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Interview Advice for Regional Finalists

→  IMPORTANT  ←

 

Do not share questions from your interview with other finalists or through social media or other communication platforms before all interviews conclude on February 1st.

While we do not necessarily ask the same questions of all finalists, we ask you not to share for 2 reasons:

  1. You disadvantage yourself by giving others time to prepare a response to a question that you encountered fresh.
  2. It is generally obvious (through canned/rehearsed responses or no time thinking) when a later interviewer spent time preparing a response to a question.
Virtual Interviews

AUDIO/VIDEO/TECHNICAL ADVICE

 

 

PREP YOUR DEVICE

  • Download Zoom to the device you will be using for your interview at least 24 hours before your interview to make sure you can easily access it.
  • Practice using the application with a friend or family member to make sure you understand it.

 

FIND YOUR HEADPHONES

  • If you have them, use earbuds or headphones with a built-in microphone and NOT the built-in speakers and microphone of the device you are using – while this is not a requirement, this can help ensure your audio quality is strong.

 

USE A STRONG SIGNAL

  • Use your strongest available signal – a hardline connected device is stronger than wifi, and wifi is (typically) stronger than a cell signal.
  • Turn off all other devices and disable them from being connected to your signal to ensure the device you’re using has the strongest signal possible (and so you aren’t distracted by TikTok updates!).

 

SET THE SCENE

  • It is best to place your device on a stable setting rather than holding the device and moving around as you interview.
  • Check the lighting to be sure you are clearly seen – face the light rather than having your back to it – if there are windows behind you, close the blinds or curtains if possible.

 

WHEN IT'S INTERVIEW TIME

  • Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in.
  • Activate your camera and remain visible.
  • Log in to your interview link NO EARLIER THAN 5 minutes before but NO LATER THAN 2 minutes before your scheduled interview.

 

DURING THE INTERVIEW

  • As best as possible, look directly into your device’s camera rather than at the screen – it may be helpful to post a small arrow or two pointing at the camera as a reminder.
  • If there are technical glitches or your or your interviewers’ connections are lost, do not panic – we will reconnect, and you will have the full amount of time allotted for your interview.

GENERAL INTERVIEW ADVICE

 

 

YOU'VE GOT THIS

  • The interview is for you ONLY – not family, teachers, counselors, pets, etc. – avoid commentary, distraction, or interruption from others.

 

WHAT TO WEAR

  • We advise business casual dress – a nice button-up shirt or sweater is appropriate; no need to wear a suit.

 

REVIEW YOUR AWESOMENESS

 

NO MONOLOGUE NECESSARY

  • Your interview team will want to ask questions during your interview – there is no need to have a prepared opening statement that you launch into.
  • Let your interviewers guide the conversation.

 

YOUR INTERVIEWERS MAY SEEM DISTRACTED

  • Your interviewers may be reviewing their notes, looking at your application, or giving their fellow interviewers space to ask questions.
  • Do not worry if there are brief pauses after your answers or if they seem to be looking elsewhere – they are likely looking at their notes on another monitor.

 

WOOSAH

  • Feel free to have water (perhaps a Dasani, Smart Water, or any other Coke product!) handy.
  • Breathe.