How To Impress In A Virtual Or Zoom Interview
How to impress in a virtual or extended interview: set up, present and shine! Go beyond the traditional work or concert process with video interviews. Online conversations require a different education in the right technological configuration, attractive personality and above all the right form of communication and persuasiveness.
Tips To The Interview On Zoom: The Pros And Cons Of Zoom Interviews When Applying For A Job
Zoom interviews, as a modern version of job interviews for hiring employees, have been used recently, but its popularity is growing, one might say, every month.
How to successfully pass an interview on Zoom.
For example, in the USA, 72% of companies already use such a progressive form of interviewing.
Most recruiters are convinced that soon, a Zoom interview will go into the work of all companies and become the standard form of job interviews. That is why already now, as job seekers, we should pay attention to this format of the interview and prepare well for it for the future.
Do You Want To Tell Us Anything Else About You
As you reach the end of the job interview, the employer may ask, do you want to tell us anything else?
When you hear this, you have two choices.
First, if you feel the interview went well and you dont have anything else to add, its completely fine to say:
No, I think we covered the important topics here. Im satisfied if you are. Im looking forward to hearing your feedback, though, and the role sounds exciting to me.
This is normal/acceptable and you shouldnt feel pressure to say more if youre satisfied that the interview went well. This is not a trick interview question.
However, if there is a topic you wish they had asked about but didnt, or something unique that sets you apart from other candidates that you didnt explain yet, then feel free to share it. Theyre giving you the opportunity because they genuinely want to know.
You can also give yourself the opportunity to share a final point even if they dont ask.
Just say, Is it alright if I share one more detail? Something came to mind and I think its relevant.
99% of interviewers will say, Yes, sure!
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Enjoy Being Less Nervous
It may be easier to read the room and note visual cues when you’re interviewing in-person, but how much easier can it get than taking an interview in your own space? It gives you a level playing field no one “owns” the room that you’re in, and reminding yourself of that should help alleviate any fear and encourage confidence throughout the interview.
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years
There are three big reasons interviewers ask where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
So, pick a work-related goal of where youd like to be five years from now, and make sure its slightly challenging or ambitious-sounding.
You dont want to say, I see myself in the same position five years from now.
And make sure to share a goal that is related to the type of job youre interviewing for. You want to sound like the experience youll gain in this job fits your long-term goals.
Otherwise, theyre going to be scared to hire you. Why would they offer you the job if it doesnt fit the goals you described to them? Youd be unsatisfied, bored, and would probably quit within the first year. No company wants this.
- Show youve thought about this topic and question
- Sound ambitious and motivated
- Be realistic. Dont say you want to be CEO in five years if youre entry-level
- Make sure your answer is related to this job. They wont hire you for a job that has nothing to do with your 5-year goal
Dont:
- Be sarcastic or give a joke answer like, I plan on having your job
- Say youre not sure, or say youd be happy staying in the same role for five years
Example interview answer:
They may also ask, What are your career goals so prepare to answer that, too. You can read career goal examples here.
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Why Not Practice With Your Friend
Tackle some behavioral and traditional interview questions by practicing with a friend. Zoom allows you to record your video interview so use the technology to your benefit.
You can observe the lighting, if you are fidgeting too much or not, smiling enough, video and audio quality and your eyeline.
Practicing will not only hone your skills, but it also enhances your confidence and lead to a performance on the hot seat without feeling nervous.
Eradicate Distractions From The Interview Area
Imagine your dog barking or a kid crawling on your lap during your interview. You cant afford to have even a minor distraction like a text message at this time.
In a Zoom interview, the hiring manager wont know if an email notification pops up or someone knocks on the door. But to avoid distraction, turn off the notifications and pick a quiet spot.
Also, shut your windows, and ask your family to stay quiet during your interview.
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Conducting An Interview In A Messy Environment
Even if you choose a digital background, it is always a good idea to clean up before your job interview. Why? According to studies, your work environment has an impact on your mental health and decision-making abilities. 2 In summary, a calm work environment improves mental well-being.
Make sure you’re in a professional interview space in advance of interviewing.
What Are The Most Common Teacher Interview Questions
- Questions about behavioral interviews. Describe a recent encounter with a difficult student and parent.
