Virtual residency interviews: Analysis of NRMP survey of residency Program Directors & applicants (2021 season)

In this blog we analyze result of the NRMP survey on virtual interviews from 2021 residency match from both Program Directors and match residency applicants. We also discuss how applicants can prepare better for virtual interviews
Most of the questions our team was getting from the applicants during the season revolved around
  • How do you prepare for a virtual residency interview?
  • What do you wear to a residency virtual interview?
  • How do you stand out in a virtual residency
  • How long are virtual residency interviews
We have addressed these in other blogs and our Youtube channel, but in this blog lets dig a bit deeper into the results of the survey

​With various process variations and addition of a new set of policies in USMLE Match due to COVID – 19, the applicants and residency programs as well have grown and learned to cope up with the changes.
 
Speaking of shift from in–person interview process to virtual interview process, the applicants and the programs as well have their own set of experiences and say. Meanwhile it is as well unclear whether the interview process will remain virtual itself. By the beginning of the 2020 summer, it became clear that in-person interviews were unlikely. Interviews were clearly the most disrupted part of the process. Looking at the pre pandemic interview structure, which were conversational interviews, the virtual form has definitely allowed a shift of the in person interviewing format, where incorporation of structured interviewing along with the addition of standardization to the interview process may reduce any bias during the virtual interview. 

Top issues that applicants identified :
Applicants have benefitted in terms of cost, time and convenience from the virtual interview, It was almost a tie between those who said due to virtual interviews they were interviewed by more programs vs. those who said it didn't matter For the residency applicants
  • Applicants did note difficulty in assessing the non – tangible aspects of programs, like, cultural alignment and etc.
  • Virtual interviews were challenging in terms of learning about the program curriculum, engaging comfortably in group settings and assessing programs commitment to diverse faculty and leaders. 

Top issues that programs felt :
For programs, this was uncharted territory for the first time, and some of the apparent disadvantages of virtual interview from the program's perspective could be:
  • Program directors did find it difficult identifying applicants to interview without use of traditional screening metrics.
  • For programs, the time invested to train the staff, how to use online meeting software, experiencing technical glitches during the interviews and needing to engage in more outreach to capture interested applicants, was a challenge indeed.
  • Assessment of applicants interests, clear cut evaluation of applicants interpersonal skills and determination of whether their program was showcased adequately or not, were a challenge for the Program directors.
  • Program directors did miss the opportunity to interact with the applicants in more than just one on one.

Advantages :
The advantage of virtual interviews for programs cannot be overlooked as well -
  • Reduction of in – person interviews lead to cost effectiveness
  • Improved the efficiency of interviews
  • Lead to the creation of new web – based resources for the program websites
  • Conducting interviews over web conferencing allows programs to expand the number and type of applicants
 
The applicants on the other side too have gained advantage of virtual interview process, in terms of -
  • The flexibility of interview scheduling improved, which further led to number of interviews per applicant
  • The capacity to attend more interviews increased
  • Applicants had the comfort of appearing in the interview from a place / location / environment of their choosing.

The learnings from the season:
These stopgap solutions may intensify existing problems with residency selection and lead to undesirable consequences. The use of virtual interviews has resulted in applicants participating in more interviews. Pre covid, the number of interviews an applicant attended was limited by time and travel expense, but these issues are less relevant with virtual interviews.
In all, the virtual interview process did not constrain the abilities of applicants and programs as well. The fluctuation of virtual experience did not create crucial changes in application and interview behaviors amongst the respondents.
While in-person interviews were limited to immediate faculty and their availability within their clinic schedules, academic time and vacation. Whereas virtual interviews are able to leverage a larger pool of interviewers with residency.

On the other side of the coin there are inherent differences among candidates in videoconferencing capabilities. Internet access and speeds, web conferencing technology, background setting appearance, and uncontrollable distractions are just a few of the ways in which candidates could unfairly be judged in the virtual interview process. Not all candidates can manage reliable, high speed internet, video conferencing tools, and a perfectly lit room absent of distractions.

How can residency applicants prepare for virtual interviews?
Virtual interviews are both convenient and affordable. In addition to saving money, virtual interviews are less of a time commitment. Individuals no longer need to travel across the borders or internationally to argue their candidacy. All they need to do is log in. This can be convenient for  those who are still in medical school or working. It is also a plus for applicants who identify as international medical graduates. To overcome the gaps of virtual residency interviews the best way to do so is to prepare. Here are few tips of how can the applicants prepare well for the virtual interviews:
  • Focus on the interview details - Prepare a list of information regarding the interview. This will help in tailoring your responses and expectations for the interview. Find out who is interviewing, how many people will be present in the interview panel, what type of interview structure will be followed, and how long it is going to be. Knowing these details in advance will not give you surprises that can arise during the interview process.
  • Practice Mock residency Interview - Practice and record answering interview questions.  Consider seeking help from a friend or family member. Following this mock interview, review the recording and ask for feedback from your friend or family member. The recording and feedback can be useful in analyzing strengths and weaknesses, which will help in future preparation. You can check our interview preparation help as well
  • Test Out Your Technology - Before the interview, make sure you are comfortable with the device you are using. Test your network connection, microphone and speakers. Check your camera to make sure there is enough lighting in the room where you are interviewing. 
  • Schedule residency Interviews thoughtfully - Because you don’t have to travel for your interview, you may be tempted to schedule multiple interviews in a week or even a day. Scheduling too many interviews at once may lead burnout and affect your energy and efficiency to answer questions. Stick to one or two interviews a week and prepare for each one with care.

And for how long the applicants and programs will have to adhere to the virtual process is unpredictable as yet. The only way to crack this is to get well acquainted with the virtual process and prepare well for the residency interview.