Novel Implementation of Virtual Interviews for Otolaryngology Resident Selection: Reflections Relevant to the COVID‐19 Era

Abstract

To address financial and scheduling conflicts associated with residency interviews for otolaryngology candidates, our residency program implemented virtual interviews as an alternative to the traditional in-person format for our visiting subinterns during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 interview cycles. Applicants then completed an anonymous survey about their interview experience. We found that, overall, positive attitudes toward virtual interviews increased among 2019-2020 candidates as compared with the year prior. Our results demonstrated an average cost savings per interview of $500 to $1000 when virtual technology was utilized. Based on feedback, improvements may be considered regarding eye contact, minimizing distractions, and providing the option to extend the interview length. Our experience provides a preliminary framework for transitioning to virtual interviews in the upcoming 2020-2021 otolaryngology residency selection process during the COVID-19 era, as well as for future studies assessing the utility of this method and its impact on overall match statistics.

Virtual Recruitment in Surgical Residency Programs

“…Many different possibilities have been proposed, such as offering virtual interviews to applicants already familiar with the program (i.e., from an away rotation) or who have already completed an intern year at another program. It has also been suggested that programs could offer a round of preliminary interviews virtually before inviting a subset of applicants for in-person interviews to help keep costs down [12]. However, more research is needed on systemic bias in virtual interviewing to mitigate inequalities within the hiring processes prior to making any permanent changes.…”

“…Some programs recommended decreasing the length of each individual interview due to decreased attention span in a virtual setting [11], however, others warned that longer interviews were needed for applicants to adequately assess the program [12]. After trialing 30-min and 20-min interviews, we ultimately settled on each candidate having three 25-min interviews with a paired faculty member and resident, as well as shorter ''speed dating'' style interviews with the Program Director, Associate Program Director, and Chairperson.…”

“…One of the most obvious benefits of virtual interviews is that no money needs to be spent on travel, accommodations, or food. Most surveys show virtual interviews save applicants roughly $500-800 per program [12][13][14][15][16][17]. Applicants also miss fewer clinical days when they do not need to travel, which is particularly important for non-medical student applicants, such as preliminary residents interviewing for categorical positions [14,15].…”

Psychological Benefits and Challenges of Ph.D. Entrance Exam Virtual Interviews During COVID-19 Pandemic: Does Gender Play a Role?

“…They allow both applicants and the Ph.D. programs to get the most information and find the most qualified applicants ( Al Saiegh et al, 2020 ). As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment processes have undergone novel changes ( Davis et al, 2021 ; Kenwell et al, 2021 ). Strielkowski (2020) refers to this situation as a digital revolution in academic and higher education centers and believes it to be only one of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…A surprising insight was that most applicants preferred traditional on-site interviews and valued them more. Davis et al (2021) addressed the financial and programming issues of implementing VI for Otolaryngology Residency recruitment. Twelve single 15-min VIs were conducted via zoom for 12 applicants who took part in the following online survey to share their experiences and attitudes with the researchers.…”