Behavioral Residency Interview Questions
Go Back1. Talk about a time when you had to adapt to major change. How did you cope and why do you think being adaptable to change is important as a medical resident?
2. Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you get back up again with a positive attitude?
3. Talk about a time when you made a good impression on a new patient, customer or coworker. Why was it important to do so?
4. How do you handle working under very close supervision?
5. Talk about a time when you were unable to meet a deadline. How did you react and what steps did you take to ensure this was communicated?
6. How do you handle working with little to no supervision?
7. Tell us about a time when you were dissatisfied with the quality or outcome of your work. What did you do to rectify the situation?
8. Which statement sounds more like you: 'I hate to lose' or 'I love to win'? Give an example of a time you proved this.
9. Talk about a time when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem.
10. Tell me about the most competitive work situation you have experienced. How did you handle it, and what was the result?
11. Tell me about a time when you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative. How do you think this experience will benefit you in your residency?
12. When have you had to make a split second decision? How do you react under unexpected pressure?
13. Talk about a time when you had to learn something new within a short deadline. How will this experience help you as a new resident?
14. Tell me about a time when you worked with a person who did things very differently than you. How did you collaborate effectively?
15. Do you have experience working long hours? How would you motivate yourself during long stretches of shifts and call time that will be required during your training?
16. What would you say is the riskiest decision you have made in your educational path so far?
17. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
18. What was the most difficult decision you have had to make up to this point in your career path?
19. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative by taking the lead on a team project.
20. Describe a time when you showed initiative at work.
21. Talk about a time when you successfully educated someone on a complex topic. What was key for you to focus on to ensure the information was understood?
22. How will you successfully interact with some of the difficult physicians and ancillary staff in our program as a resident?
23. How would you build a relationship with someone who intimidates you?
24. Talk about a time you had to work with a new technology. What did you do to ensure proficiency as quickly as possible?
25. Have you ever worked in a situation where the policies and guidelines were not clear? How did you cope in that situation?
26. Tell me about a time you wish you had handled a workplace situation differently.
27. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
28. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed.
29. Have you ever had to work with an angry patient or family member during your medical training? How did you successfully manage that situation?
30. Have you ever had a situation where you felt you could have communicated better?