Zoom Interview Tips

Question:

I had an interview over Zoom, and it didn’t go too well. Can you give me some tips for next time?

Answer:

Employers have been doing video interviews for years, but Zoom has really caught on in the age of the Coronavirus. It’s fairly likely that they will continue using it even when they no longer have to, because of its convenience.

Zoom is fairly easy to learn and use. There are many bells and whistles, even with the free version. But as you’ve already realized, the time to learn to use it is before you need it.

First, you’ll need to download the Zoom app to your computer, laptop, tablet or phone. You’ll find it at www.zoom.us. You can set up a free account, attached to your email address.

When you are invited to a meeting or interview, you will get an email with a website address, or a nine-digit meeting ID and six-digit password. You type them into the appropriate place in Zoom.us, and click Join meeting. And, there you are!

You’ll see a thumbnail version of how you’ll look to the other participants in your meeting. Do you look good? Are you dressed properly for the occasion, and not just from the waist up? (Do NOT wear pajama pants to your Zoom interview!) What about your background: is it uncluttered, and does it speak well of you? (Note: this is the time to put the pets in another room.) You can upload a digital background, but this is one of those things to experiment with on your own time. You will probably have to unmute yourself by clicking on the microphone in the lower left-hand corner. You may need to adjust your volume too.

Check your lighting as well. At many times of the day, natural light from a window is your best friend. But if your interview is early in the morning or late afternoon, the sun may come in from an angle that washes you out. You will also want to avoid being backlit (having the light come from behind you); that will make you look as if you’re in a witness protection program.

When you think it’s set up properly, test your technology. Zoom gives you a chance to do this before you join the meeting.

Of course, you will have done your research on the company, and prepared as you do for any interview. You can create a list of questions to ask and points to make, and keep them just below camera level. Be sure you can reach whatever reference material you need without having to stand up or turn around.

You’ll want to be on time for your Zoom interview, of course, but you don’t need to be as early as you probably would for an interview at the company. If you sign in to the Zoom waiting room 15 minutes ahead of your appointment, you’ll stare at a blank screen for 15 minutes, likely becoming more and more nervous.

Unlike a live interview, it’s sometimes hard to avoid speaking over people. You can minimize this by letting the interviewer finish their thought, waiting a beat, then answering. It won’t work every time, but it will minimize everyone talking at once.

If you’re looking for a job and have not yet made peace with Zoom, now is the time. Download it and try it out with a friend or family member before you have to use it when the stakes are high. You’re probably going to need it sooner rather than later.