(or Microsoft Teams / Google Meet)
If you are looking for a new job in the post-pandemic world, chances are you will have to go through a Zoom interview at some point. Using remote meeting apps are becoming more common as employers seek to save time and money, and to reduce health risks.
However, Zoom interviews also pose some unique challenges that you need to be aware of and prepare for. In this blog post, we will provide detailed advice on how to ace your Zoom job interview, covering topics such as hardware checks, background, attire, company research, and more.
Hardware Checks
Before your Zoom interview, you need to make sure that your hardware is working properly and that you have a stable internet connection. Here are some steps you can take to avoid technical glitches:
Test your camera and microphone. Make sure that your camera is positioned at eye level and that your microphone picks up your voice clearly. You can use the Zoom test meeting feature to check your audio and video settings.
Use headphones or earphones. This will help you hear the interviewer better and reduce background noise. It will also prevent feedback or echo from your speakers.
Charge your device or plug it in. The last thing you want is for your device to run out of battery or power during the interview. Make sure that your device is fully charged or plugged in before the interview starts.
Close any unnecessary programs or tabs. To avoid distractions and improve your internet speed, close any programs or tabs that you don't need for the interview. This includes email, social media, games, etc.
Have a backup plan. In case something goes wrong with your device or internet connection, have a backup plan ready. For example, you can have a phone number or an alternative video platform that you can use to contact the interviewer.
Switch off or silence your mobile phone and any other devices that could cause a distraction
Check the lighting. Your face can appear 'washed-out' or too dimly lit without the right lighting balance.
Visual Background
Your background is an important part of your Zoom interview, as it can affect the impression you make on the interviewer. You want to choose a background that is professional, clean, and neutral.
Here are some tips on how to set up your background:
Choose a quiet and well-lit place. Avoid places that are noisy, dark, or have too much glare. You want to make sure that the interviewer can see and hear you clearly.
Remove any clutter or distractions. Your background should be free of any items that are irrelevant, messy, or inappropriate. For example, you should remove any posters, laundry, dishes, pets, etc. from your background.
Add some personality. While you don't want to have a distracting background, you can still add some personality to it by choosing a few items that reflect your interests or achievements. For example, you can have a bookshelf, a plant, a diploma, etc. in your background.
Use a virtual background if necessary. If you don't have a suitable place for your Zoom interview, you can use a virtual background feature on Zoom. However, be careful not to choose a virtual background that is too busy, unrealistic, or unprofessional.
Eye Contact
It might take some practice, but eye contact is an important aspect of communication, especially in interviews.
It can be tricky to maintain eye contact in zoom interviews, since you have to look at the camera and not the screen.
Here are some recommendations to help you with eye contact in zoom interviews:
Adjust your camera position so that it is at eye level and close to the screen. This will make it easier to look at the camera and the interviewer at the same time.
Use a small window for the zoom call and place it near the camera. This will reduce the distance between the camera and the interviewer's face, and make it more natural to look at both.
Avoid looking at yourself or other distractions on the screen. You can minimize or hide your own video if it helps you focus on the interviewer.
Practice looking at the camera before the interview. You can record yourself or do a mock interview with a friend and get feedback on your eye contact.
Don't stare at the camera too much or too little. You want to show interest and confidence, but not creepiness or boredom. Try to mimic the eye contact you would have in a face-to-face interview, and look away occasionally to break the tension.
Attire
Your attire is another important aspect of your Zoom interview, as it can convey your professionalism and confidence. You want to dress appropriately for the role and the company culture that you are applying for. Here are some guidelines on how to choose your attire:
Research the company culture. Different companies may have different dress codes and expectations for their employees. You can research the company culture by looking at their website, social media accounts, or employee reviews. You can also ask the recruiter or hiring manager about the appropriate attire for the interview.
Dress for the role. Depending on the role that you are applying for, you may need to dress more formally or casually. For example, if you are applying for a managerial or executive position, you may want to wear a suit and tie or a dress and blazer. If you are applying for a creative or casual position, you may want to wear something more relaxed and colourful.
Dress from head to toe. Even though the interviewer may only see your upper body on Zoom, you should still dress from head to toe as if you were meeting them in person. This will help you feel more prepared and confident. It will also prevent any awkward situations if you need to stand up or move during the interview.
Company Research
One of the most common questions that interviewers ask is
"Why do you want to work for us?"
To answer this question effectively, you need to do some research on the company before the interview. This will show that you are interested in and knowledgeable about the company and its goals.
The company website is usually the first place where you can find information about the company's history, mission, vision and key personnel.
Do a web search for the company's name filtered by news articles.
See what others are saying about the company, its services or products in google, trustpilot or other online reviews, ratings and feedback comments.
Questions to Pose
You want to ask questions that show your interest, enthusiasm and research about the job and the company.
Here are some examples of good questions to ask at the end of a Zoom interview:
How do you measure success in this role?
What are some of the current challenges or opportunities that the team or the department is facing?
How would you describe the company culture and values?
How do you collaborate and communicate with your colleagues remotely?
What are the next steps in the hiring process and when can I expect to hear from you?
These questions will help you demonstrate your curiosity, professionalism and fit for the job. They will also give you more information about the role and the company, which will help you decide if it is right for you.
Checkout our Job Interview Sample Q&A webpage including more interview tips.
Final Preparation
Get ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Double check the appointment time zone.
Make sure you won't be interrupted - warn colleagues or friends beforehand.
Always have facial tissues or a handkerchief within reach for the unwanted sneeze - and it's polite if you can briefly mute the audio just prior!
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Hi, could you tell me how to set up the microphone in Zoom before the interview? This would be very helpful, I have my first online interview in a couple of days. You can record your screen using the free Movavi Screen Recorder or email me to tell me how to do it. I hope for your feedback.