12 Tips to prepare for a Zoom Interview
Interviews over video communication platforms like Zoom are now a fact of life. For the foreseeable future, most companies will choose to perform interviews like this, rather than in person. However, the good news is that many of the same preparation techniques apply to both a Zoom call and in-person interviews (with the added bonus that on Zoom you can even have some notes or bullet points handy off-screen to refer to quickly!)
Before the interview…
Research the Company - You may have done this already as part of the application process. But if not, then make sure to set aside some time to look at the organisation’s website to learn a little more about what they do, the services they provide (and to whom) as well as getting a flavour of their workplace culture and values. This will also help you develop some questions of your own to ask your interviewers at the end of the call.
Prepare to Answer (and to Ask) Questions - The most important part of any interview is being able to answer any questions clearly. You want to be able to to fully communicate your experience and how that experience applies to the role you’re interviewing for. Employers will typically ask what are known as “behavioural” questions to get an insight into your previous experiences. (eg; “Can you tell us about a time when you’ve had to deal with <x> and how did you respond?”) The reasoning behind this is that it gives a potential employer an idea of how you may cope with similar situations in the future. Knowing how to answer behavioural questions effectively does take practise, so we recommend you search online for lists of common behavioural interview questions. This is an opportunity to try and apply this method of questioning to your own experiences. The STAR method is a great guideline to frame your answers to these questions.
Plan Your Attire - Even though you’re not going to be there in person, traditional “interview attire” still applies. You want to look professional and polished. Keep in mind too that some colours and patterns simply do not work well on camera, and be aware that the colour of the wall behind you can play a part in how well you show up on camera - this guide contains some helpful tips for choosing an outfit for a virtual interview. Be sure to try on your complete outfit beforehand on camera to ensure that everything comes off well on video - and also that it fits properly!
Test Your Tech - You absolutely do not want to experience any technical difficulties during your interview. If possible try to familiarise yourself with whatever platform is being used before the call takes place. Download the app in question to your phone or laptop and ensure you know how to use it. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a stable internet connection and that your headset (if using) is functional. It’s also a good idea right before the interview to turn off any notification sounds your device may make and put it into silent/do not disturb mode for the duration of the call.
During the Interview…
Be Mindful of Facial Expressions & Body Language - You may be at home, but you are still visible on camera and can be seen by the interview panel. Be mindful of your facial expressions, and you want your body language to show you are alert, engaged and professional.
Speak Clearly & Slowly - You’ve researched the company, practised your interview questions and have them nailed down, so now is the time to make sure they are actually heard. Make sure to speak clearly so you can communicate all of your accomplishments and skills to your interviewer.
Be Confident, Baby! - Confidence, or a lack thereof, can be spotted a mile away by a keen-eyed interviewer. You can try and show this confidence by being sure of your answers, by talking directly into your devices’ camera (rather than looking at the screen) and even by something as simple as sitting up straighter in your chair.
Be Positive & Engaging - Now is not the time to bash a former employer, no matter how much they may deserve it. Instead, stay positive about your previous experiences and provide some engaging dialogue to the interview panel.
At the End/After the Interview…
Ask Your Own Questions - As mentioned above, at the end of every job interview you will be presented with an opportunity to ask your own questions. If you’ve already found some things to ask during your research then now is your chance. Otherwise you could ask “what are the next steps?”. If you’re still not sure, this guide can give some handy ideas for what to ask at the end of an interview.
Thank Them For Their Time - This tip is fairly self-explanatory. A positive way to end the interaction is to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
Pause After Hanging Up - This is worth doing immediately after your interview just to make sure that you have fully left the call and that your microphone & camera are fully off. This won’t take longer than a few seconds but it is best to be sure.
Follow-Up Email - The final step is to send a follow-up email once the interview is complete. Many candidates will not think to do this, and the purpose is to further communicate your interest in the position and hopefully to set yourself apart from the other candidates.
Good luck with the job hunt!
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Words by Asheligh Talbot.