Advice for a Virtual interview with a university

I have a Virtual interview with a prospective university and I'm not sure how to best prepare for it. Does anyone have tips on lighting, sound quality, or general online interview etiquette? How does this differ from in-person interviews?

Setting up the right space for your Virtual interview is key. Choose a spot with a clean, appropriate, and neutral backdrop. This isn't the time to conduct the interview in your favorite coffee shop or in a messy bedroom. A clear wall or a tidy home office (if you have it) is ideal.

You want to make sure the space is quiet and you won't be interrupted. If you live with others, let them know beforehand about the time of your interview so they can help keep distractions to a minimum.

Regarding lighting, natural light is the most flattering. However, be careful not to have too much light behind you, as it might make you appear silhouetted. If natural light isn't an option, desk lamps aimed towards you, but not directly in your face, can also work.

As for sound quality, consider investing in a good headset or microphone – especially if you'll be having more online interviews or meetings in the future. However, most modern laptops have decent built-in microphones.

Test your setup before the interview. Start a test call to check that your microphone and webcam are working correctly. Check how you appear on camera and adjust your lighting and camera angle as needed.

In terms of etiquette, it's much the same as an in-person interview. Dress professionally, at least from the waist up. Make sure your camera is at eye level and look into it when you're speaking, so it appears that you're making eye contact. Try to show enthusiasm with your voice and facial expressions, since the interviewer won't be able to see your full body language.

Finally, have a backup plan ready to share with the interviewer – like a phone number where they can reach you – in case of serious technical issues.

Good luck with your interview!