Even though the Career Center is currently remote, we have shifted all of our services and events in creative and technology-focused ways. The Career Center continues to offer many opportunities for your student to connect with employers – only virtually.  They should get started today!

One way that students can connect is through virtual interviews (for internships and full-time positions).  Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can log into their UMBCworks account to learn about positions that may be of interest to them and begin the application process. Wouldn’t it be nice if your student already had a position lined up by this summer? Below, you’ll find tips on how students should prepare for a virtual job interview. 

Employers are using technology more than ever to screen applicants. These interviews might be either live or recorded and viewed at a later date. During a virtual interview, students should aim to focus on communicating themselves clearly and prepare like they would for an in-person interview. For practice and tips on best practices for phone and virtual interviews, they should log into Big Interview (our video training platform) from the Career Center’s website (Tool kit/Additional Job Search Tools/Big Interview). 

•Keep focused on the camera so that you appear to make eye contact with your interviewer.

•Dress for an in-person interview (no casual clothes).

•Test it out! Make a practice call to a friend prior to the interview to make sure that your audio/video are clear. Be sure to find a spot with the strongest connection (and clean backdrop).

•Make sure your background surroundings are neutral, professional, and distraction-free to ensure that your interviewer will be able to clearly see and hear you. Find a spot with good lighting and minimal glare. (Once we return to campus, students can reserve a room in the Career Center for their remote interviews).

•Limit distractions.

•Pay attention to your posture and body language. Use your facial expressions to show you are engaged and listening.

•Close other programs on your computer.

•If you are connecting by phone, a landline is preferable to minimize connection challenges. If you must use a cellphone, be sure to check your signal and battery life prior to the call. 

•Next to your computer, arrange notes outlining your relevant skill sets, along with examples using those skills, that match the position requirements as well as your résumé and job description, but refer to them as little as possible. You don’t want to seem like you are reading. Consider highlighting keywords or phrases you want to be sure to use.

•Research the organization’s website prior to the interview, taking note of their mission, values, and current information.

•Keep track of your time, so you’ll need to be able to see a clock.

•Prepare thoughtful questions beforehand.

•As with any interview – be sure to follow up!