Adam E. Gregg, PharmD, BCPS Clinical Education and Development Coordinator, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency...

Standing Out for the Right ReasonsStrategies and Secrets for Success in the Hunt for Residency and Post-Graduate Employment

Adam E. Gregg, PharmD, BCPSClinical Education and Development Coordinator, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Deanna L. McDanel, PharmD, BCPS, BCACPClinical Pharmacy Specialist, PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency Program Director, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IowaClinical Associate Professor, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy August

2015

Learning Objectives

Identify common pitfalls or mistakes that residency applicants frequently make in the application and interview process

Describe strategies that a candidate can use to maximize positive impact during the interview process

Formulate substantive responses to interview questions

Time for Some…

Before Your Fourth Year

Be a Resident in Student’s Clothes

Cultivate your experience• Focus on depth, not breadth

Position yourself to be a well-rounded residency candidate

Select a rigorous slate of practice experiences

Pursue projects that are similar in focus and substance to what a resident may complete

The Time to Brag with a Pinch of Humility

You Are Your Curriculum Vitae

Keep it clear and concise Vet inclusions with a critical eye• Time test: Focus on the most recent and applicable to your

current role/position• Rigor test: Does this reflect a depth of involvement or

effort?• Avoid “padding” or inflation• Highlight what is unique to you (i.e. scholarship, teaching,

research, leadership, service) REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW Update frequently

Exploring Your Options

Showcases and Fairs

Budget your time and set realistic goals• You can’t see or talk to everyone

Formulate educated questions Be cognizant of your environment• Avoid monopolizing or lurking• Look for the “in” and transition opportunities

Use the tag team strategy wisely Employ (stealth) flattery: ask individuals about

themselves

Hold Up the Mirror

Know Who You Are

Articulate your goals• Include both professional and personal goals• Get in the driver’s seat

Identify your learning preferences Embrace your failures (as long as you learned from

the experience) Assure that your social media “you” aligns

On Your Behalf

Choose Your References Shrewdly

Identify individuals that can illustrate your assets and unique qualities that will predict success in your future position

The “1-1-1” strategy may not fit all Prom queens and quarterbacks aren’t always the

best references Be courteous: ask your references before you list

them

Casting Your Net

Applying for Positions

Go back to what YOU want and what YOUR goals are Pros and cons assessment Don’t limit the number, but be REALISTIC

Letter of Intent:• Explain yourself AND why you would be a good match for

the program• PERSONALIZE it to the program• Don’t be modest, but NO life story• Be mindful of the reader

Preparation is the Key to Success

Before the Interview Do your homework (again) Follow directions and eliminate “surprises”• Know and anticipate what‘s expected of you during each

component of the interview• Don’t bring unannounced guests

Act like a boy scout: be prepared• Vet out how to get to interview site ahead of time• Have contact information readily available• Pack essentials in your carry-on if flying

Assemble a portfolio Review your CV… AGAIN

During the Interview

Project Success

Convey nonverbal confidence• Craft an assured handshake • Be aware of your body language• Engage in active listening

Appropriate and polished appearance: clean, fresh, and just to the left of conservative

Anticipate and plan for commonly encountered interview questions

Don’t read from the script or regurgitate a canned answer ALWAYS have questions to ask! Examples of WHAT NOT TO DO!

Commonly Encountered Interview Questions

General Domains

Self-Assessment• Strengths• Areas for development

Direction• Why do you want this position?• Goals: What is your (XX) year plan?

Practice Philosophy Professional Knowledge• Practice application▪ If it’s on your CV, it’s fair game!

• “Hot Topics” impacting the profession

Be Prepared

Behavioral Interviewing Behavioral Interviewing is becoming increasingly

more common:

“Give me an example of…”• Conflict resolution• Problem solving/creativity• Teamwork/cooperation• Initiative• Handling failure• Leadership• Time management

Easy Way to Impress

Ask Questions

ALWAYS have questions to ask! Examples:• What constitutes a typical day?

• Relationship between pharmacists and other healthcare providers?

• What qualities are you seeking in a candidate?

• Examples of projects past residents have done?

• Where are your past pharmacists/residents?

• How much time will the preceptors spend with me?

• What is your goal for the residents when they leave your institution?

• Why should I choose your position/program over other positions/programs?

• How do you provide feedback?

You’re Always on Stage

The “Quiet” Moments Count

Interactions with support staff and personnel Interactions with other applicants Dining out• You’re more than a pharmacist: let it show• Engage and perpetuate (but do not monopolize)

conversation• Follow the general lead of your dinner host(s) on food

selection and alcohol

Wrapping Up and Sealing the Deal

Post-Interview Follow-Up

Express gratitude in a personal and meaningful way• Avoid the “bulk mail” approach

Affirm interest in the position

Be honest and transparent without being desperate

Thank you for your time and attention

Adam Gregg, PharmD, BCPS aegregg@gundersenhealth.org

Deanna McDanel, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP deanna-mcdanel@uiowa.edu

Proud to be Your Brothers!