Tips for the online admissions interview

All admissions interviews are conducted online. This page provides you with tips and tricks for preparing for the interview. Stay authentic and take the online interview as seriously as you would a face-to-face interview.

This page provides you with important information about the online admissions interview for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. The tips and tricks are designed to help prospective Bachelor’s students in particular to master the interview successfully.

Technical equipment

The tool: The admissions interview will be conducted using the online conference tool MS Teams. FH JOANNEUM will send you the appointment in advance by email with a link to the online admission interview. A manual will be available here from 15 April.

The camera: Please use the camera already attached to or integrated with your computer or notebook. The image for the online interview should be sharp and not pixelated.

The camera position: The camera should be positioned at eye level. Otherwise, your interview partner will either have to look up or down to you, which may have a subconscious effect.

Audio: Even more important than the camera is good audio quality. You can use either your PC speakerphone or a headset.

Lighting: You should also ensure proper lighting. The light should come from in front and slightly below you. Natural daylight is the best option for video calls. What you should definitely avoid is dim lighting and having a light source behind you.

Preparation

The setting: Please ensure that everything within the camera’s field of view looks orderly and structured. You should remove any embarrassing photos and clean your desk. Check that your background is neutral and clutter-free. Remember: Everything that can be seen on the monitor will also be seen by your interview partners and will probably distract them from you and your expertise. Try out several camera angles in advance to see what looks best.

Professional appearance: The first impression counts, so don’t be afraid to use a little make-up – this goes for men, too. Dress so that you feel comfortable – but this does not include pyjamas or jogging pants. You could wear a shirt or blouse, as you might dress for an in-person application interview.

Do not disturb: Ensure that the interview cannot be disturbed. Close the door and all windows in order to shut out any noise from outside. Important: Have your smartphone ready if you experience technical problems.

Do your research

Do some research in advance: Prior to the interview, you should inform yourself about the content of the degree programme and the career paths it opens. You will find this information on the website of the relevant degree programme. Prepare yourself for the topics that will be discussed so that you are ready to answer any questions asked by your interview partners. Write down what you want to say beforehand. Some interviews will be conducted in English, so make sure you are familiar with the right vocabulary.

Rehearsal: Rehearse the interview several times, while also taking into consideration the technical implementation and the setting. Prepare for questions which are also typically asked in a classical interview and think of appropriate answers to them.

Frequently asked questions:

• Why are you applying for this particular degree programme?
• Why do you think you are suitable for the degree programme?
• What is your motivation?
• What is your greatest strength in your opinion?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Can you tell us something about yourself?
• Do you have any professional experience in the sector? If so, what?
• What do you expect from the course?
• What would you like to do professionally after graduation?
• Why did you choose FH JOANNEUM?

Programme-specific questions:

Interviews for Health Studies programmes for example will focus on your motivation, social skills and career plans. Some degree programmes may also include questions on subject-specific knowledge. The Department of Engineering will ask questions about the applicants’ qualification and motivation, while also including questions on mathematics and physics. Think carefully why you have applied for this particular degree programme, why you are fascinated by technology and what job you might do later. Do not learn set phrases to use in the interview – we would like you to be spontaneous so we can get a picture of you that is as authentic as possible.

Procedure:

You will receive an email with a link ahead of your interview. Please ensure that you are in the virtual waiting room (lobby) five minutes before the interview starts. The interview will definitely take place. You must wait in the lobby until you are admitted. The organisational processes involved may lead to longer waiting times.
You must show official photo identification to the camera, as well as the printed and signed Declaration (we recommend you make a screenshot of it, when technically possible). The interview will last around 20 – 40 minutes.