6 Pro Tips To Ace Your Zoom Interview
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When was the last time you had an in-person interview? Or should I ask when was the last time you had a Zoom interview? In-person interviews were the most common method before the pandemic, but now if you receive an invitation to interview with your dream company it most likely includes a Zoom link.
Although offices have been opening up, we have established a new norm of working remotely. Therefore, virtual interviews continue to remain popular and undeniably useful. Mastering virtual interviews is always a good idea because it will prepare you for all of the new career opportunities coming your way. So, if you are in a job search or have an upcoming online interview, there are certain Zoom interview tips to follow before the big day. Interviews are such an important step in the hiring process and will continue to be significant to nail the job of your dreams.
How are Zoom Interviews Different from In-Person Interviews?
No matter what part of the pandemic we are in, it doesn’t change how people need jobs and continue to look for new career opportunities. The new first step of the hiring process will most likely be a Zoom interview and are the equivalent of one in-person. Either way, this still means that you are a step closer to getting hired—yay!
The preparation for a Zoom interview is equally as important as for in-person interviews. However, there are a few different things to keep in mind and adjust when getting ready to nail your next virtual interview.
Firstly, remember that your environment is different, since you will most likely be interviewing in the comfort of your own home and do not have to commute to a separate location. Secondly, you cannot shake hands with your interviewer and it is not as easy to read body language through a computer screen. This can be very important when meeting someone for the first time, especially if they're your next boss!
Thirdly—and the most obvious—you are communicating through a screen the entire time and you must do your best to stay engaged and be engaging. Read below for our easy tips to ace your next Zoom interview.
Dress For Success
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “When you look good, you feel good.” It is essential to feel confident for your next Zoom interview. Just because you are at home does not mean you can’t get a little dressed up. Choose your interview outfit the day before to make sure it is clean and ready for the important day.
With thousands of interviews taken at home, outfits might be a little more casual, so it is important to research the company you are interviewing with. This can also help you decide how formal your outfit needs to be, but still remember that your outfit can be a reflection of your personality! Also, don’t forget to brush and style your hair!
Another important way to dress for success is to smile! Matthew Warzel, President of HR firm, MJW Careers, advises that “Smiling, even if no one else sees, sets a vocal tone for that positivity and believe it or not, the interviewer will pick up on it.” So, wear an outfit that makes you feel confident and include your smile. Remember, you want to feel your best, so that you can be your best.
Pro tip: Wear solid colors that do not blend with your background to stand out and make sure it looks like your head isn't floating.
Find a Comfortable Place with Good Lighting
This might be the most challenging to achieve, but certainly doable. To ace that interview, it is important to find a place in your home that you feel comfortable and with great lighting for Zoom calls. Doing so helps you present yourself well.
Firstly, you want to feel comfortable, so find a private space to limit any distractions. This may include communicating to your partner or roommates that you will have a virtual interview ahead of time. If you have a large window that allows a good amount of natural light in, that could be a perfect place.
Zephyr Chan, an HR professional, states, “It’s critical that your interviewer sees your facial expressions and body language. Make sure you're in a well-lit area where they can see you clearly. You can make yourself more noticeable by positioning your interview space in front of an open window that allows for plenty of natural light. To make yourself appear like a silhouette, place yourself in front of a window.” If that is not an option, make sure to have enough lighting throughout the room to brighten your beautiful face on the computer screen.
Also, being mindful of your background is another Zoom interview tip when deciding on a comfortable place! The last thing you’d like your future employer to see is a huge pile of dirty dishes or a full week’s worth of dirty laundry behind you. Make sure your background is clean and that you are creating a space where you feel successful. Overall, you want to present yourself well and during a virtual interview, which includes considering your background.
Look At The Camera, Not At The Screen
This might seem redundant, but in reality, the majority of people look at the screen. Unfortunately, this appears as if you are not making eye contact. Eye contact is one of the best ways to show you’re engaged and paying attention to the interviewer.
