Tips for a Successful Zoom Interview
A job interview can be a stressful experience, particularly in our post-Covid environment of virtual interviews and having to be “on camera” rather than in person. While there are disadvantages of such a process, such as reduced ability to build rapport or relationships, there are ways you can prepare to make sure you stand out during the ‘virtual’ interview process. In order to understand how to tilt the scales in your favor, especially as so many interviews move to virtual platforms like Zoom, we’ve gathered tips from various hiring experts and can help you prepare.
Most interviews will be over Zoom for the foreseeable future, so candidates need to prepare differently than they used to. You'll save some time on the day of your interview, since you don't need to drive to the office or worry about traffic or parking, but you'll still want to set aside plenty of time to make sure your Zoom is ready to go when you need to log on. Whether your interview is over the phone, on Zoom, or in person, there are many things you can do to feel confident and prepared.
How to Prepare for a Zoom Interview
Before each interview, spend a few minutes reviewing the information provided and developing specific questions you’d like to ask. We recommend reviewing information shortly before the interview, so that the information is fresh on your mind.
We suggest researching the company and the role you're interested in. This effort should give you a better idea of what you're really interviewing for and help you feel confident that the role is right for you. From the recruiter's perspective, it's easy to tell if a candidate has no idea what they're interviewing for, and it makes them look unprepared.
You should also reflect back on your experience and gather some examples of projects that made you proud, feedback that helped you grow, and challenging projects that taught you lessons. It doesn't matter whether these experiences and examples are from classes, internships, or past jobs. What's important is having some examples in mind so you don't have to take too long during your interview to come up with responses to questions.
On the flip side, you don't want to spend so much time preparing that every one of your answers sounds rehearsed or memorized. I want to get to know your personality and enjoy a conversation with you, not hear you offer answers you've memorized.
While every interview — and interviewee — is different, there are a few practical steps candidates can take to be better prepared for a Zoom interview outlined below.
Zoom Interview Preparation Tips
Candidates who take the time to prepare for an interview tend to stand out. Here are our top recommendations for successfully interviewing online, whether this is your first or fiftieth Zoom call:
1. Test out the interview platform in advance.
It's never a bad idea to ask a friend to meet with you on Zoom before your interview to get familiar with the platform -- and test your internet connection. This preparation will give you a chance to troubleshoot any issues beforehand and enjoy a more seamless interview experience.
2. Use the best internet you can.
If your internet connection turns out to be shaky on the day of the interview, don't worry. It happens to everyone at some point! In that case, we suggest you try turning off your camera. This usually helps improve the sound quality.
3. Find the quietest place you can.
We always recommend candidates find a quiet space for their interview -- though no one will hold it against you if a pet or child pops into the background. We all understand the struggles of pandemic life.
4. Consider a virtual background.
A virtual background could help you have one less thing to worry about. For example, a virtual background can help hide a cluttered space or minimize the chance of someone walking through the frame.
5. Match your outfit to the company culture.
We suggest getting an idea of the company's usual dress code and aligning your outfit that way. For example, some companies have a casual dress code, so as long as you don't look like you slept in your shirt, you'll probably be okay! But if you're interviewing at a place where employees are required to wear suits every day, you might want to dress up.
To do this, I would check the company's website for an About Us page or photos of employees working together to get an idea of what they would typically wear (when they can be in the office, of course).
6. Create a list of the people who will be interviewing you and do your homework.
Check out your interviewers' LinkedIn pages and come up with some personalized questions you could ask each of them about their role and time at the company.
7. Send a thank you note — or any follow-up questions — promptly.
If you're planning to send notes or additional questions after your interview, we recommend doing so quickly. Sometimes we discuss candidates as soon as the next day, and we'd love to hear from you before then.
Practice and preparation are always good investments in your future and career, and WiseHR Group is happy to provide additional tips as you progress through the process with our team. Best wishes and happy interviewing!
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