Quick Tips for Virtual Interviews
Presented by Elizabeth Lamos, MDAssistant Dean Office of Student Affairs
Prep-Work
• Review the program website
• Google Maps
• Review your CV and all your experiences
• Ask your mentors what your strengths are, your best skills?
• Make a list of meaningful experiences that demonstrate your best attributes or skills
Format
• Live Virtual Interview
• Asynchronous Virtual Interview
Timeline/Agenda of the Interview Day
• Number of interviews
• Length of interviewers
• Platform for interview: MS Teams, WebX, Zoom, Skype
Date Time Agenda Link
Monday
July 20, 2020
6:30PM-7:30PM Virtual Gathering Go to:Add Link #1
Tuesday
July 21, 2020
6:45AM-7:00AM Interview Check-In Go to:Add Link #2
7:00AM-7:55AM Welcome, Virtual Tour & Program
Overview with Program Director
8:05AM-8:25AM Interview #1 Christina L. Koch, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineAssociate Program DirectorInternal Medicine Residency Program
Go to:Add Personal Link –Dr. Koch
8:30AM-8:45AM Social Breakout Room with
Fellows
Return to:Add Link #2
8:45AM-8:55AM Break
8:55AM-9:05AM Interview Check-In Return to:Add Link #2
9:05AM-9:30AM Social Breakout Room with
Fellows
9:30AM-9:45AM Interview #2 Kathryn N. Silva, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineAssociate Program DirectorInternal Medicine Residency Program
Go to:Add Personal Link –Dr. Silva
9:45AM-9:55AM Break
9:55AM-10:15AM Q&A Return to:Add Link #2
10:55AM-10:20AM Farewell with Program Director
12:00PM-1:00PM Conference Go to:Add Conference Link
Date Time Agenda Link
Monday
July 20, 2020
6:30PM-7:30PM Virtual Gathering Go to:Add Link #1
Tuesday
July 21, 2020
6:45AM-7:00AM Interview Check-In Go to:Add Link #2
7:00AM-7:55AM Welcome, Virtual Tour & Program
Overview with Program Director
8:05AM-8:25AM Social Breakout Room with
Fellows
8:30AM-8:45AM Interview #1 Bernadette C. Siaton, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineAssociate Program DirectorInternal Medicine Residency Program
Go to:Add Personal Link –Dr. Siaton
8:45AM-8:55AM Break
8:55AM-9:05AM Interview Check-In Return to:Add Link #2
9:05AM-9:30AM Interview #2 Danielle Y. Baek, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineAssociate Program DirectorInternal Medicine Residency Program
Go to:Add Personal Link –Dr. Baek
9:30AM-9:45AM Social Breakout Room with
Fellows
Return to:Add Link #2
9:45AM-9:55AM Break
9:55AM-10:15AM Q&A Return to:Add Link #2
10:55AM-10:20AM Farewell with Program Director
12:00PM-1:00PM Conference Go to:Add Conference Link
Applicant A Applicant B
Sample Applicant Agenda
Expectations of a program
• Information before the interview:
– Requested software
– Timeline, etc
• Backup phone number if there is a glitch
• Virtual time with the residents
– Testimonials or resident bios
Organizational Tips
• Set Up
– Well-lit room
– Background
– Webcam and Audio working
– Great internet access
– Familiarity with MS Teams, WebX, Zoom, Skype
– Zoom Back Grounds: https://www.umaryland.edu/cpa/branding/zoom-backgrounds/
Environment
• Dress the part
– Scrubs? Suit? White Coat?
– Virtual identity
Do NOT DO THIS!
Body Language
• Avoid looking at yourself
• Use a stationary chair
• Go with your power pose
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are/up-next?language=en
Interview
• Be detailed
• Do not violate HIPPA
• Do not negatively disparage a colleague, patient, or other department
• Prepare for behavioral questions versus situational questions
Interview Questions?
1. How are you feeling?
2. How are you handling your school-life balance?
3. Have you learned any new skills in the past couple of months?
4. What’s your school-from-home (virtual) set-up like?
5. Do you have any questions for us?
Do you have any questions for us?????
• Ask questions about training, daily tasks and communication methods.• Ask what they are looking for in a residency class?• Who you would report to or who you can ask for help when you need it?
Or if there was a COVID concern?• In light of social distancing and remote work, what tools or practices have
been implemented to continue communication and collaboration to support patient care or research?
• I could imagine that being adaptable and flexible are a few traits that are even more essential right now. What other qualities have become even more vital in a new resident since this pandemic?
• I know things are quite uncertain right now but as we continue to navigate this time, what are the residency’s top priorities and plans for the next few months?
Resource Links
• Preparation Guide for Applicants Participating in Virtual Interviews
• Prep for Success in your Virtual Interview webinar
• Balanced Power Pose: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en
• Zoom Back Grounds: https://www.umaryland.edu/cpa/branding/zoom-backgrounds/