Residency Zoom Interview Tips

Below are my favorite Zoom interview tips as someone who matched to their top choice in dermatology!

Participating in Zoom interviews can be quite intimidating, as it may seem challenging to make a lasting impression. Drawing from my experience as both an interviewer and an interviewee during residency interviews, here are some tips to help you excel on the day of your interview!

Tip #1 - Zoom Screen Configuration

After experimenting with various screen setups, I discovered the most effective one. Begin by selecting "Speaker View" to ensure that your interviewer(s) occupy the main area of your screen. Next, position yourself in the top center directly below your camera. This setup worked best for me as an applicant because I noticed that we often tend to focus on our own image during interviews. By aligning yourself directly under the camera, even if you glance at yourself, it will appear as if you are looking into the camera, creating the impression of good eye contact with the speaker.

Tip #2 - Stick with a plain neutral colored background

Choosing a background that doesn't draw too much attention to itself is crucial during interviews, as your surroundings can sometimes have unintended consequences. Interviewers might form opinions based on what they see behind you, potentially leading to misunderstandings. For instance, an applicant that appears to be sitting in an expensive, high-end apartment may be off-putting or appear pretentious when interviewing at a program that primarily serves an underserved community. Items like posters or sculptures in the background can reveal aspects of your personality, which may be positive or negative depending on the viewer. Just not worth the risk in my opinion. I also personally would avoid using a virtual backgrounds or blurring effects, as they can be distracting and imperfect on platforms like Zoom. To keep things simple, I opted for a plain neutrally painted wall as my background, which I think is the safest route.

Tip #3 - Position your camera

I utilized a computer stand, to elevate the camera to eye level. This, along with the Zoom setup in step 1, facilitates establishing eye contact with the interviewer.

Tip #4 - Maintain your focus

It has been surprising to observe how often applicants are inclined to use their phones in break rooms, during resident breakout sessions, and between interviews. Even if you are using your phone for note-taking purposes, it can be perceived as disinterested or distracted. It is best to keep your phone out of sight, at the very least. Personally, I chose to use pen and paper for jotting down notes during interviews. Perhaps it's my meticulous nature, but I devised a note template and printed a sheet for each program I interviewed with to organize my thoughts in one place. I also used this sheet while reviewing program details online the night before each interview, to prepare any remaining questions. Below is the template I utilized for dermatology programs, which can be adjusted to suit other specialties.

Dermatology Program Info Template.docx

Download DOCX • 14KB

Tip #5 - Have a good internet connection

If you have experienced unreliable internet connection in the past, now is the moment to address the issue. Contact your internet service provider, consider upgrading your internet speed, or try moving to a better location within your home. I also ensured that I had sufficient mobile data to use my phone as a hotspot if necessary. Whenever my internet began buffering, my immediate solution was to switch to my phone connection, which often proved to be the quickest fix. Make sure to have Zoom installed on your phone too, in case you need to switch devices during the interview.

Tip #6 - Join five minutes early

Make sure to join Zoom sessions at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. Technical problems like connection issues or sound glitches can occur, so arriving early gives you the opportunity to address any issues, such as restarting your computer if necessary.

Tip #7 - Smile!

While the Zoom environment may feel dull and monotonous, someone who confidently enters an interviewer's virtual room with a bright smile and enthusiasm will definitely make a lasting impression. It's not necessary to exaggerate or react excessively to jokes, but a well-timed smile or chuckle can make a significant impact.

Tip #8 - Lighting, lighting, lighting

I purchased a small ring light for my virtual interviews. The specific model I bought is no longer available, but you can find a very similar one here that offers cool, warm, and daylight settings. It's important to adjust the lighting to illuminate your face effectively while reducing shadows around you. I used a portable desk placed in a corner with the ring light positioned behind my camera. Natural light from a window in front or to the side can also be beneficial. Avoid sitting directly in front of a window.

Final Thoughts

Best of luck during the interview season! Don't hesitate to ask any additional questions you may have in the comments section below!

*This post contains affiliate links