Glasses or Contacts?

When going to all these interviews I think everyone gives thought to
their appearance. Although we have all chosen a profession in which
physical appearance means little, I think it is still large part of our
society and therefore plays a role. I think many of you may have seen
that episode of 20/20 some years back that conducted a study using
"good looking" and "average looking" job applicants going on interviews
and seeing how they fared. As no surprise the "good looking" applicants
fared better even with less experience or fewer credentials. I think
when we all prepare for our interviews we take those beliefs in to
account.


I know for me a question was do I wear my glasses to the interview
or pop in my rarely used contacts? Do I want to embrace my intellectual
side by wearing my glasses or do I want to portray a sense or "perfect
genetics" with my 20/20 vision? After doing many interviews I am still
really undecided although I know that I pondered the question longer
than I needed too because it really probable doesn't matter.


A bigger part my be what you decide to wear. Yeah suits is a given
but what colors? Do you dare try and pull off colors like pastels or
stick with the tried and true black and white? I think most of the guys
try and add some color to their suits, maybe because we hope it will
leave a small but distinct impression when faulty think back about us.
For the women I think there is always the question of how feminine
should you dress. Do you go safe and wear suit pants or do you pull out
the business skirt/ dress? Also I think deciding what to wear to the
dinner functions deserves some though, although most probably don't
give it any attention until you start packing for your interview. I
think most people opt to dress casual but in good taste (polo), of
course some will bring out the latest in fashion trends to gathering.
Really just don't dress like a slob and try not to go overboard and
blow everyone away with you knowledge of fashion.


While on the topic of dinner functions, I want to know why some
programs don't do them. Seems like it's the least they could do
especially for those traveling far and staying overnight. If is a money
issue than I guess there is little they can do but if that's not the
case then what gives? I know programs who do have them say it is a
chance to ask questions with out the pressure of a formal interviews
and faculty but I think mostly it's a chance to relax, catch up with
those you know on the trail and get some free food. There have been a
few places I have been where I did get some good information about the
program but really I think it is also a good chance to see if you get
along with the residents there. Given that most programs have residents
that hang out outside of the hospital this could play a big part in
your view of the program.


Not sure if any programs in Urology make you pay for your dinner
the night before but talking to other students (Ortho) it does happen.
That would take a lot of the fun out of the whole thing for many
reasons, especially considering other specialties (ER, Family Med, IM)
actually pay for hotel rooms for their applicants! Why not us? I know
people will say it is because Uro is so competitive programs don't have
too but maybe in the future some programs may use this as a way to get
applicants to interview that otherwise may not.