Residency interview guide
Virtual Residency Interview Preparation: A Practical Checklist
A virtual interview is still a formal interview. Use this checklist to prepare your answers and your setup, without letting the technology distract from the conversation.
First, know the format
The AAMC distinguishes live video interviews from asynchronous interviews. In a live interview you can respond to a person and ask questions. In a recorded interview you may have limited preparation and response time, so practice concise answers without relying on conversational cues.
Ask the program for the platform, timing, format and contact for technical problems. Follow its instructions if they differ from a general checklist.
Your preparation timeline
- 1
When the invitation arrives
Confirm whether the interview is live or recorded, the time zone, platform, number of interviewers and any program-specific instructions.
- 2
Several days before
Research the program and prepare specific examples from your own clinical, teamwork and leadership experience. Rehearse aloud rather than memorizing a script.
- 3
The day before
Open the meeting link or platform instructions, test camera and audio, check your lighting and background, charge your device and identify a backup connection.
- 4
On the day
Dress as you would for an in-person interview, silence notifications, close unrelated tabs and join at the time the program requests.
Practice the content, not only the camera
The AAMC groups common prompts into general, behavioral and situational questions. Prepare a short example for each: what happened, what you did, what you learned and how that connects to the program. Keep program-specific facts in your own words.
Start with a structured opening answer, then use the interview question bank to practice aloud.
Common questions
How is a live virtual interview different from an asynchronous interview?
A live interview connects you to interviewers in real time. In an asynchronous interview, you record answers to prompts without a live interviewer. Confirm the format and platform with each program before you practice.
What should I test before a virtual residency interview?
Test your camera, microphone, connection, meeting link, lighting, background and device power. Practice answering aloud on the same setup you plan to use.
What if my connection fails during the interview?
Keep the program contact details and a charged backup device handy. If the call drops, reconnect using the original link and promptly contact the coordinator using the instructions the program provided.
Further reading: AAMC Virtual Interviews: Applicant Preparation Guide and AAMC common interview questions.