Dear Editor,

For residents applying to hematology/oncology fellowship in this upcoming match cycle, they will be faced with a new challenge: navigating the virtual interview. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM) strongly encourages all fellowship programs to conduct remote interviews using virtual platforms, rather than in-person interviews, in order to support the nation’s public health efforts [1]. Therefore, hematology/oncology fellowship applicants will need to prepare for this new virtual interview format. However, there is little published guidance on this topic for trainees. Here, we address this knowledge gap by consolidating existing medical education literature on virtual interviewing [2, 3] with guidance from other industries [4]. We summarize best practices in a five-step guide for hematology/oncology fellowship applicants (Table 1).

  1. Step 1:

    Test your technology and virtual platform

  • Ensure you have a reliable laptop with functioning video and audio with a strong internet connection [3]. Borrow a laptop or device from your home institution if needed.

  • Download the proper virtual platform, complete your profile with a professional name and photograph, and perform an audiovisual test.

  1. Step 2:

    Choose an optimal physical space

  • Choose a space at home or on your home institution’s campus to conduct the interview. Tidy your surroundings and ensure you know what is visible in your video background. Optimize lighting and close windows to reduce noise.

  • Position the camera at face level so the angle is most natural [3].

  1. Step 3:

    Prepare for interview questions (theirs and yours)

  • Standardized interview questions may become more common with virtual interviews [5]. Review practice questions [6] and be prepared to answer behavioral interview questions.

  • Do your homework on the program and your interviewers (if known beforehand). Brainstorm questions for each program, using sample questions if needed [7].

  • Perform a mock virtual interview with a peer or mentor using your device and video platform. Get feedback on the content of your answers and your eye contact/body language.

  1. Step 4:

    Ace the virtual interview

  • On your interview day, ensure your device is fully charged and recheck your technology. Close programs that may prompt alert messages or provide a distraction. Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview.

  • Make eye contact with the camera, rather than the computer screen [8]. Keep your head centered on the screen and avoid fidgeting or swiveling in your chair.

  1. Step 5:

    Gather information about the program/city from the “interview day”

  • Applicants report that interacting with current trainees is a key part of determining their final rank order [9], so make an effort to talk to current fellows at virtual social events or contact them afterwards if the program provides a contact list. In addition, leverage your current institution’s alumni network to connect with alumni who work or train at that institution now.

  • Recreate the network of other applicants on the “interview trail” by contacting colleagues at other programs to exchange perspectives about your respective home institutions and programs at which you mutually interview.

  • After each interview day, reflect and take notes. Since virtual interviews will likely be conducted in the same location, it may be more challenging to recall differences between programs without environmental cues.

Table 1 Five evidence-based steps for hematology/oncology fellowship applicants to prepare for virtual interviews
Full size table

These five steps provide best practices and practical advice for hematology/oncology fellowship applicants to successfully complete virtual interviews. Although this is an unprecedented interview season, we believe that with preparation and guidance, hematology/oncology fellowship applicants can thrive in this new virtual interview environment.