Interview Etiquette Question

[Guest]

Hey guys n' gals,

Serious question here. Senior resident at a program involved with interviewing. These virtual interviews suck but that's besides the point. Were you applicants advised that it's considered "okay" to turn your camera off in the main break room (where multiple residents are participating in an active Q&A) or to log off during hours where you may not be interviewing? The reason I ask, is because honestly, my program and others where I know resident friends are also interviewing, find this unappealing and actually notice who's doing it. Not trying to troll at all. But perhaps if I understand that this kind of etiquette was encouraged by your med schools (or maybe just not discouraged), I wouldn't put much stock in it. If you're logged off for the whole morning or afternoon session, maybe you're engaging in interviews at other programs the same day... but do you think that's really the best way to show a place how invested and interested you are? We do impromptu tours, etc during those breaks.

Just for your information, turning your camera off when you aren't interviewing but you're in a room with residents making themselves available to discuss the program without attending faculty around - comes off rude and disinterested. So far we've noticed who it is and it always brings up the question of how interested you really are in us. Just an FYI. Again not looking to troll. Just important discussion points in this neverending virtual era.....

Cheers and good luck!

[Focus]

I for one don't really agree, but that isn't to say you shouldn't take this poster's advice. If it bothers some people that's all it can take to sink you, especially if some applicants are not doing this. Disregard the above post at your own peril.

[Guest]

As a resident, I find the"break rooms" where there are multiple residents trying talk to one or more applicants in an informal setting awkward, pointless, and no where near as meaningful in the virtual setting compared to in person. This applies to night before activities as well. There is no virtual equivalent to sitting down and having dinner and drinks with residents and having casual conversation as well as discussing the program.

If we are going to continue with virtual interviews, all the informal group sessions should be eliminated. Just do the interviews, get it done in half a day so the applicants can go about their lives or interview at multiple places in one day. Let the applicants turn off their cameras when they aren't being actively interviewed.

[Guest]

It changed the feel of the interviews. Having happy residents and applicants getting a decent meal at a nice restaurant and having conversation naturally flow is not the same as sitting on your computer feigning the desire to be social instead of…doing anything else.

Just wait for when virtual interviews are an option…but an option only taken by those who don’t want to match.

[Guest]

Roughly, what percent of schools are still interviewing virtually? I would have expected most schools to resume in person interviews by now? I would want to have some idea of where I might be working and living for 7 years.

[Guest]

Some 10 programs are interviewing in person this year

[Guest]

Damn, that's nothing. Interviews should be done in person. I was looking forward to traveling to campuses next year. Hopefully more programs revert back next year.

[Guest]

Junior resident here not involved in interviews. But I’ve heard a few of my seniors and attendings talk about this. Heard a few comments like “did you notice how he was the only one with his camera turned off during the resident Q&A”. We all want it to be in person but until then, gotta play the game and show your interested. Maybe just don’t be the only one with the camera off? When you’re back to being in person there won’t be an option to turn your camera off lol so get used to it now!

[Guest]

I would take that resident with the video off in a heartbeat. That's a resident that understands time management. And we all know these Q and As are a waste time where applicants just bullshit questions to show interest. We also know that all of your comments about resident collaboration and your "special" program is bullshit.