19 Professional Tips To Ace Your Next Zoom Interview
Virtual interviews are here to stay. A survey by Criteria shows that 82% of employers use video interviews, and most of them rely on such tools as Zoom or Teams. At the same time, virtual interviews are just as stressful as in-person ones, and require thorough preparation.
If you have a Zoom job interview scheduled, you need to test the technology in advance, choose a professional-looking background, and practice answering popular questions. In this guide, you will find Zoom interview tips to help you get prepared, plus tips and tricks to make an irresistible impression on a hiring manager.
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Test the technology and connection | details... |
| 2. Familiarize yourself with the Zoom software | details... |
| 3. Choose the background | details... |
| 4. Find a quiet place | details... |
| 5. Dress professionally | details... |
| 6. Rehearse the responses | details... |
| 7. Get the right lighting | details... |
| 8. Have the right documents at hand | details... |
| 9. Join the meeting 5 minutes early | details... |
| 10. Look into the camera | details... |
| 11. Don't get distracted | details... |
| 12. Use Mute button when not speaking | details... |
| 13. Watch your body language | details... |
| 14. Smile and make eye contact | details... |
| 15. Ask personalized questions | details... |
| 16. Send a follow-up letter | details... |
| 17. Reflect on your performance | details... |
| 18. Follow up in a week | details... |
| 19. Keep applying for jobs | details... |
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19 Professional Zoom interview tips
Below, you will find everything you need to know to make a stellar first impression during the video interview:
Before the virtual interview
1. Test the technology and connection
Test your camera, phone, and internet connection before the Zoom meeting. Open Zoom and call your friend to ensure that it works smoothly. You don't want to connect to a job interview only to find out that there is poor sound quality on your laptop or Wi-Fi connections fails. Such issues will inevitably impact your performance during the interview and spoil the first impression. So, test everything in advance to be calm during the interview process.
2. Familiarize yourself with the Zoom software
If you are not using Zoom on a daily basis, take the time to learn its main features. Download the latest app version and see how to take a screenshot, turn off and on the microphone, and send something via chat. If you get stuck during the job interview because you don't know how to send a link to the interviewer, it will send a wrong signal to the recruiter.
3. Choose the background
Before the virtual interview, find a suitable physical space for a conversation. You don't want the hiring manager to observe a messy kitchen or living room during a business meeting. Choose a place with a neutral, professional-looking background, such as a bookshelf or a wall with a few photos or paintings on it.
It is best not to use a virtual background during Zoom interviews, but if you absolutely have to use it (say, you live with a roommate, or you can't seem to find a suitable place), opt for a realistic virtual background, such as a coffee shop or office (no Eiffel Tower or open space, please!).
4. Find a quiet place
You don't want to be distracted by noise during an important job interview. Ask your family or roommates to keep quiet and minimize all external distractions. Close the§ windows if it's noisy outside, and turn on the silent mode on your devices. You want the interviewer to hear you clearly and without the phone ringing on the background.
5. Dress professionally
Research the company dress code and dress appropriately for a job interview. Just because the interview is virtual, it doesn't mean you can show up in pajamas with teddy bears or Wonder Woman (it can help bonding if the recruiter is a fan, though!). Okay, jokes aside - wear professional attire, and always put on pants. Choose items that help you feel confident - for example, your favorite taupe blouse or gray jacket.
6. Rehearse the responses
If you've attended so many interviews in your life, you already know the typical questions they will ask you. Hiring managers typically ask questions about your achievements, why you left the previous job, why you want to work with them, your strengths, and more. Research and practice common interview questions, and you will feel more confident and well-prepared.
Recruiters can tell if the candidate researched the company culture and took the time to prepare, and it will set you apart from other job-seekers.
Not sure what questions to rehearse before your Zoom interview? Check out our list of popular interview questions and hone your interviewing skills!
7. Get the right lighting
Find a spot with a natural light source - for example, sit in front of the window. Good lighting is essential to create a high-quality image and help the recruiter see you clearly. If natural lighting isn't an option, use a table lamp or a selfie light, and position the source of light in front of you. Test different options and pick one that help you look best on camera.
8. Have the right documents at hand
During the job interview, you will most likely need your resume, job description, links to your previous work, and specific questions you'd like to ask the employer. Prepare everything in advance so that you don't spend time searching for the right file during the interview.
During the Zoom interview
Successful preparation is half the success! Now, here are some recommendations about what to to during the video interview.
9. Join the meeting 5 minutes early
Arriving early is good tone, and virtual interviews are no exception. Connect to the interview earlier to double-check video quality and sound, and troubleshoot any last-minute technical issues. Thus, you won't make the recruiter wait and start the Zoom meeting on time.
10. Look into the camera
We are naturally tempted to look at a video image of ourselves. Instead, look at the camera or the green light near it. If it feels confusing, put a funny sticker or a smiley face near the camera to relax. When you look at the camera, it will look like you are engaged in a conversation and not browsing the web in the background.