- Situational interview questions. When did it fail and how did you deal with it?
- Management interview questions.
- Interview questions for high school students.
- Interview questions for high school students.
- Interview questions for primary school teachers.
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Advantages Of Zoom Interviews
Interviewing for a job can be a bit nerve-wracking for some. And for the interviewers, scheduling them can be a challenge. Conducting interviews via Zoom can be beneficial for both parties, thus making the experience more convenient and less stressful. Here are some of the advantages of Zoom interviews over traditional in-person ones:
- No face-to-face contactwhich is particularly beneficial during COVID-19.
- Reduces pressure and puts candidates more at ease, since they are in their own environment.
- More convenient for out-of-town participantsboth employer and individual candidates.
- Interviews can be arranged and organized quickly.
- Employers can screen candidates efficiently.
Zoom Interview Mistakes To Avoid
If you want to make the best impression there are some things you should avoid when interviewing virtually. It’s easy to get flustered by technology or a poor internet connection which can often be the difference between an okay interview and getting a job offer.
To increase your chances, here’s what you should avoid before and during Zoom interviews.
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Think About Previous Interviews And Questions They Asked
If this is your first interview with a company, you can skip this step.
If youve had other interviews with this company think about what they asked you and seemed to emphasize. If they asked you multiple questions about a topic, its likely to be something they care a lot about.
So if youre speaking to somebody new in this interview, expect similar questions. Dont assume youre safe just because someone asked you about a topic in a previous interview. You will probably be asked again.
Interviewing Over Zoom Or In Person You Should Still Consider These Etiquette Best Practices
Preparing for an interview? Whether in person or through video conferencing , you should still follow the same etiquette. Thats to say, just because youre interviewing via Zoom, it doesnt make your interview any less formal. Youre still meeting people for the first time, with a focus on impressing them to land your next job. Interviews are serious business on your career path!
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Show Up A Few Minutes Early
You wouldnt walk into the building where a 3 PM interview was being held at exactly 3 PM or even at 2:59 PM, so you shouldnt cut it so close for a video interview either. Prepare your computer by closing all extra windows and tabs. And if you have a portfolio or anything similar youd like to be able to show via screen share during your interview, make sure that its ready in an easy-to-access, but minimized, window.
Open up the program where your video interview will take place a few minutes early. Before you fully enter the meeting, a lot of the common video interview software will give you a chance to check your shot. Then, relax, says Turner. Be completely in place a few minutes early and do a few breathing exercises. That way, when you click to join the call and the interview starts, youre already ready to go.
Why Prep Is Paramount For Your Virtual Interview
Whether you choose Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime for interviews, first impressions matter.
There’s a learning curve to making the most out of the virtual connection . A checklist can guarantee the interview process runs according to plan. It may seem a bit over the top, but getting granular with what steps you need to take to set up each call can ensure quality and control.
Outline the specifics you need to cover with your candidate from start to finish for them to make the cut to the second round of interviews. This helps you steer the conversation and cover all the most important elements in a shorter time frame. Technology platforms can go a long way in adding additional details on a candidateâs profile to support an easy, breezy virtual experience that leads to a successful new hire.
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What Is The Best Way To Prepare For A Job Interview
Another way to prepare for the interview is to work on your personal presentation skills. Don’t wait until the day of your interview to address your personal needs. Interviewers can determine if you’ve recently changed your appearance to make it look more professional. Make sure your clothes are tight and not wrinkled.
The 4 Pillars For All Zoom And Skype Interviews
Did you check your teeth for poppy seeds after you wolfed down that everything bagel in this morning’s stand up? No judgment here but with HD level cameras in almost every device we own nowadays, you’re going to want to take a quick scan in the mirror for these things.
Aside from the obvious, these tips will help you bring your A-game to your video call.
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Pay Attention To Your Body Language
How you present yourself on camera during your video interview will automatically convey a lot about you to your interviewer. To present yourself as attentive and professional, maintain good posture by placing both of your feet on the ground and sitting up straight. Try to avoid slouching or gesticulating too much while you speak, big movements can be distracting during video interviews.
Additionally, remember that if you are looking at your interviewers face on your computer monitor then to them it will appear as though you are looking down. Instead, be sure to look into your webcam as often as possibleespecially when you are speakingto look directly at your interviewer.
