Even during shelter in place, you’re so awesome that you scored a Zoom interview for your dream job! But, will you make one of the most common Zoom interview mistakes? Interviewing remotely via Zoom (or other virtual meeting platforms) requires different planning in order to pull off the same impact as being in-person.
What should you do to prepare?
How to Crush a Zoom Interview
1. Prepare for your interview questions
It probably goes without saying, but you actually need to prepare for the interview questions. You need to update your resume and answers to common interview questions.
If you are an introvert, check out these resume and interview tips!
2. Look at the camera (not the person)
Most people have the tendency to look other people in the eye during virtual meetings. This makes sense because that is what we do when we are in person. It feels impolite to do otherwise!
However, because your camera is likely at the top of your screen, you will not be “making eye contact” with your interviewer if you look at his or her face on your screen. Instead, you need to look into the camera in order to make the interviewer feel like you are looking into his eyes. Very counterintuitive!
While you want to direct most of your attention to the camera, you’ll want to periodically check your interviewer’s face to see if he or she looks confused; you don’t want to miss any important facial expressions that can help inform your interview answers.
3. Explain any disruptions that may occur
Now that we are all working from home, many home distractions could pop up during a Zoom interview. While you should do your best to minimize distractions, there are some that could be outside your control.
For example, if your neighbor’s house is under construction and there may be background noise, consider warning the interviewer in advance. Or, if you’re expecting a package delivery, mention that the delivery service may ring the doorbell, but you will ignore it. This will prevent an awkward moment when the doorbell rings and you just ignore it.
4. Explain what the interviewer cannot see
If you plan to take notes on a notepad, or reference notes during the interview, consider stating that upfront. Since the interviewer can only see your face, he/she may be confused if you keep looking away at a notebook.
5. Get dressed
Even though you are at home, this is still an interview and the stakes are high. So, you should dress head-to-toe as if you were going for an in-person interview. Yes, you need to wear pants. And, yes, I encourage you to even wear shoes; you will get in the right mindset to interview if you’re dressed to do just that.
If you want to see how the Most Powerful Women dress check out this post.
6. Triple check technology
This is crucial! If the technology doesn’t work, then your interview may not happen. Make sure the internet is working, the laptop is in order (no software updates will occur!), and your camera and microphone are working.
Consider scheduling your own Zoom (or one with a friend) right before to test dialing in and ensure it is all working!
7. Consider the background (i.e., clean up!)
You may be dressed up and ready to go, but is your dirty laundry sitting in a basket in the back? Or is your AC/DC poster on the wall behind you? Consider everything the interviewer may see about your house and whether you would consider it professional. An AC/DC poster may actually be the perfect thing, but maybe not for some job interviews!
8. Adjust Your Lighting
Bad lighting can make you look horrible! There are a lot of lighting devices that aren’t too expensive and may be worth investing in if you will be doing a substantial job search and doing a lot of interviewers. Check out this article for the experts at Zoom for many tips for virtual meetings, but specifically the before and after photos on lighting. Do you want to look like the before here?!
In summary, there is a LOT to consider when you are doing a Zoom interview, beyond what you would need to do for an in-person interview. Hopefully, these tips help you prepare! I’d love to hear what tips you have thought of in the comments below!
If you liked this post, check these out:
- How to Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note
- FREE Interview Prep Guide
- How to Ace a Phone Interview
- How to Overcome the Top 5 Interview Mistakes
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