The AANMC Residency Committee has compiled a few tips on best practices for interviewing remotely:
Tip for Employers
- Communicate whether the interview will be over the phone (audio only) or video. Make sure the candidate understands the process, expectations and timeline. It is recommended you provide pre-interview instructions or have your clinic manager provide a five minute phone orientation with the applicant.
- Remind the applicant that your company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person in matters of employment, application for employment or participation in our programs or benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sex or sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.
- Send candidates instructions for downloading or setting up the virtual interview platform.
- Prepare a list of questions for the candidate.
- Check your microphone, camera, and internet connection ahead of time to ensure they are working properly. Plan to log in at least 10 minutes early so you are prepared to start on time.
- Choose a quiet space with no distractions for conducting the interview.
- Check your surroundings. Remove clutter and ensure your background is clean and will positively represent you and your company. Choose a well-lit space.
- Print out any materials that you may need to reference during the interview so you are not playing with your screen.
- Dress professionally or as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid stripes or checked clothing which may be distorted through the camera lens. Choose clothing that will stand out against your background.
- Close other programs on your computer and turn off any notifications that may distract you during the interview.
- Look at the camera, not the screen. Looking directly at the camera will make the interviewee feel like you are speaking directly to him or her.
- Follow procedure to create consistency in the interview process for each candidate. Meet with the interview team prior to each candidate interview to brief on what will be discussed and the questions that each person is responsible for asking. Debrief after each interview and take notes according to your hiring rubric.
Tips for Residency Candidates
- Confirm if the interview will be over the phone (audio only) or video conference.
- Set up, download and test the program that will be used to conduct the interview (GoTo Meeting, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
- Ensure you have strong wireless internet connection – and backup in case technology or WiFi is not reliable.
- Research the position, as you would for any in-person interview.
- Prepare a list of questions about the position and location.
- Check your microphone, camera, and internet connection ahead of time to ensure they are working properly. If possible, ask a friend to do a test interview with you using the platform that your interview will be through. Plan to log in at least 10 minutes early so you are prepared to start on time.
- Choose a quiet space with no distractions for the interview.
- Check your surroundings. Remove clutter and ensure that your background is clean and will positively represent you. Choose a well-lit space.
- Print out any materials that you may need to reference during the interview so you are not playing with your screen.
- Dress professionally or as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid stripes or checked clothing, which may be distorted through the camera lens. Choose clothing that will stand out against your background.
- Close other programs on your computer and turn off any notifications that may distract you during the interview.
- Look at the camera, not the screen. Looking directly at the camera will make the interviewer feel like you are speaking directly to him or her.
- Follow up with a thank you note to the clinic and any staff that may have been helpful in the application process.
