The Interview (11.7.2025) Save

I've done thousands of interviews; mostly for medical school admissions or medical and research employment.  They’re all the same.  Im looking for the “right one” and the interviewee is somewhere between apprehension, uncertainty and hope.  From all this experience I’ve developed my own perspective on interviews and interviewing that has been amended in the digital/virtual era.

In this session, I will primarily focus on the applicant/interviewee/candidate and what you can do to improve your odds of getting the gig you aspire to.   This blog is meant to make you rethink your approach. Much of what follows is based on seasoned opinion, and time tested facts and research.

Observations and Questions

• Speed Dating? Interviews are like speed dating for those kinda know what they want, but not entirely. This is true for both sides of the application.  Most interviewers are not good at it.  Even  worse most applicants won’t master their interviews until their last one ….oops, too late.
• Forgettable? Interviews are at their best (most effective) when they can find a reason to forget you.  Realize that many have applied for the same position as you. All will come with nearly the same look, words, answers.  Hence, my job as the interview is to identify your faults, especially when obvious, and cross you off my list.  This is far easier than trying to discover your merits, talent or intellect.  The point is - don't give them a reason to forget you, your job is to be unforgettable!
• Subjective?  Interview decisions boil down to being “A good fit”. Hence if your likeable, personable, clear, credentialed and more, your odds of being chosen go up considerably.  Many interviews are not driven by objectivity, numbers, or even facts.  Hence be subjectively likeable, but present the numbers and facts necessary to give you the edge.
• Insight?  Interviews aren't perfect. I may only learn a few things during our interview. Multiple interviews should be better than one.
• Myth: If someone interviews well, they’ll perform well in the role (the converse is also a myth)

First, Get the Interview

• Direction & Intent: Be sure of where and what you are applying for. Research the position and employers for certainty.  Volume phishing is seldom productive.
• Who are you: Update your CV or resume, especially with regard to training, skills, experiences and accomplishments, that, if highlighted correctly, should be discussed during your interview. Long is boring. Short is memorable. Consider customizing the paperwork for each application.
• Always include a recent, professional photo, compelling headline, and keyword-rich content.
• AI Advantage:x Consider using artificial intelligence to refine and improve either your CV/resume or your essay/personal statement.
• Apply as early as possible when there may be fewer candidates.

For Your Face-tp-Face Interview

• Congratulations!  Being granted an interview means you qualify or are interesting or
• Beforehand. Ahead of the interview: Find out where and when; (if online) what virtual meeting application (Zoom, TEAMS, Google meet) will be used;  who will interview you (names, position); will there be more than one interview? How much time is alotted for each interview; and who do I address any future communication to?
• Presentation.   It goes without saying that you should dress appropriately. Err on the side of overdressing. They are hiring the whole package. Pay attention to how you look F2F or virtually.
• Know before you go.  Research the job and institution.
• Time: Plan your route and arrival time, aim to arrive 30 minutes early and account for unexpected delays
• Security: get a phone number, email of who to contact should there be a problem with your interview - this is especially important for virtual interviews (see below)

Virtual Interviews? 

The majority of interviews are virtual.  >90% of applicants will have several Virtual interviews. Movie and TV casting is done virtually or by sending in your self-tape audition.  But,  ONLY 3% prefer virtual recruitment (JAMA 2025). There are pro’s and con’s to the virtual interview. Benefits include cost, travel, convenience, greater ease and time efficiency means a greater volume of applicants compared to F2F interviews.  There is a greater digital downside for applicants who cannot fully evaluate the locale, city, business, institution, university, etc.

For Virtual Interviews

• The same rules apply as above (F2F interviews)
• Most applicants are poor at technology, have limited equipment that is wrongly used and need to excel at this.
• Master the Media. You must have a working, quality video source (camera, video cam, webcam, phone camera), a good light source, good sound (internal microphone or external microphone) and a good environment (quiet, well lit, non-distracting) and nondescript background.
  • Set up Your “virtual studio” this is another step to show your professionalism and tech skills.  If you’ve done more than 3 virtual or zoom calls or interviews, then you should invest in a better camera (webcam), light, microphone and setup.
  • Choose the best setting available. The room must be quiet, post a “do not disturb” sign.   Move you cell phone, children and pets to another room and lock the door. Do not show off your doll collection or brand new banjo.  Books can be distracting.  Best to blur the background. 
  • Choose your best computer, laptop or tablet, update the software and be sure all is working well (including your internet connection)
  • Lighting is incredibly important.  Best to use natural light or use a ring light, LED lights. A light behind is better than overhead, but you need a light source on your face. Avoid shadows or dark backgrounds.
  • Sound - buy, test and use the best microphone available.  The worst is the one on your laptop, better is the cellphone. I prefer an external microphone - cost ranging from $25 to $60 to $100-200.  Today Im traveling and using a USB plug in microphone from FIFINE thats a bit better than my cell phone microphone.
  • Video source: again the worst is the camera on your (old) laptop.  Cell phone cameras are superior and can be used but you will need to buy a tripod to mount them for you video, or virtual call or interview.  Cheapie cheat - in a pinch you can mount a camera by sticking in a cup (paper, styrofoam preferred to glass).  I have several webcams I use at home, these generally run $40-65 and I prefer the logitech (that have a good built in microphone)
  • Sound source should be either clipped to your lapel (if a lavalier mic) or within 18 inches of your voice.
  • Video source should be positioned to frame you face, roughly 18 inches form your nose with the lens at the same level as your nose.  The worse videos are with a laptop camera that is tilted up your nose and captures the ceiling or ceiling fans and lights.
• Check your zoom or virtual connection before the interview, upgrade the software
• Test all technology at least 30 minutes before, including internet connection, camera, lighting, microphone and do a test video
• If youre unsure of your background, blur the background (this is easily done in the settings of the software you are using)
• Have a backup plan ready, including a phone number to call if technology fails and an alternate device if possible
• During the interview - put a postit arrow near the camera aperture as a reminder to keep your Eyes on  the camera. Don't watch the clock

How to make a strong impression:

• Whether you like it or not - you are selling you!
• Maintain strong eye
• Listen to the interviewer, actively nod and respond appropriately. Have paper and pen near to jot any thoughts you may have
• Show personality authenticity enthusiasm and and professionalism builds rapport
• Know what Your one thing – a passion, story that exemplifies you
• While they are going to ask their questions, that you may or may not handle well, \  Instead you should have 3 issues, stories, or points that you want to come out during the interview. These are things that interest you, that you are passionate about, that you think is relevant to this job and that showcases your talents, achievements and problem-solving abilities.
• What if they ask difficult questions?
  • Think before answering—a brief pause shows thoughtfulness
  • Address weaknesses honestly but frame them as areas of growth
    • Show that you are self aware and capable of critical thinking
  • If you don't know an answer, admit it gracefully and pivot to related knowledge or express eagerness to learn

Can I Ask Questions?

• Definitely!
• Ask about day-to-day responsibilities and what success looks like in the first 30, 60, and 90 days
• What’s the ideal candidate look like?
• What are the big goals of this venture? Wheres the big opportunity here? 
• IS there a program for mentors and mentees?
• Is there a long term future here?
• Question the interviewer about their own experience and how they got to where they are now?
• What do they enjoy most about working there?

Questions to avoid: Don't ask about salary, benefits, or vacation time

Summary

• Send a thoughtful thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing specific topics discussed and reiterating your interests
• For virtual interviews specifically, close by looking at the camera, smiling, and thanking the interviewer warmly before ending the call
• Act as if you belong or as if you were a part of the team!