Access your interview itinerary, join virtual interview sessions, customize your video settings, and navigate Thalamus Video on your interview day.
1. Browser recommendations
Thalamus Video is the integrated virtual interview platform within Thalamus. Programs may choose to host interview sessions using Thalamus Video or a third-party video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex.
| Tip: Before your interview day, we recommend testing your camera, microphone, and internet connection. For instructions, see Testing Thalamus Video Before Your Interview Day. |
For the best experience with Thalamus Video, use the latest version of one of the following browsers:
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Microsoft Edge
Safari is supported, but some features may be limited because Thalamus Video uses Zoom's Web SDK.
| Important: Internet Explorer is not supported. |
2. Access your Interview Itinerary
- Sign in to Thalamus
- Navigate to the Schedule page
- Select your scheduled interview event
- Review your interview itinerary
Your itinerary may include:
- Interview session names
- Interview dates and times
- Program information
- Interviewer names
- Interview day description
- Attachments available for download
- Virtual meeting links
If your program is using Thalamus Video, you'll see a Join Session button.
If your program is using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or another video platform, the meeting link will be displayed within your itinerary.
You can also print your itinerary by selecting the Print icon.
3. Join a Virtual Interview
- From your itinerary, select Join Session
- Allow Thalamus Video to access your camera and microphone
- Verify your camera and microphone selections
- Select Join Meeting
Your browser will remember these device settings for future meetings on the same device.
| Note for Mac users: If prompted, allow your browser access to your camera, microphone, and screen sharing in your macOS privacy settings. |
4. Customize your video
Before joining your interview, you can customize your video appearance.
Available options include:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| None | No background effect is applied. |
| Blur | Blurs your background while keeping you in focus. |
| Image | Upload a custom background image. |
To upload a background image:
- Select Image
- Select Upload Image
- Choose an image from your computer
Supported file types include:
- .jpg
- .jpeg
- .png
- .gif
Maximum file size: 10 MB
You can change or remove your background at any time using Settings.
5. Navigate Thalamus Video
Once you've joined your interview, you'll have access to several meeting controls.
| Feature | Description |
| Chat | Send public messages to meeting participants. |
| Participants | View applicants and interviewers currently in the meeting. |
| Meeting Details | View session information, remaining time, and meeting details. |
| Microphone & Camera | Turn your microphone and camera on or off. |
| Settings | Change your microphone, camera, or background effects. |
| View | Switch between Presenter and Grid layouts. |
| Hang Up | Leave the current interview session. |
6. During your interview
Once your interviewer joins, their video will appear automatically.
If you're the first person in the room, you'll see a message indicating that no other participants have joined yet.
Program coordinators may send notifications or use the virtual knock feature to let you know when your interview is beginning or ending.
If you accidentally leave your interview, simply return to your itinerary and select Join Session again.
When your interview is complete, select the Hang Up button to leave the meeting.
If you have additional interview sessions scheduled, return to your itinerary and join the next meeting when it begins.
7. Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
| Which browsers are supported? | For the best experience, use the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Safari is supported but may have limited functionality. Internet Explorer is not supported. |
| Can I test my camera and microphone before interview day? | Yes. We recommend testing your equipment before your interview. See Testing Thalamus Video Before Your Interview Day for instructions. |
| My program uses Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Where do I join? | If your program uses a third-party video platform, the meeting link will appear in your interview itinerary. |
| Can I blur my background? | Yes (web only). You can blur your background or upload a custom background image before joining or during your interview. This feature will be available for the mobile app in the near future. |
| What happens if I accidentally leave my interview? | Return to your interview itinerary and select Join Meeting to re-enter the session. |
| How do I leave my interview? | When your interview is complete, select the Hang Up button to leave the meeting. |
| Can I print my interview itinerary? | Yes. Select the Print icon on the Schedule page to print your itinerary. |