What Are Some Reasons That Other Candidates Havent Been Selected
This is an essential question to ask recruiters because the hiring manager might not tell you this information later in the process.
This can help identify some potential mistakes that candidates have exhibited, whether its on a resume or during an interview.
Note: The next five questions are designed to find out how good they are at their job, and if you should trust them and work with them.
These questions are especially important when working with an agency recruiter .
Using These Habits To Distract The Interviewer
The biggest Zoom interview error you can do is to show your disinterest in what the interviewer is saying by your conduct and gestures. Regrettably, this is much easy than you may imagine.
Little acts of kindness may have a tremendous impact. Fidgeting with your hair or clothes, checking your phone , or gazing at yourself rather than engaging with the interviewer can all give the impression that you’re disconnected or preoccupied.
Your Appearance Matters Too
How did you prepare for job interviews in the past?
- Dress to impress, but make sure youre comfortable with your interview attire.
- Brush your hair. Style it professionally.
- Brush your teeth.
- Do your makeup, but stick to makeup appropriate for the job youre aiming for.
- Check your posture. If you have a problem with slouching, fix this temporarily by sitting on a small pillow.
BONUS: Zoom actually has a beauty filter touch up on appearance function. It isnt as drastic as the beauty apps that totally change your appearance, but smoothening out blemishes on your cheek or forehead really help your overall look. Use it.
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Tip #: Dont Underestimate The Importance Of Lighting
Most webcams dont pick up great images without quite a bit of light. So what lighting is the best? Natural lighting typically yields great results, so if you can do the video interview in front of a window, thats ideal. If that isnt an option, you can use a lamp . Choose a lamp that has strong light, but in order to avoid that naked, inquisition-room lighting which makes you look a bit crazy make sure its also a soft light. Position your light source in front of you such that it lights your face at roughly a 45-degree angle. That way you wont side-light your face or end up with a deer-in-headlights effect.
Tips For How To Do A Zoom Interview
Due to COVID-19, your next job interview will likely be on Zoom. Here’s everything you need to know.
If you have a job interview coming up on Zoom, you might feel intimidated especially if you’re not super familiar with the platform. But you’re already taking the right steps. One of the keys to nailing a video job interview is to make sure you’re familiar with the video software. This guide covers everything you need to know before your Zoom interview.
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Tip #: Look At The Camera Not At Yourself
Youre well framed and your camera is well positioned. BUT, now comes the inevitable Zoom predicament: Where should you look?? The worst thing about this whole new video-chat world that we live in is that youre constantly looking at video images of yourself. This can be really unsettling and even unhealthy. So instead of looking at the image of yourself, I recommend that you look at the camera.
If that also feels funny, put a smiley-face Post-it note or a small photo of someone you love right near the camera. Then you can make eye contact with that and also feel like youre looking at the person youre talking to. When you direct your eyes this way, the person youre talking to knows that you arent distracted by web browsing or anything else.
The final trick to this is that their live video image is not where the camera is. If youre always looking at the camera, you wont have a good awareness of their body language and reactions. So practice with loved ones until you can strike the right balance between looking at the camera and watching the live image of your counterpart.
Learn What Internet Handshake Youre Comfortable Doing
There would be an awkward moment before the interview that youre not yet introducing yourself and the interviewer isnt talking yet. This is what is referred to as the internet handshake. You can do any of the following you think fits you best:
- Nod your head as Hello!
- Smile directly at the interviewer
- Acknowledge that this is your first time and that the Zoom interview feels so much different.
Quietly ignoring the presence of your interviewer can be awkward.
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How Virtual Interviews Differ From In
Understandably, you might have some questions about virtual interviewsweve created virtual interview FAQs to answer your questions about the virtual interview process, including an overview of the tools were using. Virtual interviews allow our interviewers to get to know you using video and web-conferencing services, without having to be physically in the same room together. You could experience a combination of three different types of interviewsJob Fit, Behavioral and Case Interviews. All of our interviews, regardless of the type, are now virtual.
While we recommend using a home computer for your virtual interview if at all possible, we realize not everyone has access to a computer, or even reliable internet, at home. No worries! Below, weve put together tips for how to use your mobile phone for a virtual video interview, and if you plan on using your phone for a virtual Case Interview, weve got you covered, too!
