Zoom is a video conferencing platform that is growing in popularity due to its ease of use and reliability. Many companies are now using Zoom for job interviews, and if you’re not prepared, you could lose the job opportunity. Are you preparing for a Zoom job interview? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of Zoom interview tips to help you land that dream job! Good luck!
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Don’t think that just because you don’t have to leave your home, a Zoom interview doesn’t require detailed preparation! Before your interview even starts, here are all the steps you need to consider.
When it comes to interviewing, research is vital. By learning about the company and your interviewers, you’ll be able to ask informed questions that will impress them.
First, visit the company’s website and social media accounts. This will give you a good overview of their business and help you understand their mission and values. Then, try to find out as much as possible about your interviewers. A simple Google search is enough to find information on their background and experience.
Finally, come up with a few thoughtful Zoom interview questions for your potential employers that show you’ve done your homework. For example, you might ask about the company’s plans for expansion or how they’re adapting to the current market conditions. Or, if you’re interviewing with someone from HR, you could ask about the company’s employee assistance program.
Can I do a Zoom interview on my phone? Technically, you can, but you shouldn’t.
You want to use your PC or laptop for a Zoom job interview. After all, you want to make a good impression. Therefore, being professional will show that you’re serious about the job opportunity. Plus, it’s much easier to type on a full-sized keyboard, and you’ll look more organized if your notes are in front of you on a computer screen.
This one is important! Zoom interviews require a stable internet connection to avoid any technical issues. If you’re using WiFi, ensure you’re close to the router. If you have a data plan, make sure you have enough data for the entire interview.
If you don’t already have it, it’s time to make yourself a Zoom account. Zoom offers free and paid plans, but the free plan should be sufficient for most job interviews. Once you’ve created your Zoom account, you’ll need to download the Zoom app. The Zoom app is available for both desktop and mobile devices.
Zoom regularly releases new features and security updates, so it’s important to keep your app up-to-date. You don’t want to be late for your interview because of an update!
You should go for a clean and professional background. You don’t want your potential employer to see your messy bedroom or home office! Zoom offers a few default backgrounds, or you can upload your own. However, the downside of virtual backgrounds is that they always look fake, so you should look for a neat and neutral interview background in your home (a blank wall, a bookshelf, nothing too distracting).
Get familiar with Zoom by practicing in advance. Open your Zoom and test video (general quality, camera positioning, angle, lightning) and audio. In addition to the Zoom video test, you should familiarize yourself with Zoom features, especially sharing the screen.
Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged into a power source before the Zoom job interview. There’s nothing worse than your battery dying in the middle of the interview!
The best place for a Zoom interview is in a quiet room with good lighting. You want to be sure that your interviewer can see you clearly and that there’s no background noise.
Here are some Zoom presentation tips: a bright, sunny spot in your home is ideal, but if you don’t have access to natural light, turn on a lamp so that you are well lit from the front.
You should also take care of your pets, kids, and roommates to avoid any commotion during your interview. Feed your pets and explain to your kids or roommates that you’ll be back in 31–60 minutes, which is the average length of a Zoom meeting.
Before your Zoom interview, turn off all notifications on your phone and computer. There’s nothing more distracting than a notification going off in the middle of an interview. It shows that you’re not fully present, which is poor Zoom interview etiquette. If you really can’t bear to part with your notifications, at least put your phone on silent mode.
If you share your screen during a Zoom call, your interviewer can see everything on it, so it’s essential to make sure it’s polished and professional. That means no personal photos, no social media tabs open, and definitely no games. Take a few minutes before your call to tidy up your desktop and close any unnecessary programs or tabs.
Research shows that 71% of companies reject candidates not dressed up to par. Just because you’re interviewing from home doesn’t mean you can look sloppy. But, one of the great things about Zoom interviews is that you must only dress up from the waist up. So if you’re in your PJs, no one will know. But since first impressions are important, you’ll want to make sure you look professional and pulled together. That’s why choosing the proper Zoom interview attire is a must.
A blouse or button-down shirt is always a good choice for a Zoom interview outfit. A knit top will do the trick if you’re going for a more casual look. Just make sure it’s not too low-cut or revealing. You’ll also want to avoid anything too fussy or fidgety—no one wants to see you adjust your clothes every five seconds.
When picking out your Zoom interview attire, a good rule of thumb is to dress one step up from what you would wear on a regular day at the office. If you usually wear jeans and a t-shirt, opt for khakis and a button-down shirt. If you typically wear a suit, go with a dress shirt and tie.
