71. Are video interviews a good alternative to in person interviews in assessing international applicants' skills?

Abstract

We developed and administered two questionnaires to assess the interview experience of both interviewers and applicants during postgraduate medical selection interviews. Using a 5 point likert scale, the questionnaires assessed three areas (1) ability to show/assess communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills; (2) ability to know the other side well and (3) level of comfort with the interview. Interviewers and applicants were asked to provide a global rating for the interview. The questionnaires were administered to both candidates and applicants from 6 departments in 18 in-person and 12 video interviews. 30 applicant and 87 interviewer survey forms were collected and analyzed. T-tests were used to compare the means of the two groups and significance levels were analyzed. Both interviewers and applicants had a higher average global satisfaction for video interviews compared to in person interviews. No difference was indicated in the ability of interviewers to assess the applicants’ skills between the two types of interviews. For both interviewers and applicants, video interviews, compared to in person interview, had a lower average score for connecting personally & establishing rapport and for satisfaction with administrative arrangements. Video interviewed applicants had a 50% probability of getting accepted in a program compared to 22% of in person interviewed candidates. We conclude that video interviews appear to be a valuable alternative to in-person interviews, with some sacrifice in personal connection and rapport. Video interviews result in significant time and cost savings for international applicants and have potential implications for the CaRMS process as well.
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