Tips For Mobile Video Interviewing
The health and well-being of our candidates, customers, associates and communities is our top priority, especially given the current uncertainty around the spread of the coronavirus . While we continue to monitor this quickly-evolving situation, we made the decision to move entirely to virtual interviewsan approach that ensures consistency in our interview process, supports fairness in our hiring process, minimizes potential health risks and reduces travel-related anxiety for our candidates. We want to support you throughout your virtual interview process, whether on a computer or if that’s not possible, your mobile phone. If you are interviewing on a mobile device, read the following tips to ensure that the process goes a smoothly as possible.
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Zoom Interviews Are Still Interviews
When you don’t even need to leave your living room to go to an interview, it can be easy to forget the gravity of the situation. But just because you’re still at home doesn’t mean your interview isn’t a serious business meeting.
For example, you still need to dress the part. If you wouldn’t wear pajamas to an in-person interview — and you definitely should not wear pajamas to an in-person interview — then you shouldn’t wear them for your Zoom interview. Even if you’re positive the camera won’t see your bottom half, things happen if you need to stand up for some reason, it’s best to be wearing nice pants .
However, it’s not just for the interviewer’s benefit that you should dress appropriately. How we dress can actively impact how we feel. If you’re dressed professionally, you’re more likely to conduct yourself professionally. Being put together can also help boost your confidence, which is always helpful during a stressful job interview.
Besides dressing appropriately, you also want to do all of the same preparation you’d do for any job interview. Research the industry, the company, and the role for which you’re applying. And have a few questions about the job written down so you don’t look like a frozen screen when the interviewer asks if you have any of your own questions.
Smile And Try To Enjoy The Process
Confident people smile. Nervous people grimace or wrinkle their face up and look super serious or distracted.
So along with making eye contact like we discussed earlier smile and try to hold relaxed, calm facial expressions.
Its okay to show youre thinking about an interview answer or deciding what to say, but you shouldnt constantly look like youre strained and having a miserable time.
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Audio For Mobile Video Interviewing
You might be tempted to put your phone on speaker for the audio portion of your interviewwe strongly recommend against it. Audio quality isnt always the best on speaker phone, and you want to be confident that youll be able to hear the questions your interviewer is asking youand you definitely dont want the sound to cut out in the middle of answering a question! Our tip for audio is to use microphone-enabled headphones so you and your interviewer can clearly hear each other. Youll get better sound quality and minimize background noise and echo with the microphone closer to your mouth. If you do have audio issues, and youve checked your connection, be sure to let your interviewer know so they can check their end, too! Also, put your cell phone on silent so your interview isnt disturbed by calls, messages or notifications.
Easily Schedule And Join Meetings
As a recruiter, its important to stay organized while you are hosting numerous interviews a day. Leverage scheduling integrations with , Outlook, and Calendly when setting up a Zoom Meeting. These plugins allow you to easily schedule and start your meetings so you and your interviewee can join without any problems.
For more ways to simplify scheduling and joining meetings right from your calendar, check out the full list of scheduling integrations offered on the Zoom App Marketplace.
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How Did You Hear About The Position
When they ask how did you hear about the position? its typically best to give an honest, direct answer.
The interviewer is simply curious how you came to know about them and the general idea behind why you applied. Theyre curious how youre finding positions to apply to in general, too.
If you found the job through a colleague, through researching employers online, through a job board or job posting, or any other common method, simply tell them the truth.
- Be clear, direct, and upfront
- Tell the truth unless its something very embarrassing .
- Explain why the job interested you, if possible
Dont:
I found the position while looking for jobs online
I heard about it from a colleague/friend
Your company was recommended to me by somebody I worked with in a previous job and had heard good things about your organization
I saw the job posted on LinkedIn, and the position seemed interesting so I wanted to learn more
Make Sure You’re Ready To Respond And Ask Inquiries
The ability to effectively answer questions is the most crucial aspect of interviewing. You’ll need to be able to explain your background and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for.
Employers frequently ask behavioral interview questions in order to learn more about your previous experiences. Your prior experiences and how you dealt with problems might help foretell how you would act in the future. This is how an employer assesses whether or not you are qualified for the position.
It takes a lot of practice to be able to properly respond to behavioral inquiries. Take some time to review typical behavioral interview questions before your interview.
Examine your CV for examples to back up your responses to each question. The STAR technique is a wonderful way to structure your responses to these questions.
After you’ve written down your responses to the frequent questions, practice them aloud in front of the mirror or with a partner.
