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8 Things to Consider for Skype/Zoom MBA Admission Interviews

1) Use a Good Camera

What differentiates the popular contributors on YouTube from amateurs is the quality of the video. Most laptops have the bare-minimum technology when it comes to cameras.

We have picked three video cameras for the MBA Application Video recording/interviews. Borrow it from your friend if you don’t have one:


1) Olympus E-M5 Mark III

2) Panasonic Lumix G90/G95

3) Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

If you are unable to get one of the three cameras, use the inbuilt camera on your laptop and change the settings until you find the optimum pixels, hue, and color combination. Even the natural light near the window or an artificial white light falling on your face would accentuate the quality of the video.


Note: Most cameras have limits on the recording/streaming time – memory and/or battery. Be mindful when you record it and test it multiple times while integrating with third-party software like Zoom or Skype. Also, ensure that the right permissions are set for the camera before going live.

2) Buy a Good Mic

Even if you don’t invest in a camera, a good mic compensates for the video quality.

Here are four mics we recommend:

• Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone ($99) (plug and play)

• Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone ($149) (plug and play)
• Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone ($129.99) (plug and play)
• Shure SM7B ($399) – best in the market. Need a pre-amp to capture your voice.

Once the mic is set, record these sentences:


Oak is strong and also gives shade.

Cats and dogs each hate the other.
The pipe began to rust while new.
Open the crate but don't break the glass.
Add the sum to the product of these three.
Thieves who rob friends deserve jail.
The ripe taste of cheese improves with age.
Act on these orders with great speed.
The hog crawled under the high fence.

Move the vat over the hot fire.

If you can hear a pop sound in each sentence, use pop filters to negate the plosives.


3) Failsafe Internet Connection


We recommend applicants to avoid public Wi-Fi or shared connections for video calls as you would have less control over the interruption.  Make sure that you have a backup connection for the session.


Most Business Schools will give you 2-3 chances to reconnect. Therefore, a foolproof internet connection is mandatory.


4) Set up the Environment

a) Software

Close any unnecessary software, including multiple browsers, adobe updater, email client software, and chat applications, and allocate 90% of the processing power for the recording session. Use process explorer to evaluate CPU utilization.

b) Lighting

Like sound, lighting could compensate for the lack of a good camera.


Your phone light or a simple set of table lamps placed strategically will give the ‘bright’ effect that would help you stand out from the background and convey a pleasant feeling about your candidacy.

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For complete tips on acing the Zoom/Skype Interviews, including Lighting, Preparation Strategies, Focusing on the question and Switch Topic techniques, Download F1GMAT's MBA Admission Interview Guide