In today’s world, employers are more frequently using platforms such as Zoom as a tool to conduct meetings including a video interview. Video meetings have expanded so many possibilities in the business world today. This puts an additional demand on you, as a job seeker, to expand your thinking about how you present yourself and interact with people in your interview. We’ve put together the ten most important tips that will set you up for success in your next Zoom or video interview:
Choose a professional background. If you don’t have somewhere in your home or space that you feel is suitable enough for the interview, choose a virtual background. Log into Zoom and head to ‘settings,” and you’ll see the option to customize your background. Choose from Zoom’s preset virtual backgrounds or upload your own!
Pick a quiet space with no distractions. You certainly don’t want any distractions throughout your Zoom call, so it’s very important that the space you choose is conducive to a quiet interview environment. Mute your phone, laptop, and any other devices that you may get notifications from throughout the interview.
Choose a space with good lighting. You want your interviewer to be able to see you clearly as you’re talking to them. Before your interview, use your laptop camera to double check that spot you’ve chosen has good lighting.
Charge your laptop and ensure a strong internet connection. To avoid any technical interruptions, make sure your laptop or desktop is fully charged before the interview and that you’ve chosen a spot with strong wifi. Not all technical difficulties can be prevented, but you can do your best to ensure that some are.
Get familiar with Zoom beforehand and practice. Whether it’s with a buddy or on your own, play around with the Zoom tool if you have never used it before. Be comfortable with features like turning on your video, muting your mic, and logging onto the platform.
Prepare by looking over 5 of the most COMMON interview questions, and how to answer them.
Be early. Always log on 5-10 minutes before your interview starts, as you would with an in-person interview. By doing so, you can prevent any technical issues that you notice before the interviewer logs on.
Dress to impress. Dress professionally in something that you feel great in. Although the interviewer may not be able to see your full outfit, when you dress your best you feel your best. That confidence will show through the screen!
Make “eye contact.” If possible, try to look at the camera when answering questions so that the interviewer feels like you are giving them eye contact. If you find this too uncomfortable, make sure that you are looking at the interviewer’s eyes on the screen when you are talking. Looking to the side or away from your computer screen might give off an impression that you are distracted by something else, or reading off of your notes.
Keep a smile on your face. Maintaining a smile on your face will radiate positive energy and a great attitude. It will show how interested you are in the company and the role, and it will radiate confidence.
Ask questions at the end. Have questions prepared for your interviewer about the company and about their personal experiences. Need some question ideas for your interviewer? Check out our past blog for our recommendations
For more tips on all things job search and professional development, check out our Employee Tips or contact us at mglenny@franklinprofessionals.com.
