Since the pandemic and the shift to all things digital, virtual interviews have become the norm in many industries, including healthcare. If you’re in your physician job search, it’s imperative you adapt and get comfortable with virtual interviews.
To make a lasting impression and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process, it’s important to be well prepared and familiarize yourself with virtual interview tips for physicians.
Prepare your space
Creating a professional and distraction-free environment is crucial to remaining engaged during your virtual interview:
- Choose a quiet, well-lit room and ensure that the background is free of clutter and mess.
- Test your internet connection, camera and microphone in advance to hopefully avoid any technical issues during the interview.
- Consider using a headset to minimize background noise and improve audio quality.
These simple steps will help you project a polished and composed image, which will help you be more comfortable and confident.
Know the technology
Preview the video conferencing platform that will be used for the interview. Practice using the software before meeting with the organization to familiarize yourself with its features, like screen sharing and chat functions. Ensure you have the necessary login credentials, and confirm your account is created and ready. Create a backup plan, using a phone call or alternative contact method to connect with the recruiter. Demonstrating preparedness and proficiency in technology will showcase positive qualities and skills.
Familiarize yourself with questions
Just like traditional interviews, virtual interviews involve a range of questions to assess how suitable you are for the role. Research common interview questions specific to physicians and your specialty and develop concise and thoughtful responses. Additionally, prepare for scenario-based questions that assess your knowledge and problem-solving skills. Practice your answers in front of a camera to refine your delivery and body language. While it’s important to maintain eye contact with the recruiter or interviewer, remember to look directly into the camera to create a sense of connection. Finally, have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer, showing your interest in the position and organization.
Remain professional
During the interview, make sure you are engaged and professional. Maintain a confident and enthusiastic demeanor, paying attention to your nonverbal communication and facial expressions. Pay attention to your appearance by dressing professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview. Be an active listener, allowing the interviewer to finish speaking before responding. Nodding and smiling can convey your interest in the conversation. Avoid interrupting and speaking over others. Practice speaking clearly to effectively convey your thoughts. Additionally, emphasize your passion for patient care and your commitment to ongoing professional development.
Follow up
After the interview, send a personalized thank you email to each interviewer within a day. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
This simple gesture demonstrates your professionalism and leaves a positive impression. Take this opportunity to highlight any key points you may have missed during the interview or provide additional information that could strengthen your candidacy.
Virtual interviews have become more common and often serve as your first impression with a recruiter or an organization. As you look for your next opportunity, practice your virtual interview etiquette and familiarize yourself with video software so you become more comfortable with the process. Because your first virtual interview will definitely not be your last.
For more physician interview tips, visit Magazine.PracticeLink.com.
August 15, 2023
