Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Interview Tips Based on Personal Experience

It’s interview season for the hematology/oncology fellowship match. After ERAS submission, many applicants feel a mix of relief and anticipation, but they now face one of the toughest parts of the application season — the waiting period. Applicants may feel stressed after hearing that coresidents who also applied to hematology/oncology or other subspecialties are receiving interviews. Remember that every applicant’s journey is different, and one strong interview can make a difference.

Fellowship subspecialties and individual hematology/oncology programs operate on different interview timelines. Do not compare your interview invitations with those of other applicants, including those applying to different specialties. Every program evaluates candidates differently. Not receiving an invitation from one program does not mean you are not a strong overall applicant. It may simply mean you are not the best fit for that program at this time.  

Interview day offers an opportunity to showcase yourself, your qualifications, and your professional interests. Equally important, it allows you to evaluate whether the program aligns with your professional goals. Based on my own experience, here are some practical tips for navigating interview season.

Before Interview Day

Research each program and your interviewers carefully. Review the program’s mission, clinical and research structure, call schedule, educational philosophy, and recent faculty publications. Look at the website to identify potential faculty mentors or others you would like to work with if you join the program. 

Know your application inside and out. Everything on your CV is fair game. Be prepared to discuss your research role, methods, findings, and personal takeaways. Have a clear story ready for the project you are most proud of, including what you learned and its impact. Practice explaining your work concisely so that both research-oriented and clinically focused interviewers can follow easily.

Below are common interview questions to practice answering:

• “Tell me about yourself.” Aim for a polished 60- to 90-second response covering your background and key experiences.
• “Why hematology/oncology?”
• “Why our program?”
• “What are your long-term career goals?”
• “Tell me about a research experience you are most proud of and why.”
• “What else are you proud of?”
• “Do you have any hobbies? How do you recharge?”

Take advantage of mock interviews. The American Society of Clinical Oncology offers free mock interviews through the ASCO Career Center. Take advantage of any mock interviews available through your institution and incorporate the feedback. Practice with friends, family, or peers. 

For virtual interviews, set up a quiet, well-lit space with a simple, professional but personalized background. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection in advance. Keep the visual environment clean so the focus stays on you rather than on distractions.

During the Interview

Be genuine, humble, and professional. Programs look for candidates who balance confidence with humility and will be good colleagues. First impressions matter.

Treat everyone you encounter — coordinators, current fellows, other applicants, and faculty — with respect. These individuals frequently share their feedback with the selection committee.

Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Prepare thoughtful, program-specific questions about clinical training, research opportunities, mentorship, wellness, career development, and life in the city. Avoid asking questions that the website can easily answer. Seek information that will help you decide whether the program is the right fit for you.

Be ready to discuss your long-term goals, even if they are still evolving. Interviewers understand that many applicants are still refining their career direction. What matters is that you demonstrate thoughtful reflection and genuine interest in the field. 

After the Interview

Reflect on what you learned about the program while details are fresh. Note what excited you, what concerned you, and how the culture and training environment felt. These observations will be valuable when ranking programs later. It’s helpful to keep a running rank list and update it after each interview. 

Final Thoughts

Focus on presenting the best, most authentic version of yourself on each interview day. After every interview, take a few minutes to note what went well and what you want to refine for the next one. 

The season can feel long, so stay connected with friends and family, and make time for hobbies and activities that recharge you. Give yourself grace along the way.

You already put in the hard work to reach this stage. Trust your preparation, stay grounded, and remember that the right program is looking for the right fit just as much as you are. You’ve got this!