The world of medical education has evolved rapidly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and one significant change has been the shift to virtual residency interviews. For medical students preparing for this critical phase in their career, the virtual interview process can be daunting, but with the right approach and preparation, you can shine just as brightly as you would in an in-person interview.

Find more about the continued guidance to utilize virtual interviews and 10 essential tips to help you succeed during Match 2025 below.

Why Virtual Interviews Are Here To Stay

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual residency interviews, and even as the world has returned to some sense of normalcy, this trend is likely here to stay. There are several reasons for this:

• Convenience: Virtual interviews eliminate the need for extensive travel, reducing stress and expenses for applicants.
• Equity and Inclusivity: Virtual interviews can level the playing field for candidates who may face financial or logistical challenges in attending in-person interviews.
• Efficiency: Program directors can interview a larger pool of candidates more efficiently through virtual platforms.
• Safety: Virtual interviews minimize the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, making them a safer option for both candidates and program directors.

Tips For A Successful Virtual Residency Interview

1. Prepare your virtual space:

• Select a quiet, well-lit room with a neutral background. (This is not the time for a coffee shop.)
• Ensure a stable internet connection, preferably through a wired connection.
• Test your camera and microphone in advance. Test your computer’s default microphone and earbuds to determine which is better.
• Ensure your lighting is good (don’t sit in front of a window or other glass); consider a ring light, if needed.
• Remove distractions, such as pets, clutter, or noisy appliances. (Pro tip: If you have a dog who tends to bark or require your attention, ask your partner or a friend to take Fluffy for a walk or a Pup Cup.)
• If you have roommates, parents, or a partner, ensure that they are aware of your interview time(s) and not to bother you.
• Be sure your device is fully charged and/or connected to a power source if possible.
• Turn off email, calendar, text notifications, etc. on your computer and phone. Mute your phone and smart watch and disable pop-ups to avoid distractions during the interview.

2. Dress professionally:

• Dress as you would for an in-person interview, in professional attire. That means tops and bottoms, even if you’re interviewing from your bedroom. You never know when you might need to stand up unexpectedly, and you don’t want your polished blazer undermined by basketball shorts or pajama pants.
• Avoid busy patterns or colors that may distract the interviewer.

3. Familiarize yourself with the platform:

• Get comfortable with the virtual platform in advance. Confirm that your browser is compatible with the platform. Test your audio, video, and screen sharing capabilities. Log in to each platform once in advance so you’re not downloading software last minute.
  • Test your system with Zoom here »
  • Test your system with WebEx here »
  • Microsoft Teams doesn’t have a test call feature from a web browser; however, you can download the free version of Microsoft Teams here » (You will be unable to see the “Test Video Call” feature, but you can set up a call with a friend or colleague to ensure all of your systems are working correctly.)
  • Test your system with Google Meet here »
  • Test your system with GoToMeeting here »
• Test your audio and video settings and know how to share your screen if necessary.

4. Be punctual and prepared:

• Double-check your interview time zone and convert it to your local time. Programs may list interview times in Eastern or Central Time, which can lead to confusion, especially during travel or Daylight Saving Time transitions.
• Log in to the interview platform 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Have your interview materials, such as your CV and any notes, ready on your computer or printed out.
• Have a notepad to jot any notes or questions as the interview progresses.
• Have a glass of water on your desk in case you need it.

5. Maintain good eye contact:

• Look into the camera when speaking, rather than at the interviewer’s image on the screen. This gives the impression of eye contact.
• To make it easier, consider placing a small sticky note or arrow next to your webcam to remind yourself where to look, especially during key points in your responses.

6. Be aware of your nonverbal communication:

• Pay attention to your body language and facial expressions, as they play a significant role in conveying your interest and professionalism.
• Sit up straight, use hand gestures judiciously, and smile when appropriate.
• Try to avoid habits like clicking a pen, tapping fingers, or swiveling in your chair; these can be distracting, even more so on camera.
• If you are on a Mac, consider turning off hand gesture reactions, as these can be distracting and may be on by default and work on all meeting platforms.

7. Answering questions:

• Prepare concise, well-structured responses to common interview questions.
• Avoid talking too fast and practice pausing to gather your thoughts. It’s okay and even encouraged to pause before answering so you can gather your thoughts. If you need a little extra time, you can repeat or rephrase the question to clarify and give yourself a moment to think.

8. Ask questions:

• Come prepared with thoughtful questions; not just to check a box, but to help you decide if the program aligns with your goals, values, and working style. Remember: this is a two-way street. Just as the program is assessing your fit, you’re evaluating whether this is the right place for you.
• Engage in a genuine conversation about your potential future in the program.
• Ask questions specific to your interviewer, such as their role in the program, what they enjoy most about working there, or how they’ve seen the program evolve. Getting to know your interviewer helps you better understand the institution’s culture and values from a personal perspective.
• Avoid overly generic or Googleable questions.
• Write down answers during the interview; this helps with follow-ups and ranking decisions later.

9. Technical contingency plan:

• If home setup fails (e.g., internet outage, power loss), identify a quiet backup location with reliable Wi-Fi (such as a local library, university space, or a friend’s apartment) before your interview day.
• Have a backup device or phone with the interview platform pre-installed ready and charged in case of technical issues.
• Ensure you have a reliable mobile hotspot or cellular data plan in case your Wi-Fi fails.
• Provide an alternative way to contact you in case you get disconnected.
• Keep the interview invite email or calendar link handy so you can quickly rejoin if needed.

10. After the Interview:

• Consider sending personalized thank-you emails to your interviewers after the interview. (Learn what to consider before sending a thank you note here). Keep them brief, sincere, and specific; mention something you discussed during the conversation or a detail about the program that resonated with you.
• Some programs ask you not to send thank-you notes or only to send them to the program coordinator or main contact. Always follow the instructions provided.
• Take a few minutes after each interview to jot down key takeaways, people you met, or how the program made you feel. These notes will be invaluable when building your rank list.

Ready To Interview?

By following these tips and staying well-prepared, you can ensure a successful virtual interview experience.

Remember, while the medium has changed, the fundamentals of a good interview remain the same: professionalism, preparation, and authentic engagement. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your passion for your chosen field and the interviewing program, and you’ll increase your chances of securing your dream residency position. Good luck!

More Tips For The 2025 Match Process

As doctors ourselves, we know the stress of The Match. That’s why we are committed to providing resources and guidance to help you through the process.

Find more tips, guides and information on our Match 2025 page.