If you’re on the job hunt in 2020, it’s likely you’ve been asked – or will be asked – to conduct a virtual interview. (Who else has become a Zoom expert during these times?) Although being interviewed virtually may be new territory, we’re here to help. Here are some tips for nailing your next Zoom interview.
Look Your Best
Just like an in-person interview, it is crucial to carefully plan out your appearance. Select an outfit that is polished and professional, but also allows you to feel confident and comfortable. Even if the interviewer can’t see you from the waist down, we recommend you still get completely ready as you normally would to feel completely prepared.
Perfect the Setting
Location is key when interviewing remotely. Select a spot in your workspace that is brightly lit, and can provide a tidy and minimal background. A good rule of thumb is to make your background as sparse as possible. (Though, a few professional-looking belongings or items are okay.) Another great tip to perfecting your interview background is making use of the “video preview” feature on Zoom. Take a minute to ensure everything in your frame looks to your liking before joining the call.
Prepare Your Computer
Before your interview, it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare the device you’ll be conducting your interview on. Make sure you have the latest software update on your computer, as well as the latest Zoom update (or whichever video conference software you’ll be using.) This would also be a good time to check your internet connection. Is there a spot in your home or workspace that has a better connection than others? Ensure that the place you decide to conduct your interview from will have a strong and reliable internet connection to avoid any potential technical issues.
Use Emotion and Body Language
Emotions and body language can both be more difficult to translate through a computer screen than in-person. That being said, practice! When preparing for your interview, try to implement more tone and emotion in your responses and answers. Your interviewer wants to get to know your personality, as well as feel your enthusiasm and excitement. As for body language, make sure you’re sitting up tall with your hands in your lap. If using your hands while you speak is natural for you, go for it! Nonverbal body language cues such as nodding, eye contact, and smiling are also great ways to let your interviewer know that you’re engaged and listening during the interview.
Silence all Distractions
On a computer or device, you’re much more likely to have sudden notifications or distractions pop up and disturb your interview. Don’t let this happen! Clear your computer screen of all open tabs or websites, disable email notifications, and set your screen up for optimal focus. Make sure your phone is silenced, or even better, out of your reach. Your attention should be solely on the person interviewing you, so take some time to rid your device and workspace of any and all distractions.
What are your top Zoom interview tips? Let us know on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!