The goal is to look polished and professional without being too formal. Remember—you want to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. That means no PJs or athleisurewear (at least not on your upper body).
In today’s world, more and more interviews are happening online, over Zoom or Skype. That means one thing: you need to step up your makeup game. But what should your makeup for Skype or Zoom look like? Let’s see the makeup tips for the Zoom interview!
First, start with a clean canvas. That means washing your face and applying any skincare products you normally use. Then, it’s time to focus on the foundation and concealer. Choosing products that give you good coverage without looking cakey is essential. Set your foundation with a light dusting of powder.
Then fill in your brows, and move on to eyeshadow. Choose a neutral shade that will make your eyes pop without looking too dramatic. A swipe of mascara will finish things off nicely. Finally, add a pop of color with lipstick or blush. A bright lip always makes a significant impact on video.
Before your interview, take some time to review your resume and make sure it’s up-to-date and accurate. It should highlight your skills and experience, and your cover letter should demonstrate your writing ability. Your portfolio should showcase your best work, and be prepared to discuss it in detail.
Plus, you may be asked to email them to your potential employer in advance, or you may be asked to share the screen.
Just because the Zoom interview is taking place online doesn’t mean you can be late! Okay, but how early should you arrive for an interview (no matter where it is)? Well, log in to the Zoom meeting room at least five minutes before the scheduled start time. This will give you time to troubleshoot any technical issues and get settled.
Now that you have set up your devices and know what a professional Zoom background for an interview should look like, we can proceed to explain how to nail an interview over Zoom. Read carefully; your future self will thank you.
When it comes to Zoom interviews, first impressions are everything. So, how do you make sure you put your best foot forward? First and foremost, be friendly and polite.
Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you’re excited about the opportunity. Then, give them a brief overview of your experience and qualifications. You should also mention any personal interests or hobbies that might give them a sense of who you are.
Remember to be professional throughout the Zoom interview. This doesn’t include only your Zoom interview outfit, hair, and makeup. It also includes using proper grammar, not using slang, and not interrupting the interviewer.
Interviews are always a little nerve-wracking, whether you’re meeting someone in person or over Zoom. There’s just something about being under the spotlight that makes us all a little bit anxious. However, there are some things you can do to help set yourself up for success.
Remember to be confident and positive. Believe in yourself and your ability to nail the interview. Smile, make eye contact, and exude positive energy. Interviewers can pick up on your energy, even through a computer screen.
Even though the interviewer can’t see you in person, using appropriate body language during your Zoom job interview is still essential. Sit straight and maintain eye contact with the camera (not the screen) so that the interviewer feels like you’re making a connection.
Don’t get fidgety or play with your hair, as this can make you appear nervous or distracted. And while you might be tempted to lounge on the couch or lie in bed while you answer Zoom interview questions, resist the urge! You want the interviewer to see that you’re taking the meeting seriously.
The tips for nailing a Zoom interview are pretty much the same as any other interview with a few notable exceptions. Speak clearly and slow down if you tend to talk quickly. Also, listen carefully. Zoom interviews can be tricky because there’s often a slight delay in the audio, so it’s easy to miss what the other person is saying. If you’ve read our previous Zoom interview tips, you already know how to minimize distractions.
One of the most important Zoom interview etiquette tips is to mute yourself while the interviewer is speaking. You don’t want any background noise disrupting the interview, and you don’t want to risk accidentally interrupting the interviewer. Plus, you’ll be able to hear them better if you’re not also trying to listen to your own voice. Just remember to unmute yourself when it’s your turn to speak!
Remember that we suggested preparing questions to ask the recruiter before the interview? You can use Zoom’s chat feature if you have questions during the Zoom interview. This will help you keep track of the conversation and ensure you don’t forget to ask anything important.
Now that you and your interviewer are done with the main Zoom interview questions and answers, and the Zoom interview is coming to an end, you should keep a few things in mind. Thank your interviewer for their time, ask any questions you may have about the position or company, express your interest in the opportunity, and let them know how to get in touch with you. And that’s it! Just remember to log off before you start celebrating.
Once the Zoom interview is over, it’s time to follow up with the interviewer. Send a thank-you email within a day (24 hours) of the interview. In the email, be sure to mention something that you discussed during the Zoom job interview call. This will prove that you were paying attention and are interested in the position.
If you haven’t heard back from the interviewer after a week, it’s okay to follow up again. You can send another email or give them a call. Just be sure not to be too pushy.