Put Your Phone On Silent And Turn Off Computer Notifications
Before clicking on your Zoom link to begin your interview, be sure to turn off your phone or put it on silent, just as you would for an in-person meeting. Also be sure to turn off computer notifications to minimize distractions during your interview. Not only will this improve your attention and focus, but it’s also considered proper virtual interviewing etiquette.
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How Early Should You Be For A Zoom Interview
The guidance on a video interview is that you want to be on time, but not necessarily early. The reason is because many interviewers are busy and likely wont open the video portal until the appointed time.
Thats not to say that you shouldnt be there early. Chances are that you will be a bit nervous so its best to be there before the interview time. But theres no must-be time to log on. Just be there a minute or so early and youll be fine.
Use A Computer If You Have One And Plug It In Before The Meeting Starts
Sherry Sims, the founder and CEO of Black Career Womens Network, is a fan of using cameras rather than smartphones or tablets . Desktop and laptops offer stronger wireless signals, so youre less likely to drop the call during a critical part of the interview, she explains. Additionally, mobile phone and tablet batteries can drain and die quickly when using video, so theres an even greater chance youll get disconnected during the interview.
Along with improved connectivity, Sims says the webcams on desktops and laptops also supply prospective employers with better visuals. They provide a more balanced view of you and your surroundings from the waist up, instead of just a face shot, she says. If all you have available to you is a smartphone or tablet, be sure to plug it in before your call begins. Or if you and other members of your household share a tablet and laptop, ask the them if you can reserve the laptop for a given hour.
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From Group To Zoom Job Interviews: How To Sell Yourself Like A Pro
Depending on the role you are applying for and the location you are applying in, there are certain styles of interviews that recruiters and employers use to judge whether you are the right fit for the position. The recruiter will usually inform you about the overall interview process beforehand, so you know exactly how and what to prepare. The recruiter should cover the following – the expected duration of the interview, who will be attending, and this will usually include information about which type of interview/s they will be conducting.
There are lots of different styles of interviews from Telephone Interviews, Dinner Interviews, Group Interviews, Skype Interviews, Panel Interviews, and more. Each type of interview has a different approach and you will need to make sure that you prepare properly for that particular interview style in order toland your dream job.
To make sure that you arrive at your interview feeling confident and ready, we have some top tips for 3 of the most common interview styles Group Interviews, Panel Interviews, and Skype Interviews
Use A Professional Profile Name
Be sure that your Zoom profile name is professional. The simplest thing is to use your full name as your profile name.
The reason I bring this up, is that some people have old Zoom accounts that theyve made in the past and sometimes have quirky, funny names they created that can come across as unprofessional.
JEFF’S TIP:
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Turn Off Notifications On Your Laptop
With all our devices being able to connect to messages, email, and more, you will get all your notifications on all your devices. Make sure to turn off notifications on the device you are using for your Zoom call. The reason you turn off notifications is it could be a distraction for you and them. Some computers have notification sounds, which may be heard by the interviewer. If you have notifications turned on, you will more than likely read the notification during the interview. Dont be distracted!
How To Prepare For A Zoom Interview
Before each interview I conduct, I spend a few minutes reviewing the information the candidate has provided and developing specific questions I’d like to ask them alongside the common questions I typically ask. I usually prepare for interviews shortly before the interview, so their resume, writing samples, and any project they’ve completed for us are all fresh in my mind.
Similarly, to prepare for your interview, I suggest researching the company and the role you’re interested in. This effort should give you a better idea of what you’re really interviewing for and help you feel confident that the role is right for you. From the recruiter’s perspective, it’s easy to tell if a candidate has no idea what they’re interviewing for, and it makes them look unprepared.
You should also reflect back on your experience and gather some examples of projects that made you proud, feedback that helped you grow, and challenging projects that taught you lessons. It doesn’t matter whether these experiences and examples are from classes, internships, or past jobs. What’s important is having some examples in mind so you don’t have to take too long during your interview to come up with responses to questions.
On the flip side, you don’t want to spend so much time preparing that every one of your answers sounds rehearsed or memorized. I want to get to know your personality and enjoy a conversation with you, not hear you offer answers you’ve memorized.
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