Look at the video image of the interviewer time after time to get a sense of how the interview is going.
11. Don't get distracted
If any distractions appear, avoid pausing the interview to attend to them. You need to be fully focused on the conversation. Usually, the video interview lasts about 30 minutes, so you can get to them when the conversation's over.
12. Use Mute button when not speaking
To avoid background interruptions, use the Mute button when you are not speaking. Thus, you will help the interviewer to fully focus on a conversation and create an impression that you're in a quiet space.
13. Watch your body language
A whopping 93% of your message is delivered through body language. Although body language is more difficult to follow on video, do not neglect it whatsoever. Sit straight, don't cross your arms, and follow your gestures and non-verbal expression. In other words, act like if you were sitting in the office in front of the interviewer.
14. Smile and make eye contact
Your gestures and facial expression should convey professionalism and positive attitude. Look in the camera and smile as you tell your own story about your skills and pasts successes. It will help create an impression of the eye contact. Speak in a friendly tone, as the tone of voice also contributes to an impression you make.
When the interviewer is speaking, show that you're listening actively. Nod, show that you are engaged, and ask clarifying questions when necessary. Don't read or watch something in the background, as it is extremely unprofessional!
15. Ask personalized questions
Career experts recommend that you always ask your questions at the end of the Zoom interview. Prepare 3-5 questions in advance, and personalize them to the position and the role. These questions are your chance to learn more about the company culture and the role, and also to show the recruiter that you've done your homework. Keep them well-researched and specific to show your interest and engagement.
After the Zoom Interview
The interviewing process doesn't end when the Zoom meeting is over. Even after the interview, you can prove that you're a great candidate. Here's how to do it:
16. Send a follow-up letter
According to the stats, only 1 in 4 applicants follow up after the interview. So, this is your chance to stand out! Send a polite follow-up letter expressing your interest in the job and showing appreciation of the hiring manager's time and effort. Send this short letter in 24 hours after the interview.
17. Reflect on your performance
Think about your performance during the online interview. Do you think that everything went well, or were there any confusing moments? Did you feel confident and well-prepared, or did you struggle to answer some questions? Think about what you can do differently next time to make a better impression. It will help you improve your interview skills in the future.
18. Follow up in a week
If the interviewer didn't give you a time frame for making a decision, send them a follow-up email in a week. Ask them about the status of your application and next steps. Keep your tone positive and mention that you are still interested in the job.
19. Keep applying for jobs
Even if you are particularly excited about this opportunity, don't waste your time waiting. In today's economy, it sometimes takes hundreds of applications to land a new job. So, keep applying for jobs, attending interviews, and reaching out to your network until you have a formal offer at hand.
Keep these Zoom interview tips when preparing for your next meeting. It will help you stay organized, make a professional impression, and eventually increase your chances to get a job offer.
Top 5 mistakes to avoid in virtual interviews
There are certain video interview mistakes that recruiters see as red flags. These mistakes can make a wrong impression and eventually cost you a job. Here's what to avoid in your Zoom interviews:
- Poor video quality if you have an old computer, invest in a good camera and take care of the light. When the interviewer can see you clearly, they are more likely to connect with you on a personal level. And vice versa, low-quality video with poor lighting makes an unprofessional impression.
- Cluttered background the space behind you also contributes to an overall impression. If there are messy clothes, funny posters, or, worse yet, kitchen zone with dirty dishes, you'll have a hard time proving that you are a detail-driven, proactive professional. If you have no time to clean up the mess, use a virtual background.
- Putting on a messy T-shirt the golden rule of video interviews is not putting on anything you wouldn't wear for an in-person interview. Wear something tidy and professional to make a right impression.
- Distractions in the background occasional distractions can happen. Yet, when during the conversation the phone is constantly ringing, people are talking in the room, and the dog is barking, it makes a terrible impression. Talk to your family or roommates, close the door, and do everything to create a distraction-free space during the interview.
- Not being focused if you look somewhere on the screen during the interview, sit calm and look unengaged, the interviewer might decide that you aren't much interested. Keep an eye contact, ask questions, and express your emotions to look engaged.
Zoom Interview FAQs
What should I wear for a Zoom interview?
Avoid wearing home clothes for your next virtual interview! Research the company's culture and dress code, and adjust your outfit accordingly. Unless other is required, wear business casual outfit for a remote interview. Also, be sure to wear pants to avoid confusing situations.
Is it okay to use a phone for a Zoom interview?
Connecting to a Zoom interview using your phone can come across as unprofessional. Your laptop has a better webcam, fewer potential distractions, and creates an overall better interview experience. Only use your phone when it is technically impossible to use a computer (for example, when you are on a vacation).
How do I make a good impression in a virtual interview?
Prepare like for an in-person interview: do your homework, connect on time, and dress professionally. Another trick is to slightly exaggerate your facial expressions and gestures in front of the camera. Thus, you will look engaged and interested in the position to the recruiter.