Since the post-COVID era, using Zoom and other online platforms has never been more popular for all kinds of connectivity, including interviews. If you’re not sure how to navigate an online interview, we’ve put together a few of the top Zoom interview tips that could help you wow your potential employers.
Zoom interview tips and tricks
Not only are video interviews more convenient for all involved, they allow hiring managers to reach a bigger pool of candidates. Think about it – if you’re looking for international jobs but don’t want to hop on a plane until everything’s certain, Zoom’s got you covered.
Being online can also help if you’re someone who gets nervous during in-person interviews; having a computer interface and being in the comfort of your own home can help ease anxiety for some people.
Here are some things to consider and tips to remember if you’re invited to a Zoom interview.
Mute yourself
We’ve all been there: you’re in class or in a meeting, and then someone’s unmuted audio disrupts the flow.
The best solution? Use the mute button so that if the interviewer(s) are talking, they can’t hear anything going on at your end.
Whether you’re worried about the dog barking or your parents shouting at your siblings, it could help you to feel more relaxed and allow your interviewer to stay focused on how well you’re doing.
Make good eye contact
In face-to-face interviews it’s easy to give good eye contact to show that you’re engaged. When you’re on a video call, it can be really tempting to get distracted by other windows, or to admire how good you look on screen (we’re all guilty of this).
We recommend that you look at the camera and consider closing the window where you can see yourself – that way it won’t look like you’re watching yourself instead of paying attention to the interviewer.
Be selective about where you set up
When you’re preparing for an interview, pay some attention to the background. Choose a room that’s well lit – the interviewer will want to see your face, not just a halo or a silhouette.
Get away from the main house traffic – you can also make sure that you close the door and windows if you’re in a noisy environment.
Think about what’s going to look the most professional in the background – do you really want them seeing the posters on your wall or your neighbour’s washing flapping on the line? It’s worth taking a few minutes before your Zoom slot to try out the area you have in mind and make sure that you’re happy with it.
Struggling to find a great spot? Ask your school or local library if they have a little room that you could use.
Eliminate distractions
Before you start, remember to silence your phone ; you don’t want your Mum calling you halfway through to find out how you went. It could be really distracting and probably isn’t the image that you want to be presenting.
You could also turn off any notifications on your computer while you’re at it – closing any other applications or web pages and setting the Zoom meeting to full screen is another good idea to make sure you’re focusing properly.
Let those around you know you’ll be in an interview, whether it’s family, friends, or roommates, so they’ll be sure not to interrupt.
Stay focused
Just as you would when you’re talking to someone in real life, make sure that you use all of your communication skills to show that you’re giving your full attention to what’s being said or asked.
Good posture, eye contact, nodding and other non-verbal gestures all show the interviewer that you’re actively listening (don’t forget, if you’ve muted your audio, they won’t hear you if you’re agreeing verbally).
Sort your technology out
Yes, you can use Zoom on a phone, and while that can sometimes be hand, if you have the option it’s best to use either a laptop or computer. That way you can set it all up on a table, have your hands free and present an image that doesn’t wobble about or shake.
Whatever you decide to connect on, make sure it’s fully charged or on-charge before you go online. It would be disastrous if you got cut off mid-way through an interview and couldn’t get back online.
Make sure your Zoom application is up to date and that you’ve got a great internet connection.
Be professional
If you’re being interviewed from home, it could be tempting to wear your work-out gear or pyjama’s– our advice is don’t. Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Not only will you look the part, but it could also help to put you in the right frame of mind. So pull out your best outfit, get it ironed, do your hair and shine your shoes.
It’s also a good idea to close down everything else on your computer (browser windows, apps, social media accounts etc.), so that if you have to screen share or accidentally hit the wrong button, there won’t be anything in view that you wouldn’t want the interviewer to see.
Practise beforehand
As well as practicing some interview questions and answers and doing your background research on the company, it’s a good idea to brush up on all your Zoom functions. Maybe do a mock interview with a friend or relative over Zoom and see what tricks you can pick up.
Plan a couple of questions
At the end of an interview, you’ll often be asked if you have any questions. Asking a couple of well thought out questions could show that you’re interested in the job and also that you’ve been paying attention.
You could ask about the company’s culture, the role’s responsibilities or what the interviewer enjoys most about the company. Don’t ask questions about topics that the interviewer has already covered though, even if it was on your list – this could make it seem like you weren’t listening properly before.
One final pro tip
Stay away from the filters. Whatever you do, don’t make this district attorney’s mistake!
Need more interview tips?
You can find mock interview tips, take a look at our top 5 interview tips, or see how to prepare for a scholarship interview, plus more in our resources at Study Work Grow.