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Your wisdom for job interviewing via Zoom? Not the typical....
So now, 9 months into a pandemic, we know to remove distractions (no kids, no pets, turn off our cell phones). We know that cheesy vacation pictures in our backgrounds aren't helpful. What are your best tips for interviewing for a new position via Zoom that go beyond the regular ones?
38 Comments
Shanita TaylorAuthor, Leadership Certified & Life Coach
279
11/29/20 at 8:07PM UTC
My suggestion when interviewing for positions via Zoom on top of the information you have included is to... 1. Look the part. In other words, dress to impress (professionally).
2. Have a mature and professional background set up if applicable. 3. Be on time. 4. Pay attention 5. Have backup plans, Examples: 1. A second device. 2. A battery back up device, incase you lose power.
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4 Replies
Julie MEducator, Learner, Leader, Collaborator
46
11/30/20 at 1:02AM UTC
I would even have a backup internet connection, perhaps a hotspot through your phone or borrow a neighbor's wifi (as a back up only) for the time of the internet.
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Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
11/30/20 at 2:19AM UTC
All of this is so true. I have EXCELLENT wifi and even then, the occasional glitch happens. Thanksf or the reminder.
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Julie MEducator, Learner, Leader, Collaborator
46
11/30/20 at 3:44PM UTC
I had an Internet glitch at a location that I thought was full-proof, while creating a video interview. They received all of my audio, but only part of my video, it kept pixelating me and it was awful. I didn't know it because you couldn't go back and review your video once it was created.
Best of luck to you!
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Kyla DuffyYour PERSONAL Coach & Writer
155
11/30/20 at 3:56PM UTC
Don't freak out if something goes wrong, because it will once in a while. Excuse yourself, deal with it, and make a joke about working from home when you return.
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JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
358
12/01/20 at 3:21AM UTC
Agreed! I've done a few interviews via video. I try to make sure my background isn't too hectic and to make sure I look at and interact with the interviewer as much as possible. Always go on early as well! You never know when they will show up!
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Deborah Frincke
132
12/01/20 at 11:36AM UTC
Also, position your camera and Zoom window so that you are comfortably looking directly at your interviewer, and check your lighting. You don't want to be either shadowed or washed out.
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Lisa StriteProduct leader in Southwest Florida
38
11/29/20 at 8:20PM UTC
Completely agree with all of the above!
Small additional things: it can be challenging to have a ‘natural’ dialogue on Zoom because you lose that all important body language. That’s especially tough with someone you’ve just met and where you don’t know their non-verbal cues.
Small tips that can help:
* Pause for a second or two before you answer a question to be sure that the other person is truly finished speaking. It’s very easy to accidentally interrupt someone (again, not having non-verbal cues is tough!) — so that brief pause can help you avoid that.
* Look into the camera when talking instead of looking at yourself. That will make you a defined and engaged presence!
* Before the call, be sure to position your camera and/or monitor at the right level so you can look into the camera . You can test this out in Zoom’s test meeting at https://zoom.us/test .
* Be aware of your audio and video settings. Make sure you know whether you are on mute or not and that you’re facile in switching between those options. Same for video. You can use the test link above to practice those too!
Other helpful suggestions:
* Eliminate distractions. Make sure everyone in your home knows you are on an important call and need quiet during that block of time. Mute your phone and other devices. Shut down any applications on your computer or device you don’t need — other than the Zoom client.
* And, yeah, upgrade from your joggers for the call. Dress the part — you will impress your interviewer and get yourself in a ‘I’m gonna get this job!” mindset.
Good luck. I’m sure you’ll be great!
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1 Reply
Pearl WongUser Experience Designer
91
11/29/20 at 10:41PM UTC
thank you Lisa. these nuggets of wisdom and practicality are essential. thank you for sharing your insights with the FGB community.
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Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
11/30/20 at 2:17AM UTC
I had not thought about pausing in order to not talk over one another. That's lovely, slows things down a bit and is really helpful. Thank you!
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Pearl WongUser Experience Designer
91
11/29/20 at 10:40PM UTC
these are practical tips that anyone can use...especially me. thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights.
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Anonymous
11/30/20 at 12:39AM UTC
My sister-in-law (a lawyer) did a practice Zoom with a friend to make sure everything looked good, the computer was set correctly, etc. (before an interview and several upcoming court hearings.) Her friend cracked up when she asked if the bookcases behind her right shoulder looked suitable. They did, but the bar cart with the case of red wine and large selection of various bourbons over her left shoulder needed to be rolled away! Small apartment! What can you do? Posted anonymously, for her sake of course!
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1 Reply
Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
11/30/20 at 2:18AM UTC
YES. I am an avid watcher of MSNBC and I am so aware of the curated backdrop and how important it is to have that (and how something out of place or inappropriate is a conversation starter or ender!!). Thank you!
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Anonymous
11/30/20 at 2:16AM UTC
Even if you are alone or in a quiet space, headphones will help reduce noise and also allow you to hear clearly. If you do, do not wear dangling earrings that could hit the mic.
