Most Applicants See Interviews as a Test... & That's The Problem!

Hey there,

I’m thrilled to be sharing this with you because it’s a game-changing insight I wish more candidates knew before stepping into their interviews.

Most applicants approach residency interviews like a test—a pass/fail, high-stakes evaluation.

But here’s the twist: what if you treated it like a collaboration?

This isn’t “you vs. them.”

It’s about creating a sense of “both of us going through this together.”

Programs don’t want you to fail—they want you to shine. Why? Because choosing the right candidate saves them time, resources, and ensures they’re bringing in someone who truly fits their culture and values.

This approach will take you from “another candidate” to “the candidate who belongs.” If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to “sell yourself” in interviews, this mindset shift will make it feel natural and authentic.

Why This Mindset Shift is Powerful!

Residency programs aren’t just looking for qualifications on paper; they’re assessing how you fit into their team. They’re evaluating how you communicate, connect, and collaborate.

When you shift your mindset from “I’m being tested” to “I’m building a relationship,” you send a message that you’re not just here to impress—you’re here to contribute and build something together.

And when you walk in with this attitude?

You’ll stand out.

Here’s What to Focus on Until Then:

Think about your past experiences. Ask yourself:

• How did you collaborate with others to overcome a challenging case or situation?

• What unique perspective or skill do you bring to a team that others might overlook?

• If you were already part of this residency program, how would you contribute?

These questions will start reshaping how you view yourself in the interview room—as a future colleague, not just an applicant.

Why This Approach Works

When you position yourself as someone who’s here to add value and build relationships, interviewers see you differently.

You’re no longer just another CV or a score; you’re someone who enhances their team dynamic.

Tomorrow, I’ll dive into specific strategies to make this mindset shift stick. We’ll cover:

1. How to answer questions that show you’re a collaborative thinker.

2. Examples of ways to showcase teamwork without sounding scripted.

3. How to turn interview nerves into a connection-building moment.

Thank you for taking this journey seriously—it’s this kind of preparation that separates memorable candidates from the rest.

See you in the next email,

Dr. Manik Madaan

My Socials: https://beacons.ai/manikmadaan

P.S. Don’t miss tomorrow’s email; it’s packed with actionable steps that will bring this mindset shift to life.