After the COVID-19 outburst, Zoom interviews have become the new normal for connecting employers with interviewees. As a result, 60% of HR managers use or have used video interviews in their hiring process. From devs to marketers, no matter your career path, having basic knowledge of Zoom and its features could work to your advantage to draw employers’ eyes on you.
You have to understand that this is an entirely different world. There’s a screen between you and your future employer, so there are no handshakes, direct eye contact, full-body image, or gestures, not to mention sound and image quality. So, you need to level up your game!
Luckily, we’re here to help you with a step-by-step guide packed with tips on how to ace your next Zoom interview. To take a step further, at MentorCruise, we coach you to succeed in your interviews and land amazing job opportunities.
9 + 1 Tips to Nail Your Next Zoom Interview
1) Dress the part
As you would do in a face-to-face meeting, wearing the right clothes can make or break an interview. Whether you’re going for an Amazon interview or meeting a freelancing prospect, you need to look your best. Not only does your future employer expect to see you groomed and well-dressed, but also your psychology shifts when you’re looking the part. So don’t underestimate the power of some pants and shoes; they’ll give you confidence and program your brain to think as if you’re in an actual congress room.
2) Avoid distractions at all costs
Probably one of our top Zoom interview tips. Distractions could kill an interview before it begins. In contrast with physical interviews where distractions are shared with the interviewer, in Zoom, the person on the other side of the screen doesn’t know when something unexpected distracts you from the conversation.
You want to avoid kids crawling on your lap, animals making sounds, or even neighbors making loud noises. Phone notifications or emails popping on your screen could equally worsen the situation. So, you want to seclude yourself in a quiet environment, preferably without phones or people around. Make sure to let everyone know beforehand the time you’ll be having the interview, and, as a general rule of thumb, do your best to eliminate distractions.
3) Mind the lighting
Usually, the lighting in a room is fluorescent or incandescent, which can be harsh and less flattering. We highly suggest using a ring light directly on your face to create depth of field and sharpness. Long are the days when only makeup vloggers used ring lights. Nowadays, you can find pretty cheap ring lights in the market that do the work just as well. It’s a small investment that could win you some impressions.
If, however, a ring light is not an option, try to schedule your interview during the morning or noon, when the sun is at the perfect height. Then, simply sit in front of a window and let the sunlight bathe you. Natural light is always a go-to option, and it’s free!
4) Change your Zoom background
Part of avoiding distractions in a virtual interview is using the appropriate Zoom backgrounds that convey a professional message. Unfortunately, not everyone has an established home office with the luxury to adjust their surroundings. That’s where Zoom comes into the frame allowing users to change their backgrounds. Here’s a breakdown of how to change your Zoom background:
Open your Zoom meeting and click on the drop-down menu next to the Stop Video button. Next, click on the Choose Virtual Background, and you’ll be prompted to a pop-up window.
You can either choose one of the existing neutral Zoom backgrounds or hit the + button and add your own from your library. You also have the option to source your video interview background from Unsplash, a copyright-free source of images with a wide variety to choose from. Save the images below and add them as your professional Zoom background.
5) Use the Touch-Up Feature
After so many months in quarantine, we can all use some help with how we show up on camera. That’s why Zoom came up with a new feature that lets you slightly touch up your appearance with filters. Here’s how you can apply it:
Enter your Zoom meeting, click on zoom.us, and then on Preferences. You will be prompted to a pop-up window, where you’ll select Video.
Then under My Video on the right, you can check the Touch Up My Appearance box, and your appearance will automatically look softer with Zoom’s filter.
Alternatively, Zoom offers spectacular studio effects to take your looks to the next level. You can access them in the same “Choose Virtual Background” environment by clicking on the Studio Effects option on the right. So, you can change your lip color, your eyebrows, or even your mustache! Just keep everything subtle and professional.
6) Have the right equipment
Equipment is a big deal in professional virtual interviews. Nobody enjoys yelling at a camera to be heard or losing sight of their converser due to poor image quality. So be prepared! If your computer’s camera and microphone are not adequate, you might consider purchasing external ones. Also, use headphones to guide the sound directly to your ears without spreading it all over the room.
Don’t forget to double-test your Internet connection, as it might cause you trouble. Have backup cellular data to prevent a temporary broken wi-fi connection that could fill you with stress. In addition, always have your computer charged or plugged in before your call begins. You don’t want to run out of battery the moment the interviewer asks you a question.
7) Be on time
As in any physical interview, you want to be on time, even if that means setting an alarm clock. Be sure to set apart at least 30 minutes before the actual interview to get dressed, set up your equipment, seclude yourself in a quiet place, and prepare mentally. Once you’re ready, we suggest connecting to the Zoom meeting at least 5 minutes before the interview for etiquette.
Bonus tip: practice your interview with a friend via Zoom and record your test. Then rewatch it and make the necessary corrections to perfect your audio, image, or general appearance.
8) Maintain eye-contact
You might think that once Zoom becomes the medium, eye contact is lost forever. However, that’s not the case. Instead of staring at yourself or your interviewer, a smart tip you can use is to look directly into the camera. You’ll find that this creates an illusion as if you’re looking your converser in the eyes.
During the interview, try not to break eye contact by looking all around the room, or getting distracted by your surroundings, because it could signify a lack of connection. Instead, place your camera at eye level, and if need be, add some books beneath your laptop to create the perfect height. Do whatever it takes for optimal results.
9) Be positive
A smile is never outdated. Keep a positive attitude throughout your call, as you would do in a physical interview. You don’t need to exaggerate or fake a smile constantly, as your interviewer will notice. Just be relaxed, keep the conversation warm, and your mood cheerful. It’s incredible what this slight lip curl can do to psychology and emotions.
Don’t forget to incorporate non-verbal communication! Hand gestures are your best friend to help you stretch out your points. They might not be as direct as in a face-to-face meetup, but they’ll sure make the interviewer feel more connected to you. Also, be sure to ask your interview mentor how to interact with your interviewer and earn their trust.
10) Prepare a presentation and keep notes
As our bonus Zoom interview tip, we highly recommend preparing a presentation beforehand with your primary suggestions and strategy. Zoom offers a share screen feature; why not use it to your advantage to showcase expertise and display your points efficiently? We guarantee that the interviewer will set you apart from the crowds for your thought leadership and effort.
But even if the circumstances are not suitable for sharing a presentation, you can always keep notes, either on your computer or your notebook. You don’t need to write down every little detail about your interview.
Instead, write the main points you could later use for studying and planning. Such a tactic will showcase that you’re serious about your intentions and work hard to advance the company. It also demonstrates that you’re not reactional, but you analyze data and put in the thought before acting.
Get the Right Guidance for Your Professional Needs
It all boils down to preparation. Preparing your environment and looking as professional as possible will earn impressions and increase your chances of getting hired. And don’t forget; you’re playing on familiar grounds, your own home!
MentorCruise can help you prepare for successful interviews and land the job of your dreams. Discover our wide variety of resources and mentors that will guide you every step of the way.
Good luck with your Zoom interview. We’re positive that you’ll nail it!