Since the infamous year 2020, there has been a major shift in how things are done. Although some time has passed since that first move to remote life, virtual platforms still play a big role in how our world operates today. Interviews are no exception.
Each PA program handles admission interviews a bit differently, and it’s important to be ready throughout the application process. At the Duke Physician Assistant Program, admissions interviews are held virtually over Zoom, so knowing how to be prepared for a remote interview is essential. Here are some helpful dos and don’ts to keep in mind!
Do:
Be attentive, and make sure that you‘re paying attention to what the Zoom hosts are saying. This not only shows that you are engaged, but it also conveys respect and demonstrates that you are prepared.
Don’t:
Be distracted. Make sure to minimize all distractions and silence any electronics or notifications so that your only focus will be geared to the interview. Look directly into the camera. You don’t want to seem uninterested to interviewers but show them that you want to be there and that you are serious about your passion for the PA profession.
Do:
Make sure Wi-Fi is secure and your connection is stable. Nothing is worse than having a bad connection when it is your time to speak or hear important questions. Try to get things set up before your scheduled start time to avoid any connection mishaps.
Don’t:
Wait until the last minute to check equipment and connectivity. This can cause potential delays and impact your interview experience. It’s best to make sure that you stay on top of it and plan ahead.
Do:
Come dressed in appropriate attire. Leave a positive and lasting impression on your interviewers. Not only is it important to be prepared but looking fresh and ready to ace the interview can give you that extra confidence booster. It may seem like a small detail, but trust me, interviewers really do pay attention.
Don’t:
Be overly casual in dress or language. This is something that the admissions team here sees often, and it could reflect poorly on you. You should try to treat this the same way you would treat an in-person interview and present your best self!
Do:
Be prepared. Practice before you hop on. You don’t want any of the questions to trip you up. While there is no way for you to prepare for all questions, it’s helpful to study and have a good sense of what you’d like to say. If you want to learn more about preparing for questions during your interview, then you can check out a previous blog where we discuss some tips on how you could practice.
Don’t:
Don't be overly rehearsed. We see this a lot. Make sure you're answering the question that's being asked rather than taking things in a different direction. Don't be afraid to show your personality!
Do:
Show up on time. Pay close attention to the time zone listed for the interview and try to log in a couple of minutes early to avoid any last-minute issues. Small tech glitches are always bound to happen and can throw things off, and arriving late could risk you missing important parts of the interview. This could make a poor first impression, so make sure to take the proper steps to avoid this.
Don’t:
Ignore the cues from the interviewer that you need to move along or be more concise in your answers. Interviews are a set length, and you should pay attention to any real time feedback as you engage with the interviewer.
Do:
Avoid distracting backgrounds. Try to go for something more neutral without a lot of funky designs. Zoom also offers backgrounds that you can use to hide any distractions. I always like to either go for a single-colored background or blur my background.
Don’t:
Be on the move during the interview. It's best to find a stable, quiet location without background noises or a ton of motion. You shouldn't be walking or in a busy space during this key part of the process.
Virtual interviews may feel different, but with the right preparation, you can still leave a positive and lasting impression. With these small tips in mind, you can show up as your best self on screen!
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The Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog presents information based on the experiences of Duke PA Program staff and faculty. While the information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, requirements can change. Please visit the Duke PA Program website for the most up-to-date information.