There are going to be a lot of changes to residency interviews this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Most programs will only have online and virtual interviews this upcoming interview season. Here’s a link for some of the changes specific to orthopedic residency programs this year. AOA Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) Letter to Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs May 27, 2020 .  I am sure this is causing a lot of questions for medical students around the country. Here are a few tips to help you through the interview process this year. 

1. Your Professional Screen Name

So let’s start simple with this. This first tip is something that sounds so basic but it can easily be overlooked. Along with that, the consequences can be so dire that it could absolutely tank your interview from the very start.  So we all most likely have accounts with the different services that will be used for interviews (Zoom, Skype, etc). One of the most important things you can do is make sure that your screen name is appropriate. If you start the call and the first thing that pops across the screen is MindlessPuppet87, RidingDirty92, or GrindingHard4Lyfe…. You might as well go ahead and hang up. You just totally wrecked your chances without even saying a word. All from a screen name you might have made back in high school.  So be sure that your screen name is appropriate for a professional meeting. I would even suggest making a new account just for interviews. The screen name could simply be your name. Simplicity is best sometimes.

2. Be sure you have good equipment

Video interviews are going to be a big change for everybody. I am waiting to hear about programs having bad connections during interviews and having to cancel because of technical difficulties. That’s neither here nor there for this article. I am here to help you all. So tip #2 is another big one. Make sure you have good equipment to have a clear high quality video interview. So whether you’re using a laptop or desktop, make sure you have a good internet connection. To be sure your connection is the best possible, you should use an ethernet cord to hardwire the connection. Hopefully this helps lessen the chance of dropped calls and connection issues. Another given is make sure you have a good camera and good microphone.  Would probably be a good idea to use some of the savings you would have spent on travel and buy some high grade equipment for the interview season.

3. Control your environment

Don’t get too comfortable just because you’re at home. Make sure you look professional just as you would if you were going to the program. I will not get into that too much just because it’s part of basic interview skills. Something that is unique to this new interview situation is to make sure your environment is appropriate for an interview. This means being in a quiet and well lit area during the interview. Key words are “well lit”. Nobody wants to interview you when you’re in your after hours dark caveman (cavewoman) suite.

 The dogs, cats, and tiger cubs should be put away during this time to make sure that there are minimal distractions during your interview. Parents and siblings should also be aware that you are interviewing and need silence during this time. The less distractions the better. 

Also check your background and make sure it’s nothing that you don’t want in the picture with you. You could also use your background as a way to show some of your interests and affiliations if used right. There will be only so much of your personality that you can get across with these video interviews, but sudden hints in the background could be an easy way to let your personality shine through. You may also be able to lead the conversation in your way if you’ve carefully picked your background items. This can also be something that can make people remember you if done right.

no

yes

But remember being professional is key. 

maybe clean up?

4. Smile

Completely underrated and sometimes forgotten, but an easy way to make a great first impression is to greet someone with a smile. Not one of those fake smiles that you made when your parents made you upset but forced you to smile anyways, but a genuine smile. Also, if using skype, smile in your profile photo. Use your professional headshot. And to re-iterate, don’t forget to have good lighting.

Probably not the most genuine smile here…

5. Know yourself

Make sure you take the time to practice your entire setup before your first actual interview. You should have a mentor or friend log on with you on one of the video apps and have a mock interview. This may help you avoid some of the nervousness and anxiety that may come with this new format. I am not sure does this format help those with social anxiety or make things worse. But practice is sure to be a major benefit and multiple ways

And as always, be sure to know your CV cold. With less interaction with these interviews, the CV may end up being even more important. Know yourself, know the program your interviewing with, and put your best foot forward. You all will do great. This interview season will probably be a story that you will always tell your medical colleagues about years from now.  The COVID Class ‘21. Good luck gang.

 If this helped you, please share this post! Also, if you haven’t, check out our orthopaedic surgery podcast : Nailed It Ortho !

Written by: Jamal Fitts, MD and Wendell Cole, MD

We have no disclosures.

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