Navigating the Residency Application Process: Preparing for Both Virtual and In-Person Residency Interviews

The interview plays a pivotal role in resident selection from both applicant and program perspectives. We advise applicants to begin with self-reflection, aligning personal goals with program characteristics, and preparing for different interview scenarios. Mock interviews are an essential component of practice and confidence building for both virtual and in-person formats. Professionalism is important in both attire and demeanor, along with etiquette for pre-interview socials and interactions with program staff. For virtual interviewsVirtual interviews specifically, we recommend creating a professional, distraction-free environment, conducting technology trials, and optimizing the online interview setup. Post-interview, applicants are advised to send thank-you notes, use personal networks to gain additional program insights, and consider second looks for a better understanding of the program. Overall, thoughtful preparation can significantly enhance an applicant’s performance during the interview process.