The massive shift to remote work in the past few years has solidified the case for MBA programs offering remote MBA interview options. And while some in-person interview options are available, many MBA programs continue to prioritize virtual interviewing, offering only virtual options. Some of the benefits center on equity and accessibility, as virtual interviews don’t cost the applicant money or time for travel. Virtual interviews also don’t require the same level of internal resources to reserve rooms on campus for conducting these interviews or to provide parking and other logistical support for interview candidates.
Both MBA applicants and MBA admissions staff have come to accept that virtual interview options are here to stay. When talking to one of my clients, I was surprised to hear him say that he actually preferred the virtual MBA interview option. He appreciated that he could control his environment and keep some notes in the background on his computer screen. Also, a new twist to virtual interviewing has emerged in the form of the recorded interview, where candidates must respond to a set of questions without the involvement of a live interviewer.
Although the basics of interviewing remain the same whether interviews are conducted in person or virtually, here are six tips to keep in mind when participating in a remote interview:
1. Practice makes perfect.
Familiarize yourself with the virtual interview format before your interview. Have a trusted advisor or colleague conduct a mock interview in advance, with you situated in the same location where you plan to sit for your virtual interview—ideally, at the same time of day as your interview—and wearing the same outfit you plan to wear in the interview. By practicing at the same time of day, you can assess any lighting issues and find solutions beforehand. For example, you may find that the sunlight is too bright during morning hours but fine in the same spot in the afternoon.
There are a few key skills to master for the virtual interview, such as looking into the camera rather than the screen to build eye contact with your interviewer. One advantage of the virtual interview is that you can tape a few note cards above your screen to remind you of the three key reasons why you want to attend the school or the three key ways you can add value to this particular program. However, be careful not to rely on your notes too much; you don’t want to appear to be reading notes. Record your mock interview session so you can watch your performance and make adjustments before your actual interview.
2. Pay attention to what is behind you.
Select a neutral background such as a white wall or a tidy bookcase or office area. Always use a computer and not a handheld device for your interview. I once interviewed a candidate who had a very bold black and white tapestry behind him, and he was also using his cell phone to conduct the interview. It was quite distracting and made me feel like I had entered a psychedelic disco scene, as the video image moved along with the candidate’s hand motions while he spoke. Avoid using virtual backgrounds; they place additional stress on your Internet connection, and parts of your body might appear and disappear throughout the interview! Make sure whatever is behind you looks tidy and orderly. Seeing dirty dishes in your sink, an unmade bed, or Heaven forbid, a bed with someone sleeping in it in the background—yes, this has happened!—is an absolute no-go. Beds in general are too personal and should not be visible in the background. If you live in tight quarters where a bedroom is your only option, focus your computer on a part of the room where the bed is not in the background.
3. Prep smart and be early.
Be prepared in case your interviewer logs on a few minutes early. Check your video and audio connections before the call. If a Zoom update needs to be installed, make sure to do this well in advance of your interview. Look at your video image before you sign on to ensure that your background looks clear and that your hair and clothing are in good shape. Another reason to log on a bit early is that you want to spend those last few minutes reviewing the key points you would like to make during the interview, not scrambling to fix Internet problems or audio/visual connections. Prioritize having a strong Internet connection to avoid technical issues. Confirm your meeting link in advance, and have a phone number or email address available in case you need to communicate technical difficulties to your interview contact.
4. Dress for success.
Although it is true that no one will see if you are wearing pajama bottoms, you will project more confidence and professionalism if you wear the same thing you would wear in a face-to-face interview. Dressing and grooming professionally tells your interviewer that you are excited about the opportunity to engage with them. Pay attention to details. For example, make sure your clothing is wrinkle free. Although you might think you can get away without paying attention to these details, you cannot. Camera quality has improved greatly on most video interview options; I can see if my clients are wearing wrinkled suits when I conduct practice Zoom sessions, and your interviewer can too.
5. Avoid distractions.
Ask your roommates or family not to stream Netflix or compete with you for Internet bandwidth during your interview session. If you have a dog that could bark unexpectedly, find someone who can walk or keep your pet during this time. Put a “Do not disturb” sign on the outside of your closed door so that no one unexpectedly interrupts you during your interview.
6. Smile!
You would be surprised how a big smile can set the tone for a relaxed, collaborative conversation. When candidates smile, it makes the interviewer feel more relaxed as well. A genuine smile is a great way to demonstrate charisma and confidence in your MBA interview and your professional presence in general.
Our Stratus counselors are a great resource to help you prepare for your MBA interviews. All of our counselors have been through this process, as they all hold an MBA from a top program. In addition, many members of our team previously served as admissions committee members or as alumni or student interviewers at top MBA programs, where they interviewed and evaluated MBA applicants. To learn more about our MBA interview preparation services, reach out to us for a free consultation.