This is an extraordinary season for Prep School children who, as well as navigating ‘school at home’, are also looking ahead as to what their next chapter will be.  Interviews with senior schools have begun, and given current circumstances, those interviews are most likely to be conducted via Zoom.  

Though the interview is ‘distanced’, really connecting and having a good conversation is what I hope your child will enjoy.  Thoughtful preparation and planning  – as if the interview was in person – will help towards your child feeling self assured, relaxed, genuine and possibly even excited about them.  

Below are tips for your child as they get ready for their ZOOM interview:

• Have in your mind 5 aspects about the interviewing school that really excite you.  WHY would you love to go there after Prep?
• The day before the interview, review where you will be setting up your fully charged computer and is it set up in a spot that is neat, quiet and with good lighting.? Do look too as to what is going on in the background!  
• Adjust your seat so that your head and shoulders are central on the screen.
• Position a pen and paper close by, and any other relevant material that you may require for the interview – including a glass of water.
• Should you be feeling very apprehensive, you can use your breath to settle you down.  Breath in for 5, hold for 5, breath out for 5 and hold for 5 … and repeat a few times. Any kind of movement an help you settle too.
• Talk to yourself with encouragement:  I have got this; it is easy for me to chat about myself; I am really good at conversations; I am going to enjoy this!  I am really prepared for this interview.
• If the Senior School requested your ‘CV’ or a ‘motivating letter’, review them.  There is a high chance that the interviewer will be using these documents as a springboard for conversation with you.
• On the day of the interview, be ready 15 minutes before hand.
• Be dressed in your school uniform, as if you are at the interview in person.
• Set the intention for having a really good interview!
• Once the link is up, remember to maintain excellent deportment and greet the interviewer with a happy smile and warm hello.
• Listen carefully to the questions and answer, remembering to glance into the into the camera when emphasising a point – by doing so you are looking directly at the interviewer.
• Answer the questions with clarity, detail and expressiveness.
• You might need to speak a little slower than you ordinarily would and know that you might well have to repeat points should the internet connection not remain stable (should your connection break – remain calm, keep smiling and wait for the link to reconnect).
• ZOOM interviews can feel intense – but remain engaged and animated to the very end.
• Have fun chatting about your life at Prep School.  You might find that you are asked questions that surprise you so remember that it is absolutely alright to take time to think and consider your answers.  Also, if you are not sure what exactly the question you have been asked is about, it is absolutely fine to ask for greater clarification.
• And importantly, Remember to THANK the interviewer once your interview draws to a close.   If it feels right, you can express how much you like their school!

Connecting via the screen can feel much more stilted than if you were meeting somebody face to face but by planning well and being absolutely yourself, setting out to enjoy the experience, will greatly help towards leaving a super impression.