Preparing for Plastic Surgery Residency Interviews in a Virtual Era.

The global impact of COVID-19 has created unprecedented circumstances for residency recruitment approaching the 2020–2021 application cycle. Both the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons have recommended the cessation of in-person interviews for medical students.[1,2] Determining fit between applicants and programs is a crucial component of resident selection and rests heavily on the interpersonal interactions of interviews.[3-5] Appropriate preparation for interview experiences will allow applicants and programs to best showcase themselves virtually. The following communication outlines specific considerations to help applicants and training programs prepare for this new paradigm of virtual interviews (Table 1).

Table 1.

Applicant Checklist to Ensure Success during Virtual Interviews

Digital logistics

Double-check the meeting date and correct time zone

Obtain meeting password, if applicable

Obtain call-in number as a backup

Confirm whether or not screen sharing is allowed

Setting up

Download the desktop version of the videoconferencing software being used

Download the videoconferencing software to other devices as backup

Place information behind monitor as memory aids

Optimize screen positioning

Sound and lighting

Rehearse audio and video in interview setting

Arrange background to avoid clutter and being backlit

Minimize background noise (eg, cell phones placed to do-not-disturb mode, roommates given notice)

Turn off ceiling fans and minimize other background distractions

Purchase an external webcam and/or microphone (optional)

Personal appearance

Dress professionally from head to toe

Dress to create contrast with background

Look at the camera, not the screen

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Digital Logistics

Similar to reviewing itineraries before a trip, double-check interview dates and times (including time zones), and certify the virtual link is working. Ensure telephone information is exchanged in the event of network connectivity issues. Become familiar with videoconferencing software features and download desktop versions when available, as web-based versions may be subject to inherent instabilities. Download applications onto other compatible devices as a backup. Restart devices before interviews and confirm all updates are installed. Set up near a power outlet to ensure reliable power to all devices.

Sound and Lighting

An example interview workstation setup is provided (Fig. 1). After the setup is complete, ensure optimal audio and video quality by conducting a trial run using the software with another party to assess clarity. Consider purchasing a lapel microphone, external webcam, or specific video lighting sources to improve audio and video quality. While speaking, it may feel natural to look at the speaker on the screen; try instead to look directly into the camera to simulate eye contact. Participant images on screen can be strategically moved near the device camera to facilitate this.

Fig. 1.

Workspace setup design to maximize interview potential. General recommendations: A, Videoconferencing device is positioned on a stable surface with camera at the eye level, using books or a laptop stand if needed. Ideally, the subject should be positioned at least 16 inches from the camera: close enough to have depth when speaking, but not so close that only the face is visible. B, Extremes in lighting or sitting near direct sunlight should be avoided, as it may distort image quality. Lighting should be balanced and soft. Applicant-specific recommendations: C, Utilize space behind computer monitors to display helpful reminders, notes, and other memory aids. D, Have a printed copy of an up-to-date curriculum vitae readily available. E, Camera setup should be free of contact with the interviewee to avoid transmission of nervous movement to the camera during the interview. F, Minimize outside noise in the surrounding environment, if possible: give roommates advance notice before the interview and place all other devices on do-not-disturb or silent mode. G, Dress professionally, from head to toe, to ensure optimal presentation and avoid wardrobe mishaps. Select clothing and backgrounds that provide contrast and avoid blurring the subject into their surroundings.

Applicant-specific Recommendations

Before interviews, confirm whether or not a meeting password is required or if sharing screen content is permissible to facilitate a seamless exchange of content. Preparation is key to success, but ultimately some technical difficulties may be inevitable. Be yourself and be flexible if a problem is encountered.

Program-specific Recommendations

In the past, program interviews have classically been conducted over lengthy days to host many interviewees simultaneously, and clinical productivity during this time is halted. Programs should consider no longer adhering to a traditional interview schedule. Instead, interviewers may plan for a common program introduction date for all applicants, such as those currently underway via American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons Social media initiatives, followed by individual applicant interviews over many days. This scheduling strategy would have the potential benefit of increasing overall face-to-face time between programs and applicants, without the negative consequence of reduced clinical productivity. More flexible scheduling opportunities could also allow interviewees to realistically plan for fewer interruptions. Finally, it is important for interviewers to be aware of the intrinsic constraints found by using a virtual medium for interviews, thereby reducing the potential for bias against interviewees due to factors beyond their control.

The authors hope that the provided guidelines assist both programs and applicants in transitioning to virtual interviewing platforms.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Drs. Jiwon Sarah Crowley and Garrison Leach for their assistance with figure creation.