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Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams are great tools which enable us to connect with top-notch candidates from all over the globe during the admissions interview. However, using Skype, Zoom, or Teams means we, and our applicants, face some unique communication challenges. As an applicant, there are a few other things you can do to ensure the best possible atmosphere for your Frankfurt School Master Admission Interview.
The most important thing to remember about an online interview is that it is an actual interview, and you need to be just as prepared and professional as you would in person.
Before the interview, get a friend or colleague to help you make a test call. Although Skype, Zoom and Teams can check your sound and video quality, various issues can arise during calls detectable only by another person. For example, use the test call to proof the lighting of your space. It is more difficult to concentrate in an interview when the applicant is completely in the dark and all we see is your outline. Make sure you set up in front of a neutral background. You may, understandably, be a fan of Beyoncé, but the giant poster you have hanging in your room should not be visible behind you during your interview.
Also, check on the effects of any background noise. Close your windows and ensure anything that may be happening around you cannot be heard during the call. The best way to do this is to use a headset and ensure no interruptions during your interview. If your roommate is cooking dinner during your interview, tell them beforehand to not barge in and ask what kind of noodles you want.
Be online at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time for the interview. Just like in–person interviews, if you are not at least 5 minutes early, you are late. Being late is disrespectful and makes for a wrong first impression. And also, just like in-person interviews, you need to dress the part. You would never show up to an in-person interview wearing an old hoodie; an online interview is no different. It does not make a favourable impact if the interviewer can tell you are wearing your pyjamas.
Take into consideration the limitations of technology. At times there can be a lag in transmission. For you, this means you need to ensure the interviewer is done speaking before you begin answering questions. This also means that natural interruptions are a bit trickier than face-to-face conversation. You will need to pay extra attention to non-verbal cues to avoid talking over each other.
We all know body language is crucial in communication, but it plays a different role during an online interview. Although you may get very animated and excited, remember that vigorous movement comes off differently over video than in real life. Wiggling around in your seat or swivelling on your desk chair is very distracting.
While every interview is unique, there are a few common questions that you can expect to come up during your admissions interview. Be prepared to talk about your academic background, any relevant work experience or extracurricular activities, and your reasons for wanting to pursue this particular programme. It’s also a good idea to come up with some questions to ask the interviewer about the programme or Frankfurt School.
Finally, if something goes wrong, don’t let it affect your interview performance. Technical difficulties happen. Interviewers understand this. Don’t get overly distracted or nervous. Likewise, be understanding if the interviewer has technical difficulties.
Following these few tips will give you a positive foundation for your Admissions interview.
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