How Positive Body Language can help you in USMLE Residency Interviews

Since season 2021 will have virtual interviews, some aspects of this blog may not be relevant
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Now that you have started preparing for the residency interviews,  you should be aware that what stands out between two candidates, other aspects being similar, is how you present  yourself and the responses. That’s right,  your body language!. As a matter of fact, a poor body language with great answers won’t mean much.

A recent study of interview applicants showed that communication is 7% what you say, 38% is how you say it the rest 55% is your body language.

We specially discuss the right body language for a USMLE residency interview focused on IMGs and how your body language can say more than the words you’re actually saying. For example, the key is balancing and knowing how and when to sit, when it is appropriate and when it is not appropriate to hold eye contact and for how long to hold eye contact,

So here are some tips

Before you walk into the Interview room
  1. Greet everyone with a warm and genuine smile on your face, please don’t overdo it.
  2. Handshakes should not be sloppy.
  3. Sound interested with everyone.
  4. Walk with confidence.
  5. Have good posture while standing and sitting. The program coordinator may be observing you quietly.
  6. When you sit down and if you have brought a bad or briefcase keep it down on the floor and not on the table.

When you walk into the Interview room
  1. Knock, request permission and enter with a smile on your face, don’t exaggerate it, practice on the mirror and make it look natural with you.  
  2. Introduce yourself immediately upon entering- this is essentially important when large applicant pools are being interviewed for the day.
  3. We all know that first impression is the last impression and a handshake with the interviewer is the first impression. Your handshake should not be a bone crushing one neither should it limp. Maintain eye contact when you shake your hands.

Posturing and Sitting Style
  1. No slouching, under any cost, keep your back straight sit, lean forward if it’s hard to hear the question. Do not sit completely at the back of the chair as this signifies a lack of interest.  
  2. Avoid placing your arms crossed, - body language experts suggest this shows a defensive approach, if you have your folder along, it is best to keep it on the floor and not in your laps.
  3. Do not fidget or shake your legs, chew your nails or rub your knuckles, this all send very wrong signals of nervousness, and some interviewers get really impatient by this behavior.
  4. Hand gestures are welcomes as they signify confidence but limit them and don’t overdo it that they distract what your trying to convey.

Eye contact
  1. One of the most essential things about an interview is to maintain eye contact, and please don’t stare into the interview’s eyes, that is offensive.
  2. Eye contact should be on and off. It should be subtle and on and off depending on the question, and that way it will relay a positive confidence
  3. Lack of eye contact shows lack of trust.

Calmness and voice
  1. Your voice should be calm and composed.
  2. If you disagree, disagree in a very subtle and quiet manner. 
  3. Be very composed, take pauses when you talk and if possible speak slowly this imparts confidence. Fast talkers may not relay the message correctly or may sound over confident.
  4. Never use any form of slang. Use simple English to convey your message.

The art of closure
  1. Always smile when the interview gets over, pick your file/bag calmly, rise smoothly and nod your head, shake hand with the interviewer, this relays confidence
  2. Don’t start analyzing how the interview went, its over!! Smile and don’t be too eager to leave either. Wait for the signs that suggest that the interview is done.

Walking during the Hospital tour

Walk with a slow pace unless required to walk faster, keep calm and maintain a professional etiquette at all times.

Final tip:  You may run into an interviewer who sounds totally disinterested in you and his body signals may suggest he really isn’t interested in interviewing you. Regardless of the situation it is advisable that you always maintain a positive body language as we discussed above.


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