The interview is an important part of the MBA application process. For many MBA applicants, this is the first time someone from the admissions committee is going to hear your voice and see your face. This is an opportunity for the interviewer to experience your passion for an MBA in person.
For MBA applicants who are unable to visit in person, a phone interview was the next best thing. Now some MBA programs are encouraging students to interview via webcam. It may not be an in-person interview, but it does give you the opportunity to exhibit your passion in a more personal manner. If you find yourself looking ahead to a webcam interview, here are three things to remember.
- Everything communicates. The webcam is going to show your face and everything in the background. Choose your location wisely. The simplest background would be a white wall. If you have an office or study you may choose to be interviewed that setting. Still, be careful of any wall paintings, house decorations, or other scenery that could be a distraction.
- Look into the camera. Remember that the camera serves as the interviewer’s “eyes”. Your “eye contact” will be determined by how you engage the camera. Be careful not to focus too much on your computer screen. When you talk and look at your screen you will appear to be looking down. Keep your head up, back straight, and look into the camera.
- Practice. It is a different experience trying to interact with someone through a camera and computer screen. You may not get the body language signals you are accustomed to, especially if the feed has a delay. Your best preparation tactic is to treat this interview just like an in-person interview. Wear your suit, take notes in your portfolio, and practice your responses.
Knock ‘em dead!
Tags: admissions committee, application process, body language, computer screen, distraction, eye contact, interviewer, mba applicants, mba application, mba programs, passion, person interview, personal manner, phone interview, scenery, signals, tactic, wall paintings