A common question many residency candidates may have about the Post-Match SOAP ® is whether programs conduct interviews before the Offer Rounds begin Wednesday.

The answer is yes.

After sending your 45 applications, programs have three main ways of interviewing potential candidates throughout SOAP:

1. In person (only for those who are local to the program)
2. Over the phone
3. Video chat

Most of the time, programs will contact residency candidates they are interested in through phone/email first, so it is very important that you keep your phone close and check your email (including your Junk/Spam Folder) often during the early part of Match Week.**

** Remember: Residency candidates are prohibited from initiating first contact with programs. Programs must initiate first contact. 

Phone interviews are fairly straightforward. They are usually about 15 to 20 minutes with the same content and questions that are covered in regular interviews. The only real difference is you will not be able to read the interviewer’s body language, and their tone could be hard to interpret.

Tips for phone interviews:

• Have your application materials printed out and on hand for quick reference
• If you aren’t confident on the phone, practice with a friend to increase your comfort and skill
• Make sure you have a quiet place to talk–  eliminate all distractions like the television
• Be sure to take time and listen to your interviewer before speaking, don’t cut them off until they are done asking the question
• Dress for an interview to put yourself in the right mindset, even if they can’t see you
• Keep pen and paper around to write notes and stay focused
• Just before the interview, drink some tea with honey or water to clear your throat
• Do not hang up without establishing your next step

Phone interviews are a little scary, but easy enough to manage if you are prepared. On the other hand, some applicants find video interviews to be more intimidating. Most applicants have gotten used to video interviews since they’ve become the norm, however it’s still good to prepare!

Tips for video interviews:

• Practice, practice, practice to gain familiarity in front of the camera
• Remember, look at the camera, not the screen
  • If it helps, tape googly eyes next to the camera to know where to look interviewers in the “eyes”
  • Move the camera window that shows the interviewer near the camera
• Have your application materials printed out and nearby, but don’t be too obvious about looking at them
• Have Skype/Zoom downloaded beforehand with a professional username and icon
• Pick a clean, quiet and well lit place to have the interview. Don’t forget what might be in the background!
• Close all background programs on your computer
• Right before the interview, take time to freshen up your hair and check your teeth
• Dress for an interview, even if they can’t see your pants, it helps put you in the right mindset

For both interviews, do not forget to email a Thank You after the interview!

You might feel out of sorts because of the overwhelming nature of the SOAP, but it’s important to remember, SOAP interviews are similar to Main Match Season interviews in protocol. Prepare for the interview like you would any other interview, use your common sense, and you will be just fine!

If you have any further questions about the Post-Match SOAP, feel free to contact the Post-Match experts at Electronic Residency by calling 858-299-2003 or emailing support@electronicresidency.com.

 

The NATIONAL RESIDENT MATCHING PROGRAM®, The NRMP®, SUPPLEMENTAL OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM®, and SOAP® are registered trademarks of National Resident Matching Program. THE MATCH™ is a trademark of National Resident Matching Program. ResidencyPrep, LLC and this page are not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with National Resident Matching Program.