How to tackle online interviews
We know interviews can be a stressful concept, so as they approach, we decided to let our candidates know a bit about them. This year is a little different from previous editions, as Cambridge cLASs is going online for the first time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but our team is working tirelessly to prepare an experience similar to the ones previous candidates were exposed to.
Definitely tune in for our Interview Hub some time before your slot to meet other candidates and talk to members of the Cambridge cLASs family!
Now, onto the advice!
- Re-read your application.
Your application is the basis of what we know about you. Some of our questions are going to be about the things you included there, but this will not be the focus of your interview. We aim to extract the most interesting topics from your application and expand on them in conversation. Every candidate is asked a unique set of questions, depending on what they have written in the application and what comes up during the interview.
- Don’t worry about your English.
While it is important to be able to communicate clearly because ultimately the candidate needs to speak English well enough to study in this language, you need to be able to speak confidently. Don’t worry about fluency – this is something you will gain later! Having said that, we understand that English is not your first language and an interview is a stressful experience. If you forget a word, you can say it in Polish.
- Speak freely.
A successful interview is one that grabs the attention of the jury. Our aim is to get to know you better as a person, and we ask questions that allow us to understand your motivations – what made you apply to Cambridge cLASs and why you want to study at Leysin American School. We want to see your thinking process, and that happens when you speak freely. On the day of the interview, everyone is stressed, but you really simply need to show us that you are an interesting person. It is best when we can engage in a smooth conversation, so try to relax – you are more convincing when speaking from your heart. And remember, we are here to help you.
- Prepare yourself technically for your online interview.
This year’s interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Make sure you have this platform installed and running. Ensure that your camera, microphone and speakers are working and check your Internet connection to ensure the best possible experience for all parties. Choose a room in which you will be having your interview in advance – it should be a quiet and comfortable space. Make sure you have some water by your side too!
- Final advice?
All previous laureates agree that the best thing you can do is be yourself, show your passion and enjoy the experience! Do whatever feels right for you to prepare (be it watching a new documentary about your interests or going through potential interview scenarios), and get ready for some friendly brain-teasing too!
We will send you an email with your assigned interview time slot and a link to the Zoom meeting early next week. Please contact us via email or on Facebook if you do not receive yours by Friday 18 December.
Good luck to you all! We cannot wait to meet you.