Is taking notes during residency interview info sessions unacceptable?

[NeuroHopeful2026]

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Hi everyone, M4 and current residency applicant here. I've been really upset since seeing a post last week on Reddit where a current resident talked about an applicant being ranked low after interview day due to the PD seeing reflections of lights on their glasses during the presentation portion of the virtual interview and assuming they were on social media. I frequently take notes during the presentation and go between tabs, and although I don't have glasses I've definitely noticed the light changing on my face as I switch screens. I've already done the majority of my interviews, so although I won't take notes for the remaining ones I can't change what I've done for previous interviews. So I wanted to ask residents, attendings, or anyone else involved in interviews/ranking: are PDs, PCs, and/or other faculty scrutinizing our faces during the presentation portion of interview day at your program? Would my behavior be cause to rank an applicant lower at your program? TIA

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I wouldn't have my phone out during an interview. If you want to take some notes on paper, that would probably be fine. Don't give them any excuse to think that you aren't involved and interested in the process.

 

[Saddleshoes]

As a habitual note taker myself, I would view it as a plus.
BUT as already stated don't make it a distraction.

 

[RangerBob]

Sounds like you were in a virtual interview? Going forward, use pencil/paper. It’s expected you’ll take notes and it’s obvious if you have the camera angled correctly that your looking down/jotting something done.

Don’t go between tabs/windows unless you’re telling your interviewer “sure, I can tell you that specific stat from my paper—let me just pull it up here.”

 

[comp1]

They are going to care about what you're like personality wise, 1 on 1. If you don't match high on your list, assume it's that and not note taking. There isn't a pop quiz about rotation sites and health insurance after presentations. They are for your benefit. This is all about how nice/enjoyable of a person you are to be around and how likely you are to be a problem to work with. When I'm doing virtual presentations I don't have the bandwidth to check on the audience visual responses unless there is something really dramatic going on. Reflections in glasses would not meet that bar.

 

[HemeOncHopeful19]

Good lord this thread made me realize virtual interviews are still the standard 6 years later?!

 

[gutonc]

Good lord this thread made me realize virtual interviews are still the standard 6 years later?!

It's so ridiculous.

 

[Goro]

Good lord this thread made me realize virtual interviews are still the standard 6 years later?!

Hell, we're doing faculty job interviews via Zoom

🙁

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The main driver is how much easier they are to do from a program standpoint. You don't need to book a conference room for the day. Don't need to organize meals/food. Can start later in the day one the east coast (to allow west coasters not to start at some ridic time. People in Hawaii or overseas end up suffering). Don't have to fill every moment of the day with something. Don't need to make small talk with the candidates non stop. Don't need to rustle residents to show up for lunch. Can do more days with less people per day at minimal extra work. Can have people interview from remote locations (whether that's their office, clinic, or the beach). No need to reimburse for hotel expenses (which some programs do). The list goes on and on.

Certainly cheaper on the applicant side.

The community appears to be coalescing around remote interviews, in person optional second look, preferably after a rank list has been determined (such that not coming for the 2nd look doesn't change your position).

 

[HemeOncHopeful19]

The main driver is how much cheaper they are to do from a beancounter standpoint.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The main driver is how much cheaper they are to do from a beancounter standpoint.

That too. Residency budgets are quite limited. Money saved on recruiting can be redirected to other things -- retreats, wellness, etc.