RESIDENCY ZOOM INTERVIEW TIPS

Congrats!! You made it interview season!!

This will be such an exciting yet nerve wracking time! Here are my tips that I found helpful for residency interview season with virtual interviews.

1. Tech & Setup

• Make sure internet is working well

• Test your camera for clarity

• Make sure your audio is working

• A mock zoom call works well to test everything

• Make sure the app is updated

• Having a window infront makes the lighting good

• Having the program coordinators number is helpful in case of any issues on interview day

  
  

2. Interview Environment

• Background: Use a tidy, neutral space—blank wall, bookshelf, or diploma in the background is fine. Avoid beds or clutter.

• Noise: Use a quiet room. Turn off phone notifications, email dings, or anything that could pop up on your screen to distract or make noise

  
  

3. Dress Code

• Men: Dress shirt + tie + jacket. Solid colors work best

• Women: Blazer or blouse with subtle patterns, I liked a white shirt and black blazer

  
  

4. Body Language on Zoom

• Look into the camera for eye contact

• Sit upright in a stationary chair, hands visible occasionally to appear more natural.

• Smile when appropriate, nod to show engagement

  
  

5. Know Your Application Inside-Out

• Be ready to talk in detail about your CV, personal statement, extracurricular activities, research, any gaps, red flags, or unique experiences.

• What you learned from each activity connect it back to your specialty and the program

  
  

6. Tailored Responses

Use specific examples in your answers:

• “Tell me about yourself” → Brief background, why medicine, why your specialty, and what you're looking for in a program

• “Why our program?” → Reference something unique from their website, a specific rotation, or a faculty member’s work

• “What’s your biggest weakness?” → Use a real one (e.g., “taking on too much”), then show growth and strategies you use now

  
  

7. Questions to Ask Them

• Ask thoughtful questions that show you've researched the program

• Examples: “Can you tell me about resident involvement in quality improvement projects?”, “How has the program adapted based on resident feedback?”, “What support do residents receive for board prep or research?”

• Avoid asking things clearly stated on their website.

8. Day-of Interview Tips

• Have water nearby, pen/paper for notes.

• Log on at least 10 minutes early

  
  

9. Thank-You Notes

• Send individual thank-you emails within 24 hours unless specifically mentioned not to

• Personalize each one: reference something discussed, show appreciation for their time, express continued interest

  
  

Bonus Tips:

Practice Like It’s Real

• Schedule mock interviews at the same time as your actual interviews.

• Practice speaking with a smile—it comes through on camera.

• Record and watch yourself to check pacing, filler words, and awkward gestures.