Online Interview Guide

Virtual Medical School Interviews

In line with social distancing and safety measures, Medical School interviews have moved online for 2021 entry selection process. Check our list of each Med School and their approach to interviews in our comprehensive guide.

What Software Do I Need For Online Interviews?

As it stands, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Collaborate are the three common software programmes that will be used to conduct Medical School interviews for 2021 entry.

Zoom Interviews

Universities that have confirmed they will be using Zoom:

• Brunel
• Brighton & Sussex
• Bristol
• Swansea

Zoom is a cloud-based software that allows both video and audio, allowing live chat sessions to be recorded and viewed later. To join a Zoom instant meeting, you will need an invite. This will be in the form of a unique 9, 10 or 11-digit number, also known as a meeting ID.

Prior to joining the Zoom on a computer or mobile device, the Zoom app should be downloaded from here. If this isn’t done, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom after clicking the invite link. Alternatively, you can join via a Chrome web browser, where you simply need to input the meeting ID.

A good way to get to grips with the software is by joining a test meeting.

Here’s a video explaining how Zoom setups work:

Microsoft Teams Interviews

Universities that have confirmed they will be using Microsoft Teams:

• St. Andrews
• Sunderland

Slightly different from Zoom, Microsoft Teams is a chat-based workspace that incorporates all Microsoft applications such as Skype and Outlook.

To join a Microsoft Teams Meeting, you will need a link from the organiser. Through the invitation, there will be an option to Join Microsoft Teams Meeting – clicking this will take you to a page which allows you to join either via the web or desktop app. If you already have the app, the meeting will open automatically.

Microsoft Teams can be downloaded onto your desktop. You can also install the app onto your phone by simply entering your phone number or email to receive a download link. Like Zoom, it can also be used through a browser too.

If you do not have a Teams account, providing the organiser has certain settings, you may have the option to join as a guest. If you do have a Teams account, you will have access to the meeting chat and more after signing in.

You can also check out how to set up teams meetings on the Microsoft website.

Blackboard Collaborate Interviews

The University of Dundee has confirmed they will be using Blackboard Collaborate.

Blackboard Collaborate is a web conferencing tool that doesn’t require any app installation.

To join a session, a moderator will need to send you a link. After clicking the link, Blackboard Collaborate will appear at the top of the screen. You will see what session you have been invited to – once you’ve typed your name in the given space, you will be able to join the session.

Find out more about how to join a Blackboard Collaborate session on their site.

How Are Online Interviews Different?

Whilst in-person and online interviews will contain the same questions, there are some differences you should be aware of for the big day:

• Location And Setup. You’re in control of where you are when you sit this exam, which should help you to feel more comfortable. But this can also add to the pressure, as you need to find the right place to set up for the online interview.
• Body Language. It’s harder to convey positive body language during an online interview, so you need to think about ways you can do this.
• Speech. Sometimes there can be lag during video calls, so your speech needs to be adapted in anticipation of this.

We’ve shared our tips for online interviews to help you prepare.

You can also find out more about online interviews in our upcoming free webinar or by booking onto our Medicine Interview Course or MMI Prep Course.