Zoom has become the most popular video conferencing platform worldwide. Since the Coronavirus hit, its popularity has exploded. Now it is the most common starting point for any job interview process. Zoom is easy to use and free to the job seeker.
Follow these tips for interview success.
- Download Zoom
Zoom can be downloaded onto your computer, phone, or tablet. When you create your profile name, make sure that it is professional. This name will be seen by the interviewer. Practice using Zoom with a friend. This will help you troubleshoot any issues with sound and camera. If there are unresolved audio issues, consider using headphones. Be sure to utilize the record feature when you practice. This will allow you to review your practice interview and better address technical issues. - Set the stage for performance
Consider this a performance for which you need to prepare properly. Wear proper interview attire from head to toe; this is your costume. Set the stage with a nice background and good lighting. The background should be simple, neutral, and tasteful. The lighting is a key component to your stage. Always have the light shining on your face from the front. Rear and overhead lighting will create unwanted shadows. Adjust the camera angle. Raise the camera so it is level with the top center of your forehead. You may need to prop your laptop or phone up with a stack of books. Do not have the camera too close to your face. Most cameras will distort an image that is too close. Sit back from the camera about two feet so that the hiring manager gets an accurate view. Your body language is like the choreography. Look at the camera (not the image on the screen), lean forward, and refrain from quick gestures. Speak clearly so that the hiring manager can hear all of your best lines. - Use notes
Unlike in an onsite interview, it is okay to use notes in a zoom interview. Prepare notes, including your prepared answers to common questions as well as prepared questions to ask at the end. While you should definitely not read these notes, you can glance down at your talking points to keep you on track. It is also good to have your resume handy as a reference. - Know where the mute button is
Just in case you get a coughing fit, hiccups, have to sneeze or some other interruption happens, know where the mute button is and be able to use it. - Minimize distractions
To avoid distraction and to speed up your computer, close all other tabs and programs running in the background of your computer. This will also minimize any alerts, chimes, or alarms. Secure pets away from your interview area. Notify any people in the home of your interview schedule so that they do not disturb you. - Be punctual
Be on time, but not early. The same link can be used for multiple job seekers. If you click in early, you may be entering another job-seekers interview. Enter your Zoom interview 2-3 minutes before the scheduled time, but no sooner. Also, double-check the time zone to be certain of the correct meeting time.
The video interview is a chance to showcase your potential and professionalism. Follow these tips to help improve your performance and confidence. You will know the interview was a success when you get asked to go in for an onsite interview.
Written by:
Kathy Lin, Marketing Communications Manager
Kathy writes content for Tal Healthcare, a healthcare career website. She has a background in recruiting, sales, and teaching. She holds a BA in Biology from the University of Vermont. When she isn’t writing you can find her outside running, skiing or biking.