Make sure your name is properly listed on your screen (in case you ever share with someone)
Log in to the link at least 1-2 min early. The organizer will get notified so they’ll know you present yourself as punctual. Do not test log in at another time, as they get notified of that too (I once had someone “crash” a call I was on because they were checking the link....hope your interviewer uses waiting room!)
If you have trouble with the link for any reason reach out directly ASAP to the organizer at whatever contact information they gave you
Lighting is key...there are plenty of folks who make a living out of looking good on video-check out YouTube
Keep your screen at full screen so as not to get distracted by anything else open
Use a computer vs mobile device if possible. The layout is very different - also in case you need to use a feature you don’t want to toggle back and forth or risk “bouncing” the screen
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D Serke
23
11/30/20 at 4:08AM UTC
We had a recent candidate set up a test call with our HR person to make sure everything worked properly before the day of interviews. The other candidate could never get his camera to work and it did leave a negative impression. Candidate A got the job.
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Susan Jenkins HynsonBuilding strong teams and raising the bar!
22
11/30/20 at 3:36PM UTC
The earlier comments are spot on, but I want to add a few aesthetic suggestions. Check your lighting, raise your laptop to ensure a flattering camera angle, "enhance" your appearance via Zoom - did you know they offer this? Hit the tool icon, go to video, and select "touch up my appearance" - there is a sliding scale so your can avoid Kardashianism! Be mindful of your backdrop, add one plant for good feng shui, shut off your TV/avoid glare from windows - both reflect onto your laptop screen.
1 Reply
Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
11/30/20 at 4:52PM UTC
Not only can you "touch up" you can even add makeup now and it is not horrible. But check it out with others to avoid (I love what you said) Kardashianism. It's great. And the blur effect of the enhance appearance is great. Thanks!
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Elise LuddyNonprofit and Corporate Events Manager
34
11/30/20 at 6:16PM UTC
I agree with what everyone has been saying. Lighting is a good tip, especially since you can buy a fairly cheap ring light off Amazon for $30. Either the stand or the clip-on (if you're on a laptop) will work. It brightens your face and they can see you better.
Something I didn't see in the comments is don't apologize constantly if something, like a child or a pet disrupts your interview. We're all at home, we're all dealing with the same things. This isn't the age anymore that your daughter rolling in while you're on CNN/MSNBC is uncommon anymore. I have cats that will walk right in front of my camera, and one time, even hung up on my meeting! It's so commonplace now. Obviously, try to avoid it, if it at all possible, but it's life now. It's okay to be human.
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Michelle Katz
39
11/30/20 at 6:43PM UTC
One other suggestion is a bit more subtle - consider wearing the company colors, so it looks like you are already part of the team!
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Madeline SchwarzCommunication + Career Coach for Introverts
27
11/30/20 at 6:55PM UTC
Mindset is everything whether you're interviewing in person or on zoom. So in addition to all the great tech tips, spend some time examining your thoughts. You can think it's weird and stressful or that meeting on zoom is most normal thing in the world, a chance to think on your feet and exchange information.
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Stacey M. WoodsSVP, HR Operations in Charlotte, North Carolina
17
11/30/20 at 6:59PM UTC
1- dress professionally. Even if the recruiter or hiring manager shares they are a casual company, look the part.
2- ensure you have more than one mode available to connect to the meeting in case the connection drops (I.e. cell phone hot spot).
3- as I’ve conducted interviews, I connect via phone audio instead of computer audio. Often times, feedback and voice echos prove to be incredibly distracting.
4- ensure hair is properly groomed.
5- make eye contact and still do your research on the company. Ask questions that are important to you given the existing environment. Hope this helps!
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Erin RheinschildExperience Management | People | Operations
34
11/30/20 at 10:32PM UTC
Is there a consensus on using a earbuds with a microphone? I have noticed none of my interviewers use them, and then I feel out of step with them if I do. I don't notice a difference in audio quality unless I'm in a room with other people or distractions, which I would not be for an interview.
2 Replies
Elise LuddyNonprofit and Corporate Events Manager
34
12/01/20 at 2:23PM UTC
I go back and forth with them. I feel like it's more engagement on both the interviewer and the interviewee (or just in general too), so you feel and possibly they feel that you're listening to what they're saying without outside/background noise. I wonder if they have someone else listening in off-camera to your answers. I've had in-person interviews where there's another person in the room (sometimes a HR rep, sometimes not) just there to take notes and listen. I don't see why they wouldn't do that for online interviews too. Overall, I would do what you're most comfortable with, in terms of the earbuds.
1 Reply
Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
12/01/20 at 4:20PM UTC
I use them sometimes and sometimes not (for other kinds of meetings). It depends on how much ambient noise there is, and how much I am concerned about being heard. I just hate earbuds and think that I do my best work without...
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Amber MedelArt Director in the San Francisco Bay Area
36
12/01/20 at 9:20PM UTC
I have some high-quality, comfortable wireless earbuds and I've found it