Video Interview Tips

Once upon a time, high school students had actual, in-person interviews when they applied to college. (Parents, you probably remember that).

While interviews are now much less common, some schools do offer video interviews. So it's helpful to know how to prepare for an on-camera interview. And even if you don't do an interview now, this skill will be critical when you apply for jobs.

Here are my top 10 tips for the on camera interview.

1. Properly frame your image. See the photo above. Note how the speaker on the computer screen is centered. The top of his head is near the top of the screen.

2. Check your lighting. The best light should shine on your face. Don't sit in front of a window. When you do that, the window looks light, and you look dark. If you need to add light, you can put a ring light, or a lamp, in front of you.

3. Silence your phone and computer. You don't want any sort of sound interruptions. Tell other people at your home that you're going to be on a call. And if your dog might interrupt... find a way to distract the pup.

4. Check your background. Blur your background. If you don't want to do that, clean up any mess behind you. No open closets, messy beds or bookshelves.

5. Wear a solid color shirt. A primary color is best. No patterns.

6. Dress professionally. No hats or sweatshirts.

7. Sit in a stable chair. If you're in a chair that swivels, you might move around too much. Get a stable chair that won't move.

8. Prepare three talking points. Your interviewer will have questions. So prepare a note of three things to share with the interviewer. You'll pepper these nuggets into the conversation. For example: (1) I play guitar and want to join a band in college; (2) I'm in a modern dance company and want to audition for a college dance company; and (3) I want to study Ancient Greece and did an independent study about Greek Mythology.

9. Prepare three questions. The final question is always, "Do you have any more questions for me?" So make a note of three questions that are specific to you. The questions should not be generic. For example: I'd like to spend a semester studying abroad in Greece. Do students typically stay at school all four years, or do many go abroad?

10. Research your interviewer. If possible, Google the person who is going to interview you. Read the person's LinkedIn profile or bio on the school website. It's helpful to know a little bit about the person you'll be speaking to.