As interview season approaches, and as regular reader of The White Coat Investor, I found an article that aptly applies to staying focused on your goals and character. Titled, “How to Write an Investing Personal Statement,” it discusses having written goals and a plan to follow those goals. While having goals may seem odd for interview season, by making some tweaks it can be more than applicable. For instance, an interview is a tough and stressful time that has a big impact on your future. There are plenty of opportunities to stray from who you are either unintentionally or intentionally in order to impress an interviewer. The same way you may be tempted to make irrational or regrettable decisions in the financial markets, you may also be tempted to make these same decisions on the interview trail. In an attempt to try and stay true to your character and positive traits, as well as your goals (i.e. match), I am suggesting the creation of an “Interview Trail Personal Statement.”
So, what is an “interview trail personal statement,” and what does is contain? At its core, an interview trail personal statement is a list of goals or qualities you intend to adhere by during interview season. They can be as simple as, “I will always be honest,” or more complex such as, “I’ll do a financial cost/benefit analysis of every program I rank.” They can also be either abstract or specific. It does not have to be complicated, long, or rigid. You can make it dynamic, but in the end make it your own.
The beauty of creating an interview trail personal statement is that when you encounter a tough situation, it can give you something to fall back on as reference. In other words, “I created this thing, so I need to follow it.” Although it may seem pointless at first, you’ll be surprised how it can influence your decisions in the long run. Below is my interview trail personal statement as an example.
AccessOMFS Interview Trail Personal Statement
- I will be honest in all my interactions with interviewers and fellow applicants
- I will not speak poorly of other programs or applicants
- I will be humble in all of my interactions
- I will make an active attempt to interact with all other applicants
- I will treat every interview as if it is my only one
Short, and sweet. If anyone has any good statements to add, please share them below, and good luck to everyone interviewing this season!