Finally done with virtual surgical oncology fellowship interviews! Just wanted to share a few things I’ve learned along the way (thread) @MGHSurgery @ZhiVenFongMD @SocSurgOnc

Number one pro tip: Invest in a comfortable chair. You will have to sit with good posture for hours at a time, for many days. My back really regrets my unwillingness to do this.

#MedEd

Obviously choose a quiet space free of loud noises. Sometimes I had to choose between risking cat or baby interruption. (I chose cat, baby noises are pretty piercing over zoom). My house is small, oh well.

I would sometimes also use a faculty office if my home wasn’t going to work for an interview, but it can be difficult to get an “optimal” setup on the run. And office lighting can be terrible.

Put your laptop on a stand/box/book, or figure out a way to mount your webcam to eye level. I found looking up at people’s chins from below and looking down on the tops of their heads both distracting.

I did have people comment on my background, so be intentional about any posters, books, etc… that are visible.

Personally I found earbuds uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, and earmuff style headphones (my preference) seem silly for interviews. I just used my computer mic and speakers and it seemed to work fine.

Test out your lighting, and purchase additional lights if necessary. Extra lighting really helped prevent unattractive face shadowing and make my appearance more even across different times of day.

I also found that a little makeup helped my appearance significantly. I don’t wear makeup normally so just used a little powder and blush. I kept these and a hairbrush just out of view so I could use them between sessions if needed.

As for testing, you can get an @zoom_us account and test in your own Zoom meeting. Or, I would use @Google oogle Hangouts as a pretty good simulation. Do a trial run with a friend and comment on each other’s background, noise/sound, lighting, posture etc…

Have your friend watch while you take fake interview notes. Can you jot down notes in a discreet way or are you completely turning away from the camera? Where is the best spot for your paper and pen?

Test your Zoom with representative internet usage. If 3 roommates will also be on Zoom interviews, you could get choppy video and the “unstable internet connection” warning. Then you will have to ask your interviewers to repeat themselves which will waste precious interview time.

It’s worth learning a few zoom features, such as hitting the space bar to temporarily unmute yourself to ask a question in a group session.

And - PLEASE remember to mute yourself during group sessions! Your background noise can get disruptive or make it more difficult for others to hear the speaker.

In large group sessions, be careful about using the private chat feature. Very easy to accidentally have your private message go public to everyone!

Don’t wear crazy pants. I once noticed an applicant was wearing red flannel pajamas when she shifted in her chair. I am definitely guilty of wearing yoga pants, jeans, or sweat pants, but at least they were boring black.

Turn off your incoming email sounds or other computer “dings”. It is so distracting to hear other people’s outlook notifications. And put your phone on mute (and then don’t look at it).

Usually you get the interview schedule in advance and you can plan your meals and coffee breaks accordingly. Some programs give you a long lunch, others just 10-15 minutes.

On the interview, make the zoom window small and drag it to just below your camera so that it is more natural to make “eye contact”. I definitely found my tendency was to watch the interviewer, not look at the camera.

Of course, all the usual interviewing advice applies. Practice answering common questions. Do your homework on the program. Have some questions prepared. Know your own CV.

And here is the favorite advice that @MGHsurgery residents give to the intern applicants. Be yourself, be thoughtful, and be confident!

Interviews are stressful but they are also a time to celebrate all the hard work that got you to this point, whether it is medical school or residency, fellowship or a new job. And you may find that you learn something in the process of interviewing, which is a gift.

I know for myself, just getting to this point of interviewing for surgical oncology fellowship has been really special, even over Zoom. Looking forward to finding out if/where I will complete the next phase of this incredible journey we call academic surgery!

@MGHSurgery residents who have also gone through this. What did I miss? @ZhiVenFongMD @BUdelsman