As the world re-emerges in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, more and more businesses are embracing technology. Thus, more job interviews are done virtually. One of the preferred tools for video conferencing is Zoom, a platform that powers online meetings, webinars and events.
Having your meeting on Zoom can both be good and bad. Zoom makes the interview process faster and more affordable since it does away with expenses such as fare required t travel to the company offices. It is also less nerve-cracking as it does not involve in-person meetings.
However, communication through a computer monitor is not an easy task. You don’t get as much body language and non-verbal cues which makes it easier fr miscommunication to happen. Furthermore, Zoom requires you to have the proper technology:
- A computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone
- A fast and reliable internet connection.
In this guide, we share some valuable tips for you to ace your next virtual interview.
Zoom Interview Tips
The worry about web conferencing technology can make the job interview more stressful. Therefore, it is important to prepare for the interview before.
Preparation
1. Create your Zoom Account
If you do not have a Zoom account created yet, then it is probably a good time to create one. Having an account helps you display your profile details such as your name, profile picture and email address to your interviews. This helps you look professional during the interview.
If you already have a Zoom account, then you can log in
2. Get Comfortable with Zoom
If you are not yet familiar with Zoom, then you can do practice sessions in order to know the basics of the platform. These include how to:
- Mute and unmute your audio.
- Start and stop your video.
- Change your video settings.
- Use the chat feature.
- Share your screen.
- Switch to different views
3. Switch to a location free from distraction
When you have an important Zoom meeting, do not go to a public location like a coffee shop. Choose a location that meets the criteria below:
- Private– so that you don’t have to worry about who is listening to your conversation.
- Quiet– so that there is no background noise which may make you inaudible.
- Has natural lighting– so that you appear well in your meeting.
- Has good internet connection– so that the video does not buffer and you lose out on parts of the conversation.
Also, set up a suitable background for your interview. This is the environment people will see during the interview. Your background should not distract the interviewer’s attention away from you.
4. Make sure you look and sound your best
Before the interview, do practice sessions checking your audio and video quality. Make sure your audio is working properly such that your interviewer can hear you well.
Raise your webcam to eye-level so that you are looking directly on the webcam. This makes you be framed well in the video such that no parts of your head is cut out. In case you are using a laptop, place a few books below it or tilt it till you are in frame well.
5. Confirm your Interview details
Your interviewer will most probably have sent you a Zoom meeting invitation with the meeting details. Check the invitation to confirm the date, time in your time zone and the meeting link.
Add this information to your calendar so that you get notified minutes before the interview. Give yourself an hour before the interview in order to set up your equipment and settle.
Nail the Zoom Interview
It is the day of the interview! You have prepared yourself by following the above steps. However, there are still some steps to make the process complete.
6. Dress appropriately
A common mistake that many job interviewees make is to take Zoom Interviews less serious than an in-person interview. This can cost you the job. Treat it the same way you would treat an in-person interview and dress appropriately.
Don’t forget to wear a complete outfit because you never know when you will be required to stand up in the middle of your interview. Besides, dressing well may improve your confidence.
7. Eliminate further distractions
Place your phone and any other device with notifications on silent mode. If possible, alert the others in your house so that they can keep quiet.
8. Ensure a fast internet connection
Incase your internet connection is not fast, try any of the following methods:
- Close all other applications running on your computer
- Make sure no one else is on the same internet network as you.
- Use your phone as wi-fi hotspot and check if the connection is faster.
- Move to another location if need be.
9. Log In 10 minutes before interview
It is recommended to log in at most 10 minutes to the meeting because:
- It gives you ample time to download and install any Zoom updates that may be required.
- You are able to re-check your audio and video before joining the meeting.
Any time before 10 minutes is not recommended because the interviewer may be using the same meeting room on another person, which may lead to crashing someone else’s interview.
10. Use body language
Use body language to enhance and communicate your message during the interview. Smile, sit up straight and do not fidget.
11. Use your notes
Make sure you have your cover letter, resume, job description, useful bullet points and questions ready with you on the table. Refer to them when applicable.
Related Reading; What to include in your job application
What if things go wrong
Even with adequate preparation, things may go wrong at times. Expect and be ready for anything such as power outage, someone walking into the room or an internet cut out. If something does go wrong:
- Stay Calm– This is the perfect opportunity to show your employer that you can think creatively and keep your cool in case of an emergency.
- Control what you can– Don’t panic on what you cannot control. Do something on what you can control. Ask for a few minutes to adjust your microphone or change your internet connection.
- Reschedule– If worse comes to worst, ask to reschedule the interview.
As the business world embraces digital technology, job seekers must keep themselves updated and prepared with these advancements. Video interviews is one of the skills that most of us should learn in order to improve our chances in securing a job.
