Preparing for the interviewing process during Coronavirus disease-19 pandemic: Virtual interviewing experiences of applicants and interviewers, a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has forced upon all academic institutions to conduct virtual interviewing (VI) instead of face-to-face interviewing (FTFI) this interviewing cycle. The purpose of this systematic review was to understand the process of VI, its effectiveness as an alternative to FTFI, and the experiences of applicants and institutions with VI. We also share best practice strategies for applicants and institutions in VI preparation. Method PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and CINAHL databases were searched through May 2020. Articles in English evaluating the effectiveness of VI were included, without applying any date limits. Two reviewers selected articles and extracted data. Results Of the 934 articles screened, 22 articles underwent full-text article analysis to include 15 studies. There were 4 studies that reported the use of VI as a screening tool. 11 studies completely replaced FTFI with VI. Most applicants could appropriately convey themselves through VI. Most applicants and interviewing programs expressed reservations about VI’s use as an alternative to FTFI. Conclusion There is dearth of evidence supporting the efficacy of VI. There is an opportunity for potential research at multi-institutional level to gain better understanding of the efficacy of VI. The knowledge obtained from this systematic review has the potential of helping applicants and institutions in preparing for VI process. Additionally, authors propose supportive strategies to help prepare applicants and institutions for VI.

The Virtual Recruitment Onion: Peeling Back the Layers of the Interview Season During the COVID-era

“… 21 Generally, a large proportion of applicants and interviewers reported satisfaction with their ability to convey themselves adequately during the virtual interviews. 9 However, both groups reported limited personal interactions during virtual-only interviews as a notable downside. 4 , 7 Following the fellowship interviews, programs felt that virtual interviews limit the applicants’ ability to appreciate the training program's culture or the atmosphere of the training program and hospital.…”

“…The more likely outcome from the insight gained from the virtual-only interview format would be moving towards a hybrid model of virtual and in-person interviews. Studies prior to the COVID-19 pandemic concluded that applicants and interviewers have hesitation with virtual interviews replacing in-person interviews 9 ; however many concluded that virtual interviews may be an effective adjunct to screen applicants prior to in-person interviews. 9 , 11 , 17 …”

“…Studies prior to the COVID-19 pandemic concluded that applicants and interviewers have hesitation with virtual interviews replacing in-person interviews 9 ; however many concluded that virtual interviews may be an effective adjunct to screen applicants prior to in-person interviews. 9 , 11 , 17 …”

“…Coordinated efforts from medical schools, residency programs, and various national medical provided guidance for residency programs in in conducting virtual interviews and the subsequent match process. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 While literature reports overall user satisfaction with recently conducted virtual fellowship interviews for both fellowship interviewers and applicants, 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 it is still too early to determine if virtual can replace in-person interviews.…”

Supporting Medical Student Mental Health during COVID-19: Strategies Implemented for an Accelerated Curriculum Medical Campus

“…A recently published systematic review article about preparing for the virtual interviewing process described virtual interviewing experiences from interviewees and interviewing institutions in healthcare and additionally shared best virtual interviewing practices for the interviewees and interviewing institutions. 2 However, it will be crucial to further explore the impact of virtual interviewing on the admission process during the pandemic. Similarly, the impact of other forced changes on medical education need to be individually explored in further depth to understand if virtual learning has negatively impacted medical student education.…”