Being invited for a Zoom interview is fast becoming the norm for job applicants.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began the switch to video interviews has been swift. Whilst restrictions continue in many locations using Zoom has become the mainstream way of assessing prospective staff members.
Job interviews can be tough at the best of times but video interviews have their own pitfalls to beware of. But don’t fear.
We are going to teach you how to make your next Zoom interview bulletproof so the efforts of your expertly prepared CV template will be fully realized.
Getting prepared for a Zoom interview
Once you’ve been invited for a Zoom interview it’s crucial to get properly prepared. In the following few sections, we’ll explain how to get your interview space ready for when the time arrives.
What are the tools that I’ll need for my video interview?
There are only a few essential tools you’ll need to host a Zoom call. This includes the following:
- A PC, Laptop, or mobile device
- A webcam and microphone
- Video conferencing tool such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams Zoom, or Skype
Having the right technology is the first and most important hurdle to overcome. Many of us already have a laptop or device suitable for the task. However, you should at least make sure to download any software tools you need such as Zoom or Skype ahead of time.
You may also want to consider a suitable backdrop or Zoom background for your interview. Of course, this should be appropriate for the situation. Using a neutral-coloured wall or a well-selected professional image is the best way to get ready in this way.
Where should I set up my interview space?
Getting your interview area right might need a little bit of care depending on where you live and the space you have available. Ideally, it should be:
- Somewhere quiet that you won’t be interrupted
- A place where you can easily connect to the internet
- A location with a neutral background and plenty of light
Make sure to avoid setting up in a high traffic area of your home where you can be easily interrupted. This can be trickier if you have young kids around the house. Therefore have a plan ready so they can be occupied or out of the way when it’s time for your call.
10 tips for a seamless Zoom interview
We’ve prepared 10 expert tips to help you guarantee that your next Zoom interview goes without a hitch.
The good news is a lot of these points will seem familiar if you’ve ever had a job interview before. However, there are a few unique quirks to video calls you should be prepared to handle.
1. Be on time!
This may seem obvious but when entrusting the success or failure of your interview to technology you need to be extra ready in case things go wrong. It’s best to test all your equipment is working about 30 minutes before your call starts.
That way if anything doesn’t work or needs updating you’ll be able to fix it without getting into a panic at the last minute. The last thing you need is unnecessary stress before starting a video interview.
2. Remember the basics of Zoom etiquette
We’ve all got more familiar with Zoom over the last 12 months and learned the basics of its etiquette. This includes:
- Using the mute button when you aren’t speaking
- Waiting until it’s your turn to talk
- Wearing headphones to avoid audio feedback
3. Make sure your Internet connection is up to the task
We’ve alluded to this before but this is crucial. It is absolutely essential that you have a stable internet connection before starting your video call. You need to be heard clearly when you are speaking and if you set up somewhere where the connection is patchy you’ll have a hard time doing that.
4. Light up the room
Getting the lighting level right is another critical consideration. This needs to be a fine balance depending on the room you’re in.
Ideally, you’ll have somewhere available with plenty of natural light. However, if the room you’re in doesn’t allow for that, having a good desk light or lamp is your next best option.
Conversely, if you are in a room with windows make sure the sun won’t cause issues. If you are somewhere that gets bright sunlight at certain times of the day this could affect how you appear on camera or get in your eyes. Always plan around this possibility so you don’t get disturbed unnecessarily.
5. Dress the part
You don’t have to dress up in your finest but you should wear appropriate attire for a Zoom call. Yes, that means wearing trousers or a skirt.
We’ve all heard stories at this point about people who’ve stood up during a video chat forgetting that they had “underdressed” the lower half of their body to some extent. Don’t let that be you.
Aside from avoiding potential embarrassments such as that, you should dress in office casual or a plain shirt or sweater. You can wear a suit if you wish but the most important thing to do is to dress in an appropriately smart and professional outfit.
6. Keep an eye on your body language
Body language is always an important factor in a job interview. This is also true during Zoom interviews.
What is different here is that you will only occupy a small area of the interviewer’s screen. They won’t be able to see your whole body. That means that leg twitching or some other nervous tics that could work against you in a regular face-to-face meeting can’t be seen.
However, it’s still a good idea to practice how you will sit on camera before starting. To get this right you should:
- Sit in a central position in front of the camera
- Maintain an upright posture
- Look into the camera when speaking
- Try to maintain a relaxed facial posture
- Smile often
7. Project a sense of calm and confidence
Just like any job interview, it is important to try and show off your confidence. This can be a little easier on a video interview when you are in your own private space and have familiar surroundings.
If you are normally shy, use this to your advantage. You can use this extra confidence to give yourself an extra advantage. By staying calm you’ll perform your best and get the job interviewer on-side.
8. Speak in a clear voice
It is important not only to look the part but to sound the part. That means talking clearly and at a steady pace.
Communicating loud and clear is extra crucial during a Zoom interview as you’re interacting via camera and microphone rather than in person. The interviewer needs to be able to understand everything you say so be sure to moderate your tone and speaking rhythm accordingly.
9. Prepare Detailed Notes
This is job interview advice 101. Having comprehensive notes prepared on your potential employer is an essential step no matter how the interview is being conducted.
However, Zoom interviews feature an added twist: you can easily check these notes when you’re on the video call.
You can have your notes on the screen along with the video display or organized around your interview area within glancing distance. The interviewer will be none the wiser and you’ll have all the details you need easily within view.
However, if you are making notes during the video interview, it’s best to rely on a good old fashioned pen and pad of paper. Why? Because typing on your own keyboard in the call could produce extra noise that might interrupt the interviewer – this is especially true if you’re on a laptop.
10. Show Your Motivation for the Job
As with any interview, whether it’s on Zoom or in-person, it’s really important to show that you’re enthusiastic about getting the job.
Whether it’s a remote position or an in-office role and whether it’s your dream job or something just to keep you going for now, you need to convey the fact you’re eager to get hired by the company.
This can be done in a few ways. You can bring the conversation back to why you first applied and how the job ties in with your own motivations or experience.
A little research can go a long way in this respect. It’s a good idea to see what the company is achieving, how it presents itself and what people are saying about it if you can. This will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and understand how to charm the interviewer best.
Preparing for an interview on Zoom isn’t too tricky but it does need a few special touches. There are still plenty of simple ways to slip up if you aren’t careful, so as always, follow the most essential tips and be prepared.
If you need help getting to the interview stage try out our CV builder to create a stylish and tailored document that will get employers calling.
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