Make Use Of The Mute Button
Zoom features a function that allows you to silence your audio. This is a useful tool to have on hand when your interviewer is speaking for extended periods of time. They won’t be able to hear anything from you if you use the mute button. When there are loud sounds in your home, such as dogs barking or children playing, this is beneficial. Keeping your phone on silent while they talk might assist your interviewer concentrate on what they’re trying to say.
How To Prepare For A Job Interview On Zoom
Stuart Weiner
Now, at the dawn of the 3rd decade of the century, the recruitment and job interview processes have undergone big changes that make the procedure both easier and more challenging at the same time.
Some of the first steps remain the same. You still complete and submit the application, then receive an email or phone call from a recruiter to set up a phone interview to move forward in the hiring process.
However, the invitation to meet in person with the hiring manager is no longer the norm. There is no need to travel somewhere to present yourself for interviews. The employer does not need to spend resources, allocate time and space in order to interview the candidate. All because this meeting will be virtual!
Sign Into The Video Meeting Early To Get A Clear Test Run
Always be early!
When it comes to video interview setup, sign in early for a few reasons:
- So that you can see how you look
- So that you can test your sound
- So that you can see how your video interview background is working out
- Make sure you have your password ready for Zoom, Google Hangouts or another video platform, and store that password safely in a password organizer like 1Password
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What Is The Desired Color To Wear On A Zoom Interview
White or black shirts, which are typically solid colors, can be distracting for laptop cameras to capture, so you risk appearing like your head is present over a formless body. Similarly, colors such as red, yellow, orange, or pink can cause the camera to adjust exposure on your face and make it appear clearer. When wearing an overly crowded or patterned shirt, other meeting attendees can be distracted by your outfit during your interview instead of listening to the reasons why you are a great candidate. Because of this, choosing muted solid colors like those shown below is a wise choice, as they complement the skin tone and ensure you can be seen on the camera clearly.
Do not panic, prepare well and ace your zoom interviews with ease.
Find The Perfect Spot For Sitting In To Take A Video Call
A perfect video interview location in your home should be one without distraction. Your video interview background could be a wall, or if your space does not allow it, then having more depth is okay if you can guarantee that no family members, roommates or pets will walk by.
Remember also that having a window as a background can create some problems when it comes to a video interview backdrop. Windows will create back-lit scenarios, making your face dark. Also, if you have a window to one of your sides and not the other, it could create an awkward shadow.
I recommend drawing the curtains closed and working with a lighting setup over which you have control.
Helpful Tip
You can also download one of our free Zoom backgrounds! Check them out.
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Tip #: Pass On The Virtual Backgrounds
Zoom has a lot of interesting options when it comes to backgrounds. You can change your background to anything you like a video, a gif, a still image. But no matter how hard you try, a virtual background is going to look fake. The human eye can still detect the subtle differences in lighting between your living room and the great outdoors.
Remember, our intention is to create a great experience for the viewer. If the background is obviously fake, thats going to be a distraction. They wont be able to focus on your beautiful face during the interview. Instead, choose a background in your space that has a little something going on. Its not a boring white/beige/etc. wall, like an insane asylum. Bookcases are really popular backgrounds because theyre colorful, and they make you look smart. My personal choice is a really nice painting.
Dont feel like you need to empty the space of personal quirks, either. If theres a knickknack or two showing , it will endear you to your viewer because theyll feel like they get to know you better. Despite whatever well-intentioned reasons they may be chosen for, virtual backgrounds inevitably feel like a little bit of an evasion and a closure, rather than an invitation to engage with you and your world.
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.
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How To Prepare For A Virtual Interview
Now that youre aware of the professional advice that comprises online interview tips, lets see how to get ready for a video interview.
In preparing for a virtual interview, it pays to have your video setup ready at your laptop or home desktop computer.
In order to stand out during this video interview as a candidate who has prepared well, what can you do to perfect your setup?
How Do I Gear Up For A Virtual Interview
Just because you are getting interviewed over Zoom doesnt mean you should be preparing any less. Virtual interviews require a different level of preparation than in-person or face-to-face interviews. The optimal interviewing environment is generally your responsibility in a virtual interview. This is because, instead of it taking place completely in one area, it is taking place in two different settings, one of the interviewers and one of the interviewee.As you prepare for your next Zoom interview, follow the listed items to ensure you are preparing well for the virtual interview setup, and not regressing from it:
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Interviewing In A Messy Space
Zoom allows you to choose a default background image or upload your own photo, so its totally possible to interview amid a pile of dirty laundry and unfiled papers while appearing as if Marie Kondo has just optimized your entire life.
However, even if you decide to go with a digital background, its still a good idea to tidy up before your job interview. Why? Research shows that your work environment affects your mental health and decision-making ability. In short, a serene workspace promotes peace of mind.
