. A few days before the interview send out your resume as well as a list of sample questions.
• Prepare as if it were a real interview – review your answers to specific questions.
• Conduct the mock interview, but don’t forget to save time for feedback! Assess nervous habits, quality of answers, and the impression you left on the interviewers.

4. Prepare a list of questions

• Everyone who applies for a physical therapy residency is seeking something different in a program and has their own list of priorities. Although there is no one list that will cover everything you need to know for your interview, it is imperative you develop a set of questions that will extract the information you need to assess the program. Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
• Use the wants/needs list you outlined earlier to generate questions that must be answered during your visit.
• A typical list of questions should be general and specific. General questions would be those questions you would ask at every interview. Specific questions would be those that are program specific.
• Divide questions into those for appropriate personnel: Residency director, Clinic director, Current residents, Faculty, etc.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the specialty by formulating questions based on latest issues within the specialty, as well as advances in research.
• Although it should not be the main focus of your interview, lifestyle is also important to inquire about. Ask questions that give you a sense of the work environment, community, and culture. Are you going to be in an environment where you are able to succeed? Can you afford to live in that area?
• Don’t ask questions about information already on the residency program’s website. Instead start by talking about the website and ask a related question.

1. Scheduling

• Your physical therapy residency interview starts with your first phone call.
• Respond to programs ASAP.

2. Canceling

• Absolutely DO NOT no show or cancel the night before. Canceling should not be done less than a week away from interview date unless it is truly an emergency or you have accepted an offer from another program. This is a very small world and it will likely come back to haunt you at some point in the future.

3. Travel and Transportation

• Prepare for travel delays and complications. Early morning flights are the most likely to be on time and leave you alternatives if problems arise.
• Consider taking a carry-on only (or at least for your interview attire). No one likes to show up to interview day in casual clothes due to lost baggage.
• If you have the time, plan to stay an extra day to get a feel for the community and potential areas of residence. Could you see yourself being able to live here?

4. What to Wear

• A physical therapy residency interview is a JOB INTERVIEW. Failure to wear professional clothing might not cost you a placement, but it can distract the interviewer.
• Look the part. Have the appearance of a successful, mature clinician, not a physical therapy student.
• Men should wear – a suit.
• Women should wear – a suit.

5. What to Pack

• A suit.
• Bring casual, but nice clothing for any other events. Although these events may not be a part of the formal interview process, your appearance, mannerisms, communication, and interactions are still being assessed.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Bring an umbrella in case it rains; spot cleaner or an extra shirt in case you dirty your interview attire; mini sewing kit in case a seam rips.
• If not already provided to you within a couple days from the interview, ask for a schedule, what the day will be like, and who you will meet.
• A nice leather portfolio with the following contents:
  • Copies of resume/CV
  • List of questions
  • Business cards
  • Notepad and pen
  • Any other items or visual media that you may wish to elaborate on (ie. transcripts, research, presentations).
• Interview Prep materials to review the night before or morning of such as, resume/CV, program information, research, presentations, information about admissions committee members, etc.
• Directions and contact information. Believe it or not, not all areas have cell service, and not all cars have chargers. If you plan on renting a car, it couldn’t hurt to pack a GPS, paper map, and/or car charger.

1. If interviewing at several programs, you will eventually start forgetting what happened where. Immediately following each interview:

• Write down your impressions of the interview.
• Make a list of what you liked and didn’t like.

2. Finally, follow up with a note of thanks.

• Send to everyone you interviewed with.
• Make notes personal and use key points to remind the interviewer of your time with him/her. While you still remember the conversation, types up emails when waiting at the airport after the interview.
• Make sure you sound genuinely interested.
• Check and recheck for errors before you send.