Volume 67, Issue 3

Mock Video Interviews Prepare Seniors for the Future

by Evan Zisholtz

Nervously awaiting his mock interview, Avi Geffner paces back and forth in the waiting area.  After staring in amusement for some time, I finally entered the room and asked what was wrong.  Avi said, “I am about to have a mock video interview, and I have no clue what to expect.  I mean, I read all the potential questions the OPCS office gave me and dressed appropriately, but I still am very nervous.  I guess it is just imagining a video camera staring at me, as well as knowing that the personal interview is the final line for any job.”  Although I had no clue what he was talking about, I left the room and wished him good luck, but decided to further my knowledge on these interviews by asking both Dean Jaskoll and Dean Snow for some information.

After my informative meeting with both of these amazing deans I finally realized what was occurring.  Taken from his past job at Morgan Stanley, Dean Snow understood that “effective presentations take practice.”  The problem is that practicing once or twice in a more relaxed environment has problems.  The main difficulty with this technique is that the student being interviewed does not realize his problems.

The OPCS office decided that it would be best to imitate a real professional interview, videotape it and give the student a copy of the interview on a VCD (Video CD) so he can watch it on his computer.  Therefore, the interviewee will be able to see himself through the interviewer’s eyes and make changes accordingly.

This interviewing technique will be offered to every senior in the Sy Syms School of Business, on both the Wilf and Midtown Campuses.  Dean Snow said, “It is not mandatory but highly recommended because it is good practice as well as an opportunity to see yourself on camera.  I hope each student uses this opportunity to their benefit.”

This beneficial endeavor is not cheap and requires funding.  Thank God for the generous donation given by Mr. Ed Zughaft, Managing Director at Lehman Brothers, and his wife who are board members at YU, that made this dream into a reality. Without their input, this tremendous and beneficial event would not have taken place.

As a word of advice for future interviewees, practice proper eye contact, posture, gestures, and answers to be sure that you make the best impression when it is your turn in the spotlight.

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