Zoom Nomination Interviews

A

anom

Co26 TWE Co27 Waitlistee/Rejectee
Joined
Dec 9, 2021
Messages
244
Good Afternoon,

I am currently a Mid at Penn State and I am from Nebraska, where I have fortunately been offered interviews, and my parents want me to zoom. Does anyone know how a nomination committee looks at zoom interviews? Thank you so much, everyone.
 
In the case of a college student who is as far away as you are, it is likely that the committee will not look negatively on a Zoom interview. If you were a few hours drive away perhaps they'd expect something different. Don't hesitate to discuss the Zoom question with the MOCs' staff. Good luck.
 
In the post Covid era many have become better at Zoom. Test your internet, camera, mic, background etc.
I interviewed for a job in May and it was a work from him gig. I drove to the local college, reserved a private study room with excellent WiFi and did my interview from there.
No glitches. Planned wardrobe, did test run with my daughter 30 mins prior to make sure camera and mic worked.

Email current resume to MOC POC prior to interview.
Good luck on your application.
 
Heatherg21 said:
In the post Covid era many have become better at Zoom. Test your internet, camera, mic, background etc.
I interviewed for a job in May and it was a work from him gig. I drove to the local college, reserved a private study room with excellent WiFi and did my interview from there.
No glitches. Planned wardrobe, did test run with my daughter 30 mins prior to make sure camera and mic worked.

Email current resume to MOC POC prior to interview.
Good luck on your application.
Click to expand...
One of success factors in a great interview is "confidence". When the interviewee has it here's what one typically sees:
  • Smiles
  • Poise
  • Eye contact
  • Handles technology glitches with ease
  • Is comfortable
  • Is his/herself
  • Knows their subject
For most of us, this takes years to get good at. For a small number, they just shine. Practice can help. The candidate that displays a confidence level that obviously has been honed for years often nails it. Remember, the interview is just one part of the application process.
 
The panel will not look at this negatively. I have sat on several panels. During COVID we did them all via zoom. Other years we have had prep school Cadets and Mids do zoom. We also have had a few kids who lived overseas also do zoom. It’s all about how you interview. Obviously being over zoom you have a different dynamic than in the room, so ensure to prepare for those. Good luck.
 
Candidate ProTip: Your interviewer(s) want you to succeed. They are human too. Try to relax and be yourself. It's actually more important than you probably realize.
 
Does your MOC offer the option of Zoom interview vs. in person? You never indicated if that is an option. If it is an option, then obviously you can participate either way. If they don't offer that option and sounds like you're a college reapplicant, then you might need to spend the time/money to travel home for the in person interview. If they don't offer the Zoom option, not sure what your parents prefer would matter.
 
time2 said:
Does your MOC offer the option of Zoom interview vs. in person? You never indicated if that is an option. If it is an option, then obviously you can participate either way. If they don't offer that option and sounds like you're a college reapplicant, then you might need to spend the time/money to travel home for the in person interview. If they don't offer the Zoom option, not sure what your parents prefer would matter.
Click to expand...
One of my Senators gave me the option after I requested the date to be switched to a weekend so I miss less school. The other one has not given me the option. Parents are pretty set on zoom. I just wanted to make sure that I was not at a disadvantage if I were to do so. I know some of the amazing people on here have sat on nomination boards and figured that would be the best people to ask. Thank you all so much for your input. I cannot express how much it helps.
 
Best tip I ever got re Zoom meetings: When you’re talking, look directly at the camera. That’s the online equivalent of making eye contact. Your interviewer will notice. Trust me on this one. 😉
 
If you go the video route, there are many older threads that talk about how to adequately prepare regardless of which software is used. Nothing makes someone seem more unprepared then to be fumbling with the settings/configuration/camera setup/sound DURING the interview.
 
Do a Zoom practice run. Set up a call with a friend or family member. Have them give you feedback on lighting and volume. Check your background — don’t need anything special, just nothing obnoxious. Finally, put the laptop camera at eye level. May require setting it atop a stack of books. Along with my advice in the prior post, this gives the impression of looking your interviewer in the eye (rather than up your nose).
 
MidCakePa said:
Do a Zoom practice run. Set up a call with a friend or family member. Have them give you feedback on lighting and volume. Check your background — don’t need anything special, just nothing obnoxious. Finally, put the laptop camera at eye level. May require setting it atop a stack of books. Along with my advice in the prior post, this gives the impression of looking your interviewer in the eye (rather than up your nose).
Click to expand...
This!!! 💯. I mentioned my personal interview experience previously. Not only did I do test run but I chose a secure ISP site with secure and consistent service and did a private run through with a family member re camera, sound, wardrobe, etc. Preparation is key.
If you are confident in your research of the SA, service, process, and you know your wardrobe is on point and you have a few questions prepared and your current resume in hand, your confidence will be conveyed. Your eye contact won’t be forced.
 
MidCakePa said:
Do a Zoom practice run. Set up a call with a friend or family member. Have them give you feedback on lighting and volume. Check your background — don’t need anything special, just nothing obnoxious. Finally, put the laptop camera at eye level. May require setting it atop a stack of books. Along with my advice in the prior post, this gives the impression of looking your interviewer in the eye (rather than up your nose).
Click to expand...
Excellent advice. I put my laptop on an 8 qt stockpot turned upside down, topped with a cookie sheet. Very stable, just right for my sitting height in a desk chair. I know there are stands and accessories that do this, but I dislike buying single purpose things if I can solve it another way.
 
Further on the importance of how you look, use of eye contact and demonstrating confidence. The other day I was one of four BGOs who attended a USNA Admissions Forum at a major city. We proactively greeted students and family members as they entered the venue. The best response was from the students that looked me in the eye, held out their and introduced themselves. There were plenty of parents that did this...however, its time for the student to step up to the plate. Great experience meeting so many potential candidates and parents. Same thing applies to Zoom interviews. Shine and be ready! Put your best YOU forward.
 
i have been selected for 2 nom interviews and both of them are on zoom with no option for an in person interview
 
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