The overwhelming majority of college interviews are taking place virtually this year. And while many of our traditional tips for preparing for interviews are the same as for those that are in person, there are a few things that students need to be aware of.
Make eye contact. This sounds obvious, but it’s harder than you think. That’s because your computer’s camera is not aligned with the eyes of your interviewer, so it can appear that you are looking down rather that at them. Focus on the camera, not on the eyes.
Eliminate alerts. Put everything on silent — cell phones, email alerts, calendar reminders. Even a small ping can distract you and the interviewer from your conversation. And because Zoom audio only lets one person talk at a time, an auditory alert will actually cut off the conversation.
Location, location, location. Look at what is behind you: a pile of athletic equipment, your headboard, or a tidy bookshelf? What sends the message about who you are and what you value? Make sure that the lighting is good as well! It can make a huge difference!