Pharmacy Residency Preparation Specialists
Many programs are conducting their interviews online today, with the move to online having been catalysed by the impact of COVID-19. Here, we will work through some core tips for success in online Pharmacy residency interviews.
You should expect that the interviews for residency will be simply, live, virtual interviews. In other words, they are not pre-recorded. However, you might need to do some pre-recorded questions, especially if you have to sit the CASPer exam, for example. Check whether the interview is one-on-one, or whether you will be assessed by an entire panel of interviewers. Additionally, look for information on previous questions and interviews at the program as far as you can – the more information you have, the more accurate you can be with your prep, and the less you have in the way of unknowns.
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You should be aware that the timings for online interviews can be a little variable, with some overruns, or changes to scheduling. Therefore, you must keep on top of information from the program, and ensure that you log into the meeting room before the slot that you are given. This might be easier (or a little more difficult) depending on the online platform – with Zoom for example you will be added into the meeting wait room as soon as you log in to it, with the interviewer then able to accept you into the actual interview when they wish. Showing up in good time also gives the interview a good impression – that you are organised and ready in advance. Equally, ensure that you have some spare time after the interview as well, as you don’t want to feel pressure about the interview running over.
You should sit a suitable distance from your webcam and make sure that your head and shoulders are clearly visible. You should align your eye level with the webcam – making eye contact with the webcam rather than the screen will appear to the interviewer as if you are making eye contact with them. Try not to fidget, and adopt a pose that feels comfortable and professional. Be respectful, polite and attentive – just as you would in an in-person interview. Sitting with your hands crossed in your lap may help you resist the urge to fidget.
Of course, you will be praying that no technical issues arise. However, if they do then you should approach them confidently and naturally. Camera issues or audio problems are entirely normal with video calls and acknowledging them will help to make the interview run more smoothly. Everyone is aware that they happen, especially with video interviews being new all-round. Therefore the staff will be understanding, and showing a natural ability to deal with a difficult situation (perhaps through humour, or simply a quick confidence) will impress the interviewers.
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Communication quality will always be a little lower through a video call than in-person. Therefore, and particularly if you have a natural tendency to speak quickly, you should make an effort to speak a little slower and to articulate your words clearly. You must also practise active listening – which includes smiling, nodding or offering other verbal or non-verbal cues that you are keeping up with what is being said – and make sure not to interrupt your interviewers. Try to leave a small pause after they speak, making sure that they are finished and there isn’t any more content to follow.
It’s sensible to reflect a little on the way that you answer questions in interviews, and consider if it will suit a virtual interview. In particular, if your style is heavily reliant on back-and-forth with the interview, then you may wish to change it slightly. Be cognisant of the fact that there is likely to be at least some lag, or some other form of difficulty that may make this level of ‘natural’ conversation more difficult to attain. As such, try to focus on providing a complete response to each question – although equally do avoid a long-winded monologue, of course – check-in with your interviewers throughout.
