What to Bring and Wear for the Resident Who is Interviewing for a Job

By Molly Ritsema, MD and Rob Melendez, MD

Essentials:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Accessories (Pens, Portfolios, etc.)
• Business Cards
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cell Phone
• Bring chargers to all electronic devices
• Rerecord your voicemail message

The Academy meeting is a time to reunite with colleagues, network and possibly interview for jobs. Therefore, put your best foot forward and dress the part especially if you are interviewing. Casual business attire is appropriate for dinners, but dress professionally during the meeting with business-oriented suits for women, both skirted suits and tailored pantsuits and a suit and tie for men. As usual in medicine, a conservative approach is most appropriate. Also, keep in mind that there is a good amount of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.

Bring a nice pen. This is important if you are interviewing to look professional.
Pearl: make sure you know how to use it… This sounds insulting, but if it is a pen that turns rather than clicks to use, and your interviewer sees use fumbling with a simple pen, it can raise an eyebrow. You need to be prepared to write down information very quickly at this meeting because you will meet people on the fly as your are scurrying off to make your next meeting.

Good breath. Mints that are small are usually best. I can recall during one of my interviews where I had Tic Tacs in my suit coat pocket. We were walking down some stairs and all we could hear were my Tic Tacs going Tac Tic…embarrassing. Do not chew gum.

Bag or brief case. You will receive a shoulder bag upon registering the first day. This comes in handy as you peruse the various vendors and pick up brochures and products. Bring a leather portfolio and place in your AAO bag. If you are interviewing, then ditch the bag for the interview (less is better). Carry the bag in your left hand otherwise it can get sweaty with your right hand. Additionally, you always want your right hand free to shake hands. This also goes for while you are having a drink.

Business Cards and CV. Remember to purchase a nice case holder to protect your business cards. When handing the card to prospective future partners, they should receive your card with your name upright. They should be able to see your name on the card as you hand it to them. Practice taking your card out and know where you keep it. You may run in to someone on the escalators on your way to a lecture or course. When you are receiving their card, take a moment to look at it before you put it away. If you have lined up interviews, it is helpful to print out information about your interviewers from their practice’s website to refresh your memory prior to meeting them. Bring extra CVs.

Cell Phone. Bring your cell phone charger. Turn your phone to vibrate during meetings and turn off during the interview. Take 2 slow deep breaths before the interview begins and be yourself. This interview is all about chemistry… that is how well you get along with others.

Voicemail message. Assure this is a recent and appropriate recording if it is listed on your business card and CV.

Finally, if you’ll be out exploring Atlanta, check the weather so you will know what to pack: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USGA0028?from=enhsearch_loc