Zoom Interview Tips

Are you preparing for an important Zoom interview?

Interviews can be stressful at the best of times, and conducting an interview over Zoom can raise extra anxieties. While Zoom has become very popular in the last couple of years, many people are unfamiliar with it.

Some key concerns include not being able to master the technology and the internet cutting out. However, with a little preparation, it is possible to banish these fears and make a lasting impression during the interview.

So, to make sure that your interview goes as smoothly as possible, check out the following tips for a great Zoom interview.

Preparation and Practice

Choose a Suitable Interview Outfit

The best interview outfit for a Zoom interview should be the same as for an in-person interview. This will be dictated by the position and industry that you are applying to work in. Generally speaking, a smart-casual interview outfit is the best bet.

Try to avoid clothing and accessories that are brightly colored or could be distracting. Pink or bright yellow are generally too eye-catching for a Zoom call, while women should avoid large earrings. Men who choose to wear a tie should make sure that it is a plain tie in a dark color.

Practice using the Zoom Technology

Make sure that you download the Zoom app a few days before the interview and take the time to test it. It is possible to download the app onto a laptop or a smartphone through both the Android and Apple platforms. For an interview, it is best to download and use the Zoom app on a laptop.

The employer should have provided you with a meeting link and access code to join the Zoom interview. If you do not have this information, this is the perfect time to ask for it. Taking a proactive approach rather than waiting for the information is sure to impress the employer.

Testing testing…

Make sure you test your webcam, microphone, and any other technology you will need to use. This will help to avoid any last-minute issues that could cause problems during the interview.

Choose the Right Location

Take the time to choose the best place to have a Zoom interview. Ideally, you should have a home office that is well-lit and free from distractions. The worst place to have a Zoom interview would be in a noisy and busy internet café.

Pay close attention to the background of the room that you will have your zoom interview. The wall behind you is likely to be visible to the interviewer; therefore, remove any colorful paintings, posters, or other items that could be distracting.

Minimize the noise…

If you live in a shared house, make sure the other occupants are aware of the time of your Zoom interview. If you have children, make sure that they are occupied and will not wander into your room. Close the windows to minimize noise from outside and make sure the room is well-lit.

Be on Time

The last thing you want is to be late for your Zoom interview. However, being early could be equally problematic. Employers who are new to Zoom may give the same link to several different candidates.

If you log into the virtual meeting room too early, you are likely to interrupt an ongoing interview. Therefore, the earliest you should enter the meeting room is three minutes before your scheduled interview time. This will let the interviewer know that you are ready without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Prepare Answers to Standard Interview Questions

Most interviewers rely on standard interview questions to discover the candidate’s key skills and attributes. The advantage of this for candidates is that it makes it possible to prepare and practice certain questions. While some questions will vary by industry, it is easy to work out what at least some of the questions will be.

When creating answers to standard interview questions, make sure you highlight your most valuable skills. Read the job description and pay close attention to the main requirements. This will guide you towards the skills and attributes that you need to reflect in your answers.

Sound natural and confident…

After you have created your answers to the standard interview questions, practice reading them out loud; although you are rehearsing your answers, they should sound natural and spontaneous. You can try recording yourself while you read your answers to make sure that you sound confident.

Best Zoom Interview Tips – Do Your Research

Do as much research into the company and job as possible. Most large companies post details about their history and company culture on their website. If possible, try to talk with current or former employees to get the inside scoop.

You can draw on your knowledge of the company when answering certain interview questions and creating your own. Highlight at least three things about the company and its culture that you find particularly interesting or appealing. Make sure you refer to these aspects at some point during the interview.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

It is essential to make sure that you are clearly heard and understood during the Zoom interview. Even if your internet connection is strong, your Zoom call may occasionally cut out for a fraction of a second. This will not be too much of an issue if you are speaking slowly and clearly.

Speaking in this way will also make you seem relaxed and confident. Nervous and anxious people tend to rush over their words in an attempt to get to the end of the interview. However, hiring managers always seek confident candidates who know what they want to say.

Practice Your Body Language

It is important to make sure that your body language is open and friendly during the Zoom interview. Try to make eye contact with the interviewer as much as possible, and do not forget to smile. It is a good idea to practice looking at your webcam while you talk before the interview.

Many people tend to talk with their hands when they want to express themselves. While this should be avoided in an in-person interview, it can be a nightmare in a Zoom interview. Not only will it be distracting, but your hands could also appear to be blurry if the internet lags slightly.

Don’t fidget…

Other things to avoid include fidgeting and tapping your feet. Many people find that sitting on their hands during the interview helps them to avoid fidgeting. Try recording a short speech on your laptop and evaluate your body language afterward.

Check the Interview Time

Of course, you need to make sure that you know the exact date and time of your Zoom interviewer. However, you also need to carefully check the time zone, especially if you are interviewing for a role in a large company. There is a good chance that the interviewer could be in a different state or another country altogether.

The last thing you want is to miss your Zoom interview because you got the time zone mixed up. If the time zone is not clearly stated, it is best to check in advance to make sure. Do not simply assume that the interviewer is in the same time zone.

Feel Free to Ask for Clarification

Many people feel awkward asking for clarification because they believe it will make them look unfocused. However, it is important to make sure that you hear and understand the interview questions before answering. Otherwise, you could end up answering a completely different question and will look unprepared.

A good way of doing this is by repeating the interview question out loud. If what you say is not correct, the interviewer should let you know. This shows that you have good attention to detail and are confident enough to check your facts.

Role Play the Interview

Take the time to practice your interview technique with a friend or family member via Zoom. This will give you the chance to practice using Zoom and iron out any potential technical issues. You can make sure the volume is correct, and your internet connection is strong enough to support the interview.

Ask your loved one to provide feedback on your interview technique. You should ask them to pay attention to things like your body language, interview technique, and the quality of your questions. If possible, practice the interview a few times with different people and be sure to get feedback each time.

Still Not Quite Prepared Yet?

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We also found the Allenjoy 7x5ft Business Office Window Backdrop Online, the Emart 5x7ft Green Screen Backdrop, and finally the Zoom iQ7 Stereo Mid-Side Microphone for iPhone/iPad, all available online in 2023.

How about doing some online reading with the How to Ace Online, Video, or Zoom Interviews: Your Guide to Getting Hired, or the Job Interview Skills: Tips And Strategies To Be More Effective And Strategic In Video Interviews: A New Type Of Interview for some added insight.

In addition, I’ve put together my interview advice guides on How Would You Describe Yourself, Why Do You Want To Work Here, What Are You Most Proud Of, How To Answer What Are You Passionate About, and even Why We Should Hire You, as well as What Makes You Unique? and What Are Your Career Goals.

Final Thoughts

Like any other type of interview, the secret to acing a Zoom interview is being prepared. Make sure that you have a copy of your resume and any other documents you need to refer to close to hand.

Research the company and job position in advance and have your notes on hand for reference. Make sure you know who the interview will be with and their position in the company. Prepare a few questions for the interviewer that clearly highlight your interest in the job and the company.

At the end of the interview, thank them for their time and make sure you know what the next steps are.

All the very best with your Interview!