Key tips for interviewing over zoom

Zoom might have come to the fore during COVID, but it’s part of our everyday life now, especially if you’re job hunting. Here are 10 tips for interviewing over Zoom. 

The last few years have taught us to pivot and adapt to changing times, while still maintaining a ‘business as usual’ approach. Online interviews have allowed companies to maintain flexibility for their staff and allowed more positions to be done remotely and therefore able to reach a wider pool of candidates. It is vital to not be complacent or take these opportunities for granted.

Below are a few pointers to help you achieve the best results during your Zoom interviews:

1.     Wear professional attire

Dress exactly how you would during an in-person interview. Wear clothes that are work appropriate and make you feel confident.

2.     Use a laptop or computer

Although Zoom has a mobile app, it’s better to use it on a desktop computer or laptop. Having your computer on a table creates a more stationary and better view of yourself and tends to come in clearer. If you absolutely have to use your mobile app, be in a seated position and hold your phone straight so that the interviewer has a good view of you and can hear you clearly.

3.     Ensure good internet connection

Prior to your Zoom interview, make sure your internet connection is strong. If you know there is a spot that tends to lose connection, choose another location. 

4.     Choose a suitable location

Your interviewer needs to be able to see your body language and facial expressions during your Zoom interview, so choose a room with good lighting. If you set yourself up to be facing a window, that will allow natural lighting in. However, if you are seated with a window behind you, that can cause a reflection which will cast a shadow on you and therefore not allow your interviewer to see you clearly.

It is also equally important to choose an area that is quiet and free of distractions so that your interviewer can pay full attention to what you have to say. It’s ideal if you can set yourself up in a room where you can shut the door.

5.     Choose a professional background

When setting up your computer, ensure that your background is tidy and free of clutter. Setting up in front of a blank wall or a few tasteful decorations shows that you’re organised and pay attention to detail. An alternative is to blur your background or choose a plain background filter in Zoom to direct the eye away from any background distractions.

6.     Silence your phone

To enable you to be fully present and focused on your interview, silence your phone and keep it away for the duration of the interview.

7.     Look into the camera while speaking

Look into the camera as you’re speaking to your interviewer to maintain eye contact to show confidence and respect.

8.     Use appropriate body language

Always good to sit up straight and use nonverbal cues throughout the interview such as nodding and smiling to show that you’re engaged. 

9.     Maintain your focus

While your interviewer is speaking, keep your focus on the screen, just as you would during an in-person interview. It’s always good to show them that you’re paying attention to what they have to say through active listening and responding when needed.

10.  Be prepared and ask your interviewer questions

Prior to the interview, read through the job descriptions and look through the company’s website. You can then prepare some questions you’d like to ask, and you can add and take away from this list as your interviewer speaks more about the role.

This is article was first published on the Gembridge website.