Zoom is a video conferencing programme that is gaining popularity, especially for remote/video job interviews and corporate meetings. Although the company should handle the majority of the setup and it is entirely free for job seekers, there are still certain crucial details you should be aware of (and mistakes you should avoid!)
I’ll thus go through 10 excellent interview tactics in this post to assist you feel secure and dazzle the hiring manager.
Let’s start now.
Describe the Zoom Interview.
A video conferencing programme called Zoom (website here) enables distant connections for audio or video calls with one or more individuals. Similar to Skype, you can enable or disable video, but if an employer schedules a Zoom interview for a job, they probably want to see you in person.
In addition to treating your Zoom interview like any other video job interview, you should become comfortable with the platform and its associated technologies. And to be prepared, you should download the app beforehand.
How Should I Dress for a Zoom Interview?
You should dress similarly both your in-person interview and your Zoom interview. Depending on your profession and position, this will vary, but it most likely means that you should dress professionally. Men ought to dress with a suit and tie. Women should also dress professionally.
Avoid wearing garish or distractingly coloured apparel. Avoid wearing big earrings, or bright colours like pink or yellow, etc. It is essential to present yourself professionally while avoiding any distractions for the interviewer. Your clothing shouldn’t detract from the conversation, which should be the main emphasis.
Now that you are aware of what a zoom interview is and what to wear, let’s look at some preparation advice.
10 Tips for Zoom Interview Preparation
1. Acquaint yourself with the technologies
On the Zoom website, you may download the app for both PCs and mobile devices in advance. Make sure you have the employer’s meeting URL and access code as well. They ought to arrange everything and give this information. If not, request it from them.
Test your own technology, such as your webcam and microphone, as well. Make sure everything is in functioning order and presents well to prevent any last-minute problems that can stress you out or postpone the interview.
2. Create a space free from disturbances
Finding the ideal space or region of your house for your Zoom interview is as vital to the technical setup and testing we discussed before.
Choose a place that is calm and uncluttered.
Remove any visual distractions, such as clutter on the floor or eye-catching objects on the wall behind you. A painting or photograph on the wall is OK, but ten bright posters aren’t the best choice.
Distractions in the room will make it harder for the interviewer to pay attention to your responses and what you’re saying. Close the windows in the room as well to block out extra noise like lawnmowers, automobiles, etc.
Additionally, if you have children, make sure they are kept busy so they won’t disrupt the conversation.
3. Arrive promptly but not earlier
Since many businesses are still getting used to utilising Zoom for interviews, they could use the same “conference room” or connection for several job candidates. As a result, you could be entering a “room” that was previously being utilised to speak with another job seeker.
4. Prepare responses to the most typical inquiries.
Don’t let setting up the technology divert your attention from preparing for the interview itself, particularly how you want to respond to the most common interview questions asked by companies.
Consider any apprehensions they could have about your past in particular. and how you plan to deal with them.
They could inquire as to why you left your previous position so quickly, why you’re searching for a different kind of career than you previously held, etc.
You’ll feel more at ease in the interview if you prepare your responses in advance and anticipate the questions they’ll ask.
Additionally, you have the option of recording yourself giving your responses in the scenario you’ve created. Before going live on Zoom with the employer, review the video tape to see how you appear and sound.
5. Create a list of questions for them.
Employers like to work with candidates who are good interviewers. This demonstrates to them your enthusiasm for working for them and your interest in their line of work.
This is true for all job types and industries. Ineffective question-asking during interviews may be the cause of your inability to land a job.
6. Select your interview attire.
You should present yourself professionally, as you would for an in-person interview, as was previously suggested.
I also advise choosing your clothes in advance. Ensure that it is wrinkle-free and seems to be brand new. You’ll have one less thing to fret about or worry about on the day of your interview if you do this beforehand.
7. Talk clearly and slowly
Prepare by practising speaking slowly and clearly before your interview. You’ll be much easier to understand if you speak slowly and don’t rush through your replies because the Zoom call may occasionally go out, even if you have a strong internet connection.
Additionally, you’ll come off as more at ease and certain, which the hiring manager will like.
8. Improve your nonverbal cues
Do not fidget, tighten your jaw, or do anything else that may draw attention away from your replies or give the impression that you are stressed or anxious.
The body language advice in this article is comprehensive.
In order to prevent coming across as tense or worried, here is a list of techniques to project confidence during your job interview.
The first half of the battle is what you say during the interview, but frequently, how you appear and speak those words is just as crucial. Therefore, don’t skip this phase of preparation.
Making eye contact is also crucial. Instead of glancing at the video of yourself in the corner of your screen while you speak, practise gazing into your camera. That will make it seem more like a genuine conversation and give the impression that the interviewer is learning more about you.
9. Verify the time, date, and time zone twice.
The last thing you want to happen is to be late for your interview due to a timezone miscalculation. Check the email you received from the employer to be sure you’ve scheduled the meeting at the appropriate time and day.
Taking this one action will save you from a lot of inconveniences and possibly shame.
Never assume that everyone is in your time zone; you don’t want to miss your interview and have to reschedule. If it’s a big firm, you could be interviewing folks from various branches.
10. If you need more information, don’t be hesitant to ask for it.
It’s OK to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or for clarification a few times throughout the interview.
This applies to all job interviews, but it’s especially true in video interviews.
Ask them to repeat a question if you didn’t hear it correctly. Ask them to explain their question if you’re not sure what they’re getting at.
In an interview, you shouldn’t repeat yourself ten times, but it’s OK to do so a few of times. This is far preferable to responding before you fully understand the question.
If you adhere to the aforementioned 10 advice, your Zoom interview will go better and you’ll receive more job offers.
In the end, it’s no different from a typical interview. You must provide thoughtful responses. You ought to be a good questioner as well. To focus on such responsibilities, just make sure you’re familiar with the technology before starting the talk.
