General surgery applicant perspectives: Two years of virtual interview experiences and supplemental application impressions

•Applicants applied to more programs and accepted more interviews due to the virtual format.•ERAS supplemental application was perceived by 85 ​% of applicants to not improve their overall application.•The Signaling feature was of uncertain utility, as 20 ​% of applicants did not receive an interview offer from any program they signaled.•Virtual interviews saved applicants time and money but limited their exposure.