Thread by @londyloo

Thread of online interview tips for #Match2022

1) When you get your itinerary for IV, convert everything to your time zone immediately in a new document.

2) take notes about who is IV you, and you can keep that to side during zoom to reference notes on same screen.

3) To reduce zoom fatigue, change it so that only the person speaking is viewable, not the whole group.

4) Test all your equipment PRIOR to the event. Ensure your zoom & video software is completely updated.

5) if you are in noisy area, wear headphones.

6) there is features on zoom to reduce background noise and increase light.

7) be careful (slash don’t) use zoom backgrounds. People’s faces would randomly get caught off mid sentence.

8) nobody cares about the background you are interviewing with. Find a blank wall or even doorway to sit in front of.

9) the night prior, look up who is IV you. Ask them specific questions related to their roles in the program.

10) when you can, pee. If someone says you can take your camera off, do it. Take a break.

11) for each interview, know who to contact (program coordinator) if you have tech issues. Typically they will give you a phone number to call or text.

12) Email thank you’s >>> mailed thank you’s amid Covid. See my prior thread on thank you notes.

I scanned my thank you notes into email. It ensures the recipient gets the email.

NOTE: if programs say don’t write thank you’s, don’t do it.

https://twitter.com/londyloo/status/1336869891203342337

13) Have a “fun fact about yourself” ready. Make a list of like 10 of them in a notes app. It is useful to not have to think on the fly.

Most importantly, try to be yourself.
It is an interview but some of the best times was when I was open and honest about why I liked program

Example: I told one program I applied there because my (now ex husband) grew up there and family is really important to me. My IV said they also came to program for same reason.

Example: I was honest about my love for rheumatology and asked every program about rheum training.

14) Know that residents don’t always know everything about their program lol. For example, I don’t know all about Duke as I am 3 months into intern year. So verify questions with the chiefs or senior residents for program info.

15) Re your outfit: I wore an emerald green blazer and white satin shirt to every video interview. I wore comfortable leggings. Be yourself with what you wear. It’s easier to stand out amid the sea of black and gray suits.

But please: wear pants

16) Finally, when you are done speaking on zoom, get into the habit of muting yourself right away. You would be shocked at how many people (applicants and faculty both) would take phone calls thinking they were on mute lol. 😳😬

Be yourself. Y’all got this!

You are interviewing amid a pandemic and a very stressful time. Last year was tough, we interviewed just around the Presidential election & amid some of worst Covid times.

Please be flexible with programs and residents. Proud of y’all!

17) I took acetaminophen prophylaxis before each interview. My back was so tense and sitting in that position for hours (some interview days were 6-8 hours) multiple times per week depending on how many IV you have is really hard on your body.

Get up, stretch. Honestly: do it

18) re ring lights for face: lighting features on zoom have really improved, I am not entirely sure if this is needed anymore. You can take a shade off of a lamp.

Note: you will likely not use these ring lights in residency lol. So residents if you have extra, give them away