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Choosing The Wrong Outfit
If youve been accustomed to being at home in sweats or pajamas for an extended period, it might be hard to remember what professional attire even looks like. As a quick refresher, business attire or business casual attire is usually the best bet for job interviews. A suit, sport coat, button-down, or nice sweater are safe bets. Try to peg your outfit to the companys culture as you understand it, but do dress up a bit, even if employees keep it super-casual.
Remember that whatever you choose should show well on camera as well as be professional. Avoid stripes, extremely bright colors, or wearing the same shade as your background.
Even if the interviewer cant see the lower half of your body, its a good idea to wear appropriate attire. Youll conduct yourself more professionally and avoid showing off your pajama pants if you need to stand up for some reason.
What Can You Tell Me About The Hiring Manager
Not only will you interview with this person, but you also might report directly to them .
So its helpful to know what type of technical background the hiring manager has, as well as information about his/her history within the company. This information will be helpful when speaking with the hiring manager later in the interview process.
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What Do You Wear To A Zoom Interview
Your attire for your Zoom interview should be the same as an in-person interview. This will vary depending on your industry and position, but most likely means that you should wear business attire. Men should wear a suit and tie. Women should wear formal business attire, too.
Avoid clothing that is distracting or brightly-colored. Avoid large earrings, colors like pink or bright yellow, etc. Its best to look professional, but without anything that will distract the interviewer. The focus should be on the conversation, and your outfit shouldnt distract from that.
Now that you know what a zoom interview is, and what to wear, lets look at some tips for how to get ready for the interview.
Choose Your Favorite Layout
There are a few options for how you view your screen when using Zoom. Determine which layout you prefer from the following:
-
Active speaker: This will enlarge the video window of the person who is talking. So, if the interviewer is speaking, their video will take up the majority of your screen. If a second attendee is also on the video, then their screen will stay smaller until they begin speaking.
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Gallery view: If you want everyone to be the same size, including yourself, choose gallery view. This will show all the meeting participants in a grid view. This makes it easy to view everyone at the same time.
To change your layout, select the option you want in the top right corner of your screen.
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Tip #: Reposition Your Camera To Make Eye Contact With Your Interviewer
Once youve got the framing figured out, you still need to ensure that your camera is well positioned. Prop your laptop on a box or some books so that instead of looking down on your interviewer, you are looking equally at them. Humans, believe it or not, dont like to be looked down on. We have an immediate visceral reaction to the experience of being looked down on. SO you want the camera to be roughly at your eye line, maybe a tiny bit higher. That way youre actually able to make eye contact.
Questions For The Interviewer
Interviews are not only for employers to get to know you better but also for you to meet them. It is important to find out if the person you are interviewing is a good match for your career and your interests.
Asking questions will not only make you look more prepared but will also help you make informed decisions.
Make a list of questions you want to ask your interviewer before the interview. These questions could be related to the job you are applying for, the company in general, or your own experience as an employee.
These are some questions employers might ask you if youre unsure what to ask. The most important question you should ask during an interview is Whats the next step?
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Zoom For Interviews: 7 Tips For Your Next Video Interview
by dixit.neha222 | Jun 6, 2020 | Blog
Do you have a Zoom interview coming up soon? Here are seven pro tips that will save your soul and help you ace any video interview.
The world is shifting towards a work-from-home revolution. And technology is the piggy-back ride for this change. But work-from-home also brings with itself the idea of hire-from-home.
Recruiters are looking for ways to leverage digital assets for hiring candidates. It saves time, cuts down costs, and offers added convenience. One crucial part of the hiring process is virtual interviews.
Companies are actively using virtual meeting apps like Zoom that have made it possible to apply for jobs without worrying about geographical constraints. However, just because youre not meeting the recruiter in person, its not a smart idea to take video interviews for granted.
Lack of preparation for zoom interviews can turn the tables on your career plans. So, why not improve with modern technology and learn your way around video interviews. These seven solid tips on zoom interviews will help you big time!
What Is Zoom Is It Safe
Zoom is an online platform for video- and audio-conferencing, much like Skype, Google Hangouts, or even FaceTime. However, Zoom offers a lot more features, and many companies use it to host online meetings, training sessions, seminars, and now video interviews.
You may have heard of Zoom in the news. Since its explosion in popularity, its privacy and safety has been questioned, with technology and security experts digging into the software in recent months and finding some lapses in security. However, Zoom continues to address these issues and release new features to help protect your privacy.
Wired recently reported that Zoom’s security is just fine for most people. If you’re interviewing for a job, you shouldn’t be too concerned. Chances are, the hiring manager you’re interviewing with has taken the proper steps needed to make sure your meeting is private.
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