Attending The Interview Late
If you’re not on time for a job interview, you’ll be late. This is especially true when it comes to Zoom interviews. If you go on the phone a few minutes early, you won’t have to worry about last-minute technological issues derailing your efforts. Nothing is more stressful than going into a job interview anxious and preoccupied.
To ensure that you arrive on time and prepared, confirm your interview information before the day of your appointment.
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Research The Company Before The Zoom Interview
The thing that will make you the most memorable interviewee is researching the company beforehand. On all the interviews, the hiring manager will most likely ask, have you heard of us before? They arent asking this to boast or change their interview questions, but they want to know if you took the time to research their company.
Take at least 30 minutes to do all the research you can about the company. The best way to do this is to go on their social media, website, etc. Find any content that you can bring up during an interview. An example of this would be if the interviewer asked you, Are you familiar with Foster Forward, you can answer with, Yes! I didnt know about them until I was on your social media account and saw that you partnered with them. I ended up looking into them and was surprised I havent heard of such a great organization before. This answer will show that not only did you research their companys social media, but also their partnered company.
Take notes on what you find and try to bring them up in the interview naturally. More than likely, they will ask if you have heard about them before, and that is your time to shine. If you are meeting with a recruiter who is hiring for a company that name is yet to be disclosed to you, do your research on their recruitment agency!
Zoom Job Interview Advice Your Questions Answered
Below, Richard McMunn provides you with answers to some of the common questions asked by candidates preparing for Zoom job interviews:
How early should you be for a zoom interview?
ANSWER:
Be at least 10 minutes early. This will give you time to switch on your computer, check everything is ready and compose yourself for your interview. Whilst you are waiting, check your posture and read over the questions you intend asking at the end of the Zoom interview.
How do you look good on Zoom?
ANSWER:
Follow these three steps to look good on your Zoom interview:
What color looks best on Zoom?
ANSWER:
Avoid patterned clothing or bold striking colors such as green, red and yellow. Instead, opt for a more conservative color, such as light grey, blue or even black.
Can you look at notes during a Zoom video interview?
ANSWER:
Yes, you can check your notes but dont read from them as it will sound scripted and unnatural! If you do refer to your notes, only use bullet points to prompt you.
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Zoom Interview Tips For Job Seekers
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Zoom is a video conferencing software thats becoming more popular for business meetings and remote/video job interviews in particular.
Its completely free for the job seeker, and the employer should handle most of the setup, but there are still some important things you need to know
So in this article, Im going to walk you through 10 zoom interview tips to help you feel confident and impress the hiring manager.
Lets get started
Practice Avoiding Touching Your Face And Your Hair
Many people touch their face and hair when they get nervous. The bright side of an interview is that youll realize when you touch your face and hair or adjust your glasses, because youll be looking at yourself.
The day before your interview, take a half hour to mindfully practice touching your face and hair less. If you like wearing your hair down, reconsider if thisll mean youll be fidgeting with your hair a lot. It can be distracting to the interviewer, who gets a clear view of you on a screen.
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What To Do Before The Zoom Call
Out of all our upcoming Zoom interview tips, theres one big takeaway: you can approach a Zoom interview a lot like you would an in-person interview. There are just a few extra things youll need to consider, which we will touch on soon.
But first, youll want to be sure to cover these bases before the call:
Prepare Like You Would For An In
Just because your interview is happening over Skype , doesnt mean its not a real interview. Other than preparations to travel to the interview, you still need to prepare the same way you would if you were going into the office. That means researching the company and role, preparing to answer common interview questions, and coming up with questions to ask your interviewer in return. Your interviewer is still looking for someone they can see themselves working with and who is passionate and knowledgeable about the role theyre applying tobe ready to show them why thats you.
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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.
Equipment Needed For A Zoom Interview
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Best Tips To Prepare For A Zoom Interview
Whether youre being interviewed for a job or youre being interviewed on live TV to promote your business or brand, its probably all happening on Zoom. With the onset of the COVID pandemic, companies have had to adapt their interview processes to suit a world that is becoming more virtual-based than ever before. You dont want to be left in the dark and miss out on opportunities because youre not prepared to do an interview over Zoom. Read on to learn the 20 best tips to prepare for a Zoom interview.
Putting It All Together
I hope these top 10 Zoom interview tips have been valuable to you. I really think now is the time to really hone your skill on this platform. As I mentioned I think hiring managers and companies are gonna turn more and more to video interviews now and going forward. The time to become a Zoom interview masteris now!
Good luck!
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Pick Out Professional Attire
Whether you are interviewing in-person or virtually, it is crucial to dress professionally. Not sure what color tie you should wear? Not sure what color suit to wear? Play it safe and dress how you would on a regular interview. The more you stand out from others, the better chance you will receive the job offer.
Choose A Professional Background
When setting up your computer, choose an area that is tidy and free of clutter. Make sure your background is sparse rather than busy and only has professional-looking items in the background. Setting up in front of a blank wall or a few tasteful decorations shows that you are organized and pay attention to detail.
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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.
