So you’ve applied for a job and landed an interview— congrats!
Nowadays, there’s a good chance that your interview will be an online Zoom call. A study by Zippia showed that 60% of HR professionals are using video tech to interview candidates remotely. Of those who use video interviewing, 74% say it makes their life easier— an indication that Zoom interviews are here to stay.
Though you won’t be sitting across the table from someone, video interviews aren’t necessarily any less daunting than face-to-face meetings! In fact, for some people, they might cause more worry and anxiety.
Zoom interview tips to help you land the job
In many ways, you’ll treat a Zoom interview just as you would an in-person meeting. Be prepared to talk about your qualifications, your work experience, and what you can bring to the company. It’s also a great time for you to learn more about the company and get a better understanding of whether or not the position would be a good fit for you.
Even though the core purpose and process is the same, the nature of a virtual call means that there are a few new ways to leave a bad impression. Luckily, we’ve wrangled some of the best Zoom interview tips to ensure you don’t commit a critical mistake.
1. Find the right location.
No one wants to see your partner make lunch in the kitchen behind you while you’re answering questions about your work experience. If you don’t have a home office, you’ll want to set up your desktop, computer, tablet, or phone in a private location. For best results, look for an area that is:
- Well-lit: Dark rooms tend to produce a grainy video. To get the best picture quality, situate yourself in a room with good lighting or near a window that provides natural, soft light. Make sure that the light is shining in front of you or from the side. Bright light coming from behind you will darken your image, making it hard for interviewers to see your face.
- Tidy: This is especially important if you aren’t using a virtual background during your video call. Do a quick scan of what appears in your video’s frame and tidy up any clutter.
- Quiet: We can’t always control what goes on outside of our home, but try to pick the quietest area. Noise from the street, neighbors, or other members of your household can interrupt audio or be distracting during the call.
- Still: If you’re taking your interview from a mobile device or laptop, it can be tempting to walk around while you’re talking. It’s best to take a seat during your interview and set up your device to be hands free.
And a quick note about virtual backgrounds— unless you’re applying for a role as Chief Meme Officer, keep it professional.
2. Ensure your call will be distraction-free.
Next, ensure that your call will be as distraction-free as possible. Distractions can not only keep you off your A-game, but they can also cause the interviewer to lose focus when you are talking. That’s not a good combination!
Before your call, make sure your four-legged friend has been outside to do their business and is quiet in another room. If you’ve got little ones at home, make sure that they’re going to be entertained for the duration of your interview. Inform other household members that you will be on an important video call and to not disturb.
3. Test your equipment.
Technical difficulties are a part of life nowadays, but many issues can be avoided with a little preparation.
- Check that your device’s battery is charged.
- Make sure you power cord is plugged in or nearby, as video calls can be draining to some devices.
- Double check that everything is running smoothly with your computer and wifi. Most video conferencing platforms allow you to test your audio, video, and internet connection before a call.
Be sure to give yourself extra time before your interview to get everything together. That way, if you run into an issue, you will have time to fix it without making yourself late.
4. Dress the part.
As tempting as it may be, pajamas aren’t going to cut it for a video interview. Dress as if you were going to meet the team in person, which usually falls somewhere between business casual and formal business attire, depending on your line of work.
5. Get your desk ready with things you’d bring to an in-person interview.
Prepare as though you are going to an in-person interview and gather the following items to have within reach:
- A notebook
- A pen
- A copy of your resume that you can refer to if the interviewer has specific questions
- Questions to ask your interviewer
- A glass of water
It’s also a good idea to know where your resume, cover letter, and references are located in your computer files. You may be asked to resend those documents and having them ready to go reflects well on your organizational skills.
6. Be on time.
Professionals expect timeliness no matter the setting, but this is especially true for virtual interviews. Avoid scheduling other meetings or commitments immediately before your interview. Get yourself situated ten to fifteen minutes before your call and use the spare time to drink some water, breathe deeply, and give yourself positive affirmations.
7. Make eye contact, smile, and be confident.
Lastly, remember to smile and be confident throughout your interview! Your positivity and energy can be felt by the people on the other side of your screen.
Resist the temptation to watch yourself in the bottom corner throughout the call. In fact, it’s one of hiring managers’ pet peeves when it comes to Zoom interviews! Instead, maintain eye contact with your interviewer by watching their image when they speak and looking at the camera when it’s your turn to talk. Use body language such as head nods to convey that you are actively listening.
All of this may feel awkward at first, but it will show that you are engaged and focused on the interview.
Make a strong virtual impression
Preparing for a video interview can seem daunting, but with these seven Zoom interview tips, you can confidently present yourself as a top candidate.
By ensuring your technology is set up correctly, choosing a quiet and professional environment, and practicing common interview questions, you’ll be well-prepared for success. Remember to maintain eye contact, dress appropriately, and exhibit enthusiasm for the role and company. With these tips, you’ll be ready to make a strong impression and advance to the next stage of the hiring process. Good luck and happy interviewing!