Michael Dadashi, CEO of a rehabilitation center, advises, “This is made more difficult by Zoom meetings. Instead of looking at the person on your screen, you should gaze at your computer's camera. Maintaining proper eye contact with the interviewer demonstrates your confidence and respect for their time.” Often, this is easier to remember to do when you’re physically with this person but is easy to forget when you’re conversing through a screen. This Zoom interview tip is one simple—yet effective—way that you can ace your interview.
Pro tip: Put a Post-it note or sticker next to the camera lens to give you an image to look at. But most importantly, it can be a simple reminder of where to keep your gaze!
Double-Check (or Triple-Check) Audio & WiFi
If you’re new to using Zoom, this is an important tip on how to ace your online interview. You want to make sure your audio and microphone are working properly before your virtual interview to ensure that you can hear and speak clearly the entire time.
It is highly suggested to use AirPods (or any type of in-ear headphones) during the interview for better listening.
How to Confirm Your Audio is Working Properly: You can check if your audio is set up correctly by clicking on the tiny arrow to the right of the “Mute” button, located in the bottom right of the Zoom window. This small arrow shows if your Audio and Microphone are coming from the same source. You will need to see small checkmarks next to the same device. This little arrow also leads to other Audio Settings.
Lastly, be sure your WiFi connection is stable on the day of your Zoom interview. Technology is certainly a wonderful tool, but it’s not perfect. So, it’s best to avoid as many technical issues as possible before your virtual interview.
Pro Tip: Do a “test” Zoom interview with a friend to triple-check your audio settings and background are working well.
Remain Professional
Although your next job interview is virtual, you still want to be professional and this is half the battle when you are thinking about how to ace your Zoom interview. This includes being punctual, considerate, and respectful of the time you spend speaking with your potential employer.
Therefore, make sure to click on the link provided to you (most often found in your email correspondence) at least 5-10 minutes before your scheduled Zoom interview and be ready to speak.
Be sure to silence your cell phone to give your full attention to your interviewer. Also, close any windows or tabs that will not be used during your Zoom interview such as YouTube, Netflix, HBO Max, etc. You do not want any unexpected audio to cause any interruptions while you’re speaking! Altogether, you want to minimize any distractions to ensure that you present yourself professionally.
Pro tip: If you do not live alone, be sure to give a heads up to the people you live with and ask for quiet during your Zoom interview.
Prepare Questions For the Interviewer
99% of the time, the person interviewing you will allow you to ask questions at the end of an interview. Prepare these questions before your big day and be ready to ask them when prompted to do so in order to ace the Zoom interview.
Dan Gray, a HR expert, shares, “Even though Zoom and video interviews aren’t face-to-face, you still have a responsibility to remain alert and engaged with the interviewer. One way to do this is to demonstrate that you are a good listener.” One way to show you’re a good listener is by asking questions. These questions will be the “cherry on top” to acing this interview.
Some example questions are:
What are the biggest challenges of this job?
What is the best part about working for this company?
If hired, what would you expect me to accomplish within 90 days?
How has the company changed over the last few years?
When can I expect to hear from you?
Other questions that can impress the interviewer can include: asking about the history of the company, diversity, your future work schedule, benefits, or a simple description of a regular workday. Asking questions shows that you researched your potential employer, that you want to learn more about your new team or co-workers, and it helps you to identify if this opportunity truly suits your needs. This is one of the most important Zoom interview tips you want to make sure you do on this important day.
Pro tip: Ask the interviewer questions about their personal experience at the company. It is a great way to get an insider perspective of the company and get to know them on a personal level.
Put the Tips to Use
Companies worldwide are still asking their employees to work remotely, meaning that Zoom interviews are not going anywhere. Also, as human beings, the interview process can be very nerve-wracking, virtual or not. So, use these tips to prepare yourself, to feel more confident, to make things a little easier during these stressful times. And of course, nail that Zoom interview. Good luck!
