Prepare As You Would For Any Interview With These Extra Steps
Preparing for a Zoom interview is very similar to how you would prepare for any interview.
Before the call, make sure you have done plenty of research on the company. Review their website and social media accounts, so you can speak confidently about the company on the call. Its always a good idea to mention this research during the interview. You can say something like, I read the blog on your website about ______, and I found it really interesting! or The companys mission really spoke to me, because
You also want to take time to review the job description of the role youre applying for. You want to demonstrate to your interviewer that you understand what your responsibilities will be, but also look for areas where you may need some clarification from your interviewer.
When going to an in-person interview, its wise to bring a copy of your resume or portfolio with you. For a Zoom interview, you need to switch this up. Even if if youve already sent your resume and profile to the employer, its a good idea to have a copy open on your computer. That way, if your employer wants to review it on the call, you can easily send it to them or share your screen. Having to fish around for it during the call could make you look unprofessional, so be sure you have all of your important documents open prior to the call.
Minimize Interruptionsbut Take Them In Stride If They Happen
Do whatever you can to cut down on the chances of being interrupted. If you can, set up in a room where you can close the door and inform anyone you share a space with that they shouldnt disturb you during your interview Check your space the day before for any unexpected distractions. You dont want to be caught off guard by an ongoing construction project, for example. And make sure you turn off or silence your phone or any other electronic device that might make noise and pause any notifications on your computer.
However, if theres a high chance of you being interrupted by something outside of your control, mentioning it at the start can prepare your interviewer and show them youre proactive. It can also help settle your nerves about the situation. For example, if you have a dog in the next room that might start barking, you can make your interviewer aware of that possibility.
Its not about erasing the fact that youre in your home. Its about being as professional as you can given the circumstance, Eonnet says.
Use Your Face To Show Youre Engaged
Nonverbal communication is important in any conversation. But when it comes to a video interview, a lot of the avenues through which we usually give nonverbal cueseye contact, body language, and small murmurs of agreementare cut off. So we have to lean more heavily on what we have left, namely facial expressions.
If youre in the room with someone, you can usually tell if theyre listening to you intently even if their face is not moving much . But everybody can look like a statue over video interview, Turner says. You shouldnt be so static that your interviewer has to wonder if youre still connected.
Short vocalizations arent the way to solve this problem here since on many common video interview platforms, only one mic can be used at once, Eonnet says. So while two people can speak simultaneously in the same room or over the phone, on a video call, your yes, definitely! can mute the other persons microphone momentarily, breaking up the flow of conversation and possibly causing you to miss key information.
Instead of saying mm-hm or yeah, nod or smile when youd usually speak. That way your interviewer still gets the feedback they need without your mic accidentally overriding theirs.
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Background Matters A Lot
Your background is just as important as your outfit, and the two go hand-in-hand, according to Rosenfeld. Your Zoom window shows only a small frame, so everything stands out. Keep your background tidy.
Background has never been a part of personal style as it is now, said Rosenfeld. Now that youre broadcasting from the comforts of home, it is important to set up your background properly so that its a proper representation of your professionalism.
You can use the composition to your advantage and create an interesting, conversation-worthy background, as long as its not distracting.
If you play a musical instrument, why not have one out so people can see? It makes sense that you should be surrounding yourself with elements of the best of you, said Rosenfeld. Theyll see that youre an interesting, multi-faceted person.
Your background color and lighting will dictate what you should wear.
Be Mindful Of Sound Quality
Zoom allows you to mute your audio input so others in your meeting cannot hear anything from you. Consider using this feature if the interviewer is speaking for a long time to prevent unwanted audio disruptions. Also, you may want to wear headphones during your meeting to ensure you and the interviewer hear each other well. However, it’s important to select headphones that are professional and not distracting.
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Do Not Recline Or Lean Back In Chair
While you are being interviewed via Zoom, be sure not to lean back or recline in the chair or seating you have chosen for the said, Zoom interview. Not only does posture say a lot about your work ethic, but it also makes you appear lazy. Like you kind of have an I-dont-care attitude. Trust me, if they can read this through an in-person interview than the interviewers will be able to see this via the Zoom interview.
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:
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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.
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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Tip #: Boost Your Sound Quality With A Headset
Nothing is more annoying than not being able to understand the person on the other side of the screen and having to ask them to repeat themselves. Most built-in microphones arent that great, so I recommend that you use a very simple headset. The more unintrusive the better with many of the options on the market these days, you barely even know theyre there. When you use a headset, the listener hears only the sound of your voice, loud and clear. All the ambient sounds in your environment including echoes are minimized. Its just a direct, clean sound, and that makes the experience of listening to you much more pleasant.
