Virtual Interview Etiquette Activity | Video Interview Tips PSA

Virtual Interview Etiquette PSA - Job Interview Skills Example

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Lesson Plan Overview

More first interviews now happen on a video call, and a video interview has its own rules: what the camera sees, what the microphone hears, and what to do when the connection drops. In this activity, students create a public service announcement (PSA) that teaches other students how to get ready for a virtual interview. Teaching the tips is one of the best ways to remember them.

In the example, Ms. Grant interviews Jordan for the TagBack job on a video call. Each cell of the PSA shows one tip, with a short slogan and a picture of Jordan getting it right.

Before You Begin

Time needed: one 45-minute class.
Try it: if your school allows it, have students join a short video call with a partner and check each other's lighting, background, and sound before they design the PSA.
Equity note: not every student has a quiet room or a laptop at home. Include tips that work anywhere: a school or library room, a phone propped at eye level, or a blurred background.
Assessment: at least five clear tips, each with a short slogan and a picture that shows the tip, and a call to action at the end.

Example PSA: Jordan's Video Interview

TIP	SLOGAN	WHAT JORDAN DOES
Test the tech	"Test before you log in."	Opens the link 15 minutes early and checks the camera and microphone.
Light and background	"Face the light."	Sits facing a window, with a plain wall behind.
Eye contact	"Look at the lens."	Sets the screen at eye level and looks at the camera when speaking.
No distractions	"Mute the world."	Silences notifications, closes other tabs, and tells the family about the call.
Dress fully	"Dress for the whole interview."	Wears interview clothes, not just a nice shirt on top.
Have a backup	"Dropped? Rejoin."	Has Ms. Grant's phone number ready and rejoins right away if the call drops.

Differentiation

Grade 8: students choose four tips from a provided list.
Grades 9–12: add a "phone interview" version and compare what changes when there is no camera.
Extension: display the PSAs in the career center or share them with younger grades.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a PSA that teaches students how to prepare for a virtual job interview.

Click "Use This Template" from the assignment.
Choose at least five tips: test the tech, lighting and background, eye contact, no distractions, dressing fully, or having a backup plan.
In each cell, write a short slogan for the tip.
Show a candidate following the tip.
In the last cell, add a call to action that tells viewers what to do.
Save and submit your storyboard.

Virtual Interview Etiquette PSA - Job Interview Skills Template

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Public Service Announcements

Switch to: Common Core • Arizona • California • Colorado • Florida • Georgia • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Massachusetts • New Jersey • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Texas • Virginia

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Lesson Plan Overview

In the example, Ms. Grant interviews Jordan for the TagBack job on a video call. Each cell of the PSA shows one tip, with a short slogan and a picture of Jordan getting it right.

Before You Begin

Time needed: one 45-minute class.
Try it: if your school allows it, have students join a short video call with a partner and check each other's lighting, background, and sound before they design the PSA.
Equity note: not every student has a quiet room or a laptop at home. Include tips that work anywhere: a school or library room, a phone propped at eye level, or a blurred background.
Assessment: at least five clear tips, each with a short slogan and a picture that shows the tip, and a call to action at the end.

Example PSA: Jordan's Video Interview

TIP	SLOGAN	WHAT JORDAN DOES
Test the tech	"Test before you log in."	Opens the link 15 minutes early and checks the camera and microphone.
Light and background	"Face the light."	Sits facing a window, with a plain wall behind.
Eye contact	"Look at the lens."	Sets the screen at eye level and looks at the camera when speaking.
No distractions	"Mute the world."	Silences notifications, closes other tabs, and tells the family about the call.
Dress fully	"Dress for the whole interview."	Wears interview clothes, not just a nice shirt on top.
Have a backup	"Dropped? Rejoin."	Has Ms. Grant's phone number ready and rejoins right away if the call drops.

Differentiation

Grade 8: students choose four tips from a provided list.
Grades 9–12: add a "phone interview" version and compare what changes when there is no camera.
Extension: display the PSAs in the career center or share them with younger grades.

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a PSA that teaches students how to prepare for a virtual job interview.

Click "Use This Template" from the assignment.
Choose at least five tips: test the tech, lighting and background, eye contact, no distractions, dressing fully, or having a backup plan.
In each cell, write a short slogan for the tip.
Show a candidate following the tip.
In the last cell, add a call to action that tells viewers what to do.
Save and submit your storyboard.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Public Service Announcements

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How to Prepare Students for a Video Interview

Run a practice call

Partners join a short video call and check each other's lighting, background, and sound.

Teach the six tips

Cover testing the tech, light and background, eye contact, distractions, dress, and a backup plan.

Storyboard the PSA

Students show at least five tips, each with a short slogan and a picture.

Add a call to action

The last cell tells viewers exactly what to do before their next video interview.

Share the PSAs

Display the PSAs in the career center or share them with younger grades.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teaching Virtual Interview Skills

What are the most important virtual interview tips for students?

Test the link, camera, and microphone 15 minutes early; sit facing a light source with a plain background; put the screen at eye level and look at the camera when speaking; silence notifications and tell others in the home; dress fully; and keep the interviewer's phone number ready in case the call drops.

What if students don't have a laptop or a quiet room at home?

Many don't, so teach options that work anywhere. A school or public library room, a phone propped at eye level on books, a blurred or plain virtual background, and headphones with a microphone all help. Students can also ask the employer to schedule around a time when a quiet space is available.

Should students look at the screen or the camera?

At the camera while speaking, because that reads as eye contact to the interviewer. They can glance at the screen while listening to see reactions. Placing the interviewer's video window near the top of the screen, close to the camera, makes switching between the two feel natural.

What should students do if the video call drops?

Rejoin right away with the same link. If that fails, call or email the interviewer using contact details saved before the interview, explain briefly, and offer to continue by phone. Handling a dropped call calmly shows the problem-solving an employer is looking for, so it can even help the interview.

How should I grade the virtual interview PSA?

Give points for at least five clear tips, a short slogan for each, a picture that shows the tip being followed, and a call to action at the end. Add points for accuracy: each tip should be something a student could actually do before or during a video interview.