Candidate interviews have always been a pivotal part of the independent high school, and in some cases college, application process. This year, however, schools have had to pivot to entirely virtual procedures due to the pandemic, resulting in limited campus visits, tours and shadow days. In the absence of the opportunity to meet in person, the interview is now, more than ever, a crucial component of the admission process.
As adults, we’ve all been in some situation that resembles an interview - for a job, a school, or even a date! These life experiences have equipped us with a solid base of knowledge about how to handle these encounters, but our children are just starting out and don’t have the same bank of wisdom to tap into. Nor can we hold them by the hand and be with them during the event itself. So just how do you prepare your child for the virtual interview to ensure they present their best self?
Even in ‘normal’ times, the admissions interview can evoke feelings of anxiety in a candidate as they reflect on who they are, what questions they will be asked, and their academic preparedness. Under current circumstances, candidates do not have the benefit of the usual social cues provided by the environment, body language, facial expressions, and eye contact that the in-person interview provides. Instead, they are quite literally required to be ‘on’ at the flick of a button. This artificial situation may bring about anxiety in your child. This apprehension is 100% natural, so the best way to head off these concerns is to be prepared.
On the good news front, we’ve all grown to appreciate the importance of technology - along with its quirks - since the pandemic started in March. Children have also become accustomed to speaking in front of a camera for classes, play dates, tutoring, family catch ups etc. In theory, this should make the virtual interview less daunting, but stage fright can still take hold, so here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for the interview with your child.
Charge your device
Test your internet connection
Do an audio/video check - how does your child sound?
Make sure you have a good camera angle - don’t show them just a forehead!
Do a test run - rehearse with a friend or family member who can give feedback
Mark where the camera on device is so your child looks as if they’re speaking right at the interviewer
Make sure your child avoids online browsing or typing during the interview
Choose a quiet space that has a clear, simple background. It should be private with minimal distractions.
Have everything needed at hand - pen, pencil, paper, notes, tissue, glass of water
Dress code: Wear appropriate clothes. A virtual meeting is just as important as an in-person interview, so dress to impress!
Posture: Make sure your child is comfortable in their chair so they don’t slouch. Remind your child not to rest their head on their hand when listening. And remind them to appear engaged at all times!
Body language: Right up there with posture, body language tells the interviewer so much about whether the candidate is following the conversation, is interested in what they have to say, and if they are engaged in the process. It’s a lot to expect of your child, but remind them to smile when appropriate, focus on the conversation, and sit up straight (even we can hear our mothers saying that!).
It sounds obvious, but research the school and make sure your child can answer the question: “Why Xyz School?” To do this, browse through the admissions section of the school’s website, do the online virtual campus tours, and read as many candidate resources as possible
Have your child prepare a card with talking points on it - just a few, not a script!
Come up with a few questions ahead of time for your child to ask the interviewer. If they’ve covered them during the interview, maybe ask one that is personal to them. The more engaged and interested your child sounds, the better!
At the end of the interview, remind your child to take a breath, smile and give their heartfelt thanks to the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the school
Make sure your child sends a thank you note via email or mail
Hopefully, these pointers will help your child prepare for, and ultimately ace the admissions interview. We are available for one-on-one coaching if you feel like your child would benefit from independent, professional coaching. We are just an email away, so please click here to contact us!