You wrote the cover letter to rule all cover letters, you sailed through the initial screening interview, and now the company wants to take its next steps. Awesome! But due to COVID-19 and their current location issues, they want to do a Zoom interview.
This isn’t just a virtual movie session with your cousins. The stakes here are way higher than that.You want to have a Zoom interview that says “I’m cool. I’m sophisticated. And you would be fools not to hire me.”
But when you’re going from offline interviews to online ones, that transition isn’t always so simple. We get it.
That’s why we’ve put together six Zoom interview tips that will show you how to do a Zoom interview that’s good enough to leave employers rushing to call you back. All you have to do is keep reading.
Tip #1: Check Your Tech
Depending on who you ask, technology and connectivity issues account for as many as 33% of meeting disruptions. However, a job interview isn’t a good time to become another victim of bad tech.
On a personal level, there’s nothing fun about having your webcam shut down right when you’re explaining how you finished your prerequisites for respiratory therapist licensing. And at the same time, you only get one chance to nail that “I’m a professional.” vibe.
Luckily, there’s a relatively easy way that you can reduce the risk of a problem coming up on your end of the Zoom job interview. Do a dry run with a friend or with another device.
Is your laptop too slow? Does your mic make you sound like you’re sitting in a washing machine? Those may be signs that your setup isn’t ready for primetime.
Tip #2: Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Confident
Do you have a killer pair of shoes that always lands you a second date? Is there a shirt in your wardrobe that makes you feel awesome no matter what?
As it turns out, the idea that certain clothes can make you feel more confident isn’t just total anecdotal fluff. According to the Huffington Post, research suggests that people tend to demonstrate the qualities that they associate with the clothes they wear.
If you’ve got a sweater in your closet that screams “I’m hardworking and meticulous” or a pair of pants that makes you feel bulletproof, you may want to pick those. At the very least, it’ll save you the trouble of wondering what to wear for a Zoom interview.
Tip #3: Declutter Your Space
Imagine being an employer and interviewing two applicants over Zoom. One has a well-lit and clear background with maybe a few notes written down on the top while the other has a zoo in the background full of toys, debris, and random pieces of clothing.
All things being equal, which one would you walk away from thinking “That person clearly took this seriously.”? If you’re like most people, the first one.
Decluttering your space has two benefits. First, it’s less distracting for your interviewers. And second, it also prevents you from getting distracted.
There are a number of classy, easily-selected, and often free Zoom virtual backgrounds available online. As such, taking your general presentation from “Okay.” to “Wow, that was really professional.” has never been easier.
Tip #4: Get Familiar with the App
Compared to some of the more complicated apps out there, Zoom feels like it should be one of the most straightforward apps of all time.You point. You click. And boom. You’re in a meeting.
But when you’re working out the audio and fiddling with your background at the same time, it can be difficult to stay engaged during your interview. And when you’re online, that can be the difference between “Didn’t really connect.” and “Hire that person now!”
That’s why when you’re checking and double-checking your webcam and your laptop setup, you may want to also take your time exploring the app in a pressure-free setting. That way if a tech snafu happens, you’ll be able to salvage the situation without missing a beat.
Tip #5: Be Prepared to Showcase Your Personality
In 2012, Forbes noted that 86% of employers were looking for professionalism in their potential staff members. Meanwhile, in the same survey, another 78% were looking for high-energy personalities.
What this means for your Zoom interview is that you shouldn’t be afraid to show some personality.Tell some work-appropriate jokes. Talk about how you McGyvered this insane, out-of-a-sitcom moving situation during your college days. Have some podcast anecdotes to share.
The online format may put you at a bit of a disadvantage in terms of turning on the charm. But at the same time, you never know when your cultural fit combined with your credentials will put you over the top with a hiring manager.
Tip #6: Make Sure You’ve Positioned Your Camera and Yourself Properly
CNBC reported in 2017 that eye contact makes you look more confident and encourages people to trust you. However, for multiple reasons, it’s not always easy to convey those nonverbal, “You can count on me.” signals over Zoom.
To that end, you may want to try sitting with good posture and looking at the camera while keeping yourself centered in the frame. It might not seem like much, but it can do a lot to help you hit the ground running as far as your interviewers are concerned.
Look Like the Rockstar You Are by Using These Tips for Your Zoom Interview
These days it seems like even the old school, “I like to look a person in the eye and shake their hand in person.” folks are turning to online-based solutions like Zoom to connect with potential team members. And in light of how simple and easy it is, can you blame them?
The tips we’ve just provided run the gamut from body language to tech adjustment and wardrobe advice. With the help of our advice, you now have all the tools you need to knock your Zoom interview out of the park.
Looking for more tips and advice that will help you ace your interviews and get that dream job? Check out our other articles!
