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.
| 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. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Create a PSA that teaches students how to prepare for a virtual job interview.
Partners join a short video call and check each other's lighting, background, and sound.
Cover testing the tech, light and background, eye contact, distractions, dress, and a backup plan.
Students show at least five tips, each with a short slogan and a picture.
The last cell tells viewers exactly what to do before their next video interview.
Display the PSAs in the career center or share them with younger grades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.