Virtual Medical Interviews: 3 Tips For Success

Posted by MichealH Alexander on February 4th, 2021

The COVID-19 / coronavirus pandemic has resulted in several changes to medical school admissions. A significant change has been the move from in-person medical interviews to virtual interviews. Several medical schools have already confirmed that medical interviews will take place virtually (for example over Zoom). These include Monash University, Adelaide University and Charles Sturt University.

A virtual interview is very different from an in-person one, and requires an understanding of how to best present yourself on a teleconferencing platform. Practice ucat questions

Here are three tips for success:

1.   Familiarise yourself with the technology

Some universities have already confirmed the teleconferencing platform that they will be using to conduct medical interviews (for example, Monash University will be using Zoom). It is therefore important that you familiarise yourself with the platform and understand its functions – including how to mute/unmute yourself, and enable webcam sharing. The last thing you want to be doing in an important medical interview is fumbling with the computer! Familiarising yourself with the platform will help you come across as confident and relaxed.

2.   Pause often

In a virtual interview, it can be difficult to judge if and when the interviewer has stopped talking. A pause can feel like an eternity, and you may be tempted to fill the gaps by speaking. Avoid this urge and allow extra time to ensure that the interviewer has finished their question before you respond. Instead, take the time to formulate your answer so you can deliver an insightful and structured answer. Ucat registration 2021

3.   Engage with the interviewers

It is even more important in a virtual interview to engage with the interviewers, given there is physical distance between you. It can be difficult for interviewers to appreciate your enthusiasm and passion via a screen, so make sure you are even more expressive. You can use appropriate gestures (ensuring they are visible to the interviewers), ensure you smile often, and exude an energetic persona.