How do I handle a job interview via Zoom

Question

I have an interview scheduled for later this week via Zoom. How should I dress? Should I have a full face of makeup? I can't obviously hand them an interview packet. How do I handle that? I so want this job! I previously interviewed for another vacancy last year so how differently should I handle this one? I thank you all in advance for your advice.

morales971 · Answer

It's always good to put your best foot forward, but ask yourself who do you expect them to see everyday if (when) you get the job?  Show them THAT professional.  Also, I'm big on 'dress rehearsals.'  Do your look beforehand, pick your outfit, and FT someone whose opinion you respect.  Get what feedback you can.  Also, search the most popular interview questions and practice your answers in the mirror.  Are you smiling enough?  Are you gesturing too much?  Check YOURSELF out.  Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I'd recommend dressing how you'd dress for an in-person interview (although minus the heels or uncomfortable shoes since they won't see them). Perhaps if you know who you're interviewing with ahead of time, re-send them your resume, or you can send them a link to a Google Folder that has all of your resume packet materials. If you have to show them a portfolio, practice sharing your screen ahead of time to make sure that everything will go smoothly.  Other than that just make sure you have a good WiFi connection and are in a quiet space. Best of luck to you!!!

Lisa Beach · Answer

I have had one Zoom interview.  Did not get the job but I do not think it was due to how I handled myself in the interview.  I do recommend dressing like you would for any other interview, at least from the waist up.  As far as makeup goes, see how you look on Zoom with full make-up and tweek from there.  I did not wear any mascara and doubt anyone noticed.  Remember to check all your video and audio Zoom settings an, in particular see how the following setting helps: Settings>Video>My Video>Touch up my appearance.   You can always email a packet to them ahead of the interview or ask if they are OK with you  sharing your screen with them during the interview if there is something specific you may want to point out.  There are a ton of helpful articles out there as well, like this one: https://nyitcareerservices.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/5-ways-to-nail-a-zoom-online-interview-2/

Anne Barnwell · Answer

You should dress for the interview but naturally. You aren't naturally sitting in your home with a colored shirt and blazer. But certainly a very professional outfit is still appropriate.

I do believe in wearing make up because it prevents you from looking washed out on camera. Again, not over the top but natural. I don't wear much make up but in these cases, I would especially do the eye make up.

For the interview packet, if you have a separate resume or portfolio, ask if you can email it ahead of time or afterwards. If it's something you truly want to show and discuss, you could also ask to share your screen.

Finally, a tip I've learned. We tend to look at the person on the screen because we want to connect with the person. But really, it would be better to look at the camera. The tip I was given was to put a picture of the person (or someone) right next to the camera so you're looking in the right place.

Good luck, I hope you get the job!

Julie Foster Weldon · Answer

I had my first Zoom interview this morning.  I did dress, did my hair and make-up.  It made me feel more professional doing so.  Not sure I will get the job, as the potential employer is still trying to figure out what type of candidate he wants and what exactly he wants the assistant to actually do.  I got the impression that his hiring for the position is a few months out, but I don't feel like I wasted my time.  It gave me a chance to brush up on my interview skills as the last time I had an interview was with the previous employer of 8 years.  No going back to that job as the company is changing its goals since the pandemic.  Going to downsize what projects they build and downsize to handful of workers going forward.

Anonymous · Answer

Great advice on this thread. During your dress rehearsals, try different backgrounds in your home - pick one that is neutral and not too busy, while showing a bit of personality. Mine is in my dining room -  the wall you see is a dark lavender, with a bouquet of dried flowers. I use a box to raise the laptop and have trained myself to look at the camera, not the screen. Make sure to sit up straight too ; slumping into the usual 'laptop position' not only makes you look smaller, it impedes airflow and changes your voice.  
Good luck!

HEATHER · Answer

Oh, another tip I recently learned...put your laptop on top of a few thick books, so that the angle of the web camera is looking down slightly toward you. This is a more flattering angle for most of us, rather than when the web camera is angled looking up at  you!

HEATHER · Answer

Hello PattyG9,

First of all, congrats on getting an interview! That's a great sign when a prospective employer wants to meet with you, so let's stop and appreciate that:-)

I've now had 2 Zoom interviews, and both went very well. I agree with the others who have suggested wearing what you would to an in-person interview. I typically don't wear a lot of make-up in my work life, so I did use a light hand on Zoom. The one exception, is that I wore mascara because I wear glasses, and I feel that on Zoom, it's nice to make my eyes stand out a little more.

Definitely do a trial run with your computer, and the Zoom app: test the audio and video, and get comfortable with those features. It's a good idea to mute yourself when the interviewer is speaking.  I highly recommend logging on a good 10 minutes before the start time.

Also, remember to turn off all notifications on your computer, as they can be distracting if they pop up on the screen during the interview. I don't have housemates, so I don't need to wear headphones, but if you have other people in your household, wear headphones/earbuds so that your interviewer has less chance of hearing ambient noises.

I wish you the very best with your interview!

Dr. Sarah Ratekin · Answer

It depends a lot on the company itself. If you've done your research and know how they are framing their culture, you won't run the risk of being wildly off base in either direction in how you show up on camera, just like you wouldn't in person.  Another thing to reallllllllly consider is to review what's visible behind you on camera. Everybody knows you're dialing in from home, but don't rely on a fancy zoom background to hide the pile of laundry on the bed, or whatever. Make sure that there's no chance you'll give an uncomplimentary first impression. Another tip is to pause a little longer before you start speaking. There can be a lag in the video/audio, and you don't want to cut off the person on the other end. Good luck! :)

How do I handle a job interview via Zoom

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