I'm scheduled for a virtual interview with Denison University. I'm curious if there are any big differences I should be aware of compared to an in-person interview. Any advice on how to prepare for a virtual setting?
When you're preparing for a virtual interview, there's a lot of the same prep work as for an in-person interview—research the school, think about why you’re interested in attending, and prepare some questions to ask your interviewer.
Yet there are also some unique aspects to virtual interviews to consider. Here are a few tips:
1. Technical Setup: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space to conduct the interview. Test your microphone, speakers, and camera beforehand to avoid any technical issues. A wired ethernet connection, if possible, is usually the most stable.
2. Digital Presentation: Consider what’s in your camera's view as this can act as an extension of your "professional self". Ensure that your background is clean, and the lighting is good.
3. Eye Contact: When you're talking, try to look at the camera instead of the screen. It’s the best way to simulate eye contact in the digital domain.
4. Dress Appropriately: Even though it's a virtual interview, wearing formal or semi-formal attire would be similar to dressing up for an in-person interview.
5. Buffer Time: Log in early to double-check that everything is working, and have a backup plan prepared just in case on the day of your interview. This might include having the phone number or email of the admissions office handy, should you need it.
For virtual interviews specifically with Denison, there's no significant difference in content compared to their in-person interviews. Your interviewer will still ask about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and reasons for wanting to attend Denison. It’s a good idea to draft some potential answers to these common topics, but remember to keep it conversational—your interview should be a discussion, not a rehearsed presentation.
Best of luck with your interview!
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