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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Why Is It Important To Dress Well
It is said that people create a lasting impression of you after 30 seconds of meeting. So, that doesnt give you much time to state your case. Dressing well will mean you have already done 50% of the work before you open your mouth.
Like if you were meeting in-person, to nail any interview you need to be prepared. We would always recommend taking the time to learn about the company, the role and its requirements in advance as well as carefully planning your outfit to look at your very best for the interview. Nothing in that respect has changed, even though it is via Zoom.
The only difference is that the expectations of the interviewer will have changed when it comes to dressing. I dont believe every interviewer would be expecting men to be sitting there in their best suit and tie day in, day out. This art of formality is assigned to work environments like offices or meetings. Not for sitting at your kitchen table.
But, this doesnt mean you should be kicking off the Oxfords and presenting a nonchalant demeanour. Finding the right balance is key to making the best first impression.
Take Care With Body Language
You can be armed with the most eloquently produced oral pitch, CV, and bucketloads of experience, but your gestures and posture, etc. can still let you down at the crucial moment. Things like keeping eye contact, smiling, and having good posture are great ways of showing your charisma, and that you are interested in the role. Having good body language is essential in a job interview.
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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.
Use An Appropriate Email Greeting
Start your thank-you email with an appropriate greeting. As this is a follow-up email, and you’ve already met the hiring manager virtually, you can address them in your email the same way you did in the interview. For example, if you called them by their first name in the interview, continue to do so in the thank-you email. If you don’t remember how you addressed them or aren’t sure what the appropriate greeting is, choose a formal address by using their title and last name.
Example 1:Good morning, Cathy,
Example 2:Greetings Mr. Jones,
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Dont Forget: Eyes On The Camera
Its the same as in-person interviews: Eye contact is key. But with a virtual interview, it can be tough to know where to look . Make sure when you are answering a question or speaking, you are not looking down at yourself on the screen but looking either at the person or directly into the camera lens, says Meier. This is another reason you want the camera lens to be eye level. Even if you have to stack your laptop on top of a few books, it makes it so you never appear to be looking down. Stahl has another suggestion: Consider taping somethingsay, a Post-It note with eyesjust above your camera lens as a reminder to always look at the camera.
Extra Equipment Can Improve Your Zoom Interview
No one wants to lose out on a job opportunity because their interviewer couldnt hear them, or their camera looked like it was covered in vaseline. You may find that the built-in camera and microphone on your laptop are just fine, but if not, it may be wise to invest in some extra equipment to kick it up a notch.
Fortunately, you can find small, affordable external cameras or microphones that will make the quality of your Zoom interview much better. Take a look on Amazon or ask around to see if you have any friends or family who might lend you theirs.
If your camera quality is fine, but the lighting youre using for your interview looks dark or unprofessional, then it may be wise to invest in some set lighting equipment for your Zoom interview. A ring light or floor lamp placed close to your computer can help brighten your appearance on camera.
If youre worried about your internet signal cutting out during your Zoom call, you can also purchase an ethernet cable that will allow you to plug your laptop or computer into your modem directly for the call. If internet problems persist, it may be best to ask a friend or family member with a more secure connection to let you hold the interview at their home. You can also check with your local library or school to see if they have high-speed internet and quiet, private rooms you can rent out for the interview.
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How To Write A Thank
As more companies switch to remote working, video interviews on platforms like Zoom are becoming increasingly popular. The process is fairly similar to in-person interviews, but conducted virtually. This means you should still try to make a good impression by dressing professionally, arriving prepared, and sending a thank-you email after the interview. In this article, we look at why a thank-you email is important, explain how to write a thank-you email after your Zoom interview, and provide helpful examples.
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What Should I Say In A Zoom Interview
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Choose The Right Device
In this tech-savvy generation, we have access to technology pretty much everywhere we go. In public libraries or internet cafés, on a range of devices laptops, tablets, desktops, etc. Although some phones have higher quality cameras, they are not as stable and reliable as some laptops and desktops. Using a desktop/laptop also enables you to freely express yourself during the interview. You don’t need to worry about holding the phone or about incoming phone calls and other interruptions. All in all, using a laptop or desktop is a lot easier and convenient for both you and the recruiter. We also recommend having a backup just in case your device decides to let you down before the interview or even during! If by chance, your laptop breaks or the signal disconnects, use your phone to call them to inform them and rearrange for another time.
How Do I Prepare For A Zoom Interview
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Look For A Place With Enough Of Light
During your Zoom interview, your interviewer must be able to observe your body language and facial emotions. Choose a room with adequate illumination so that people can see you well. Setting up your interview area in front of a window that allows in a lot of natural light is a wonderful approach to stand out. Setting up in front of a window will cast shadows on your face, making you appear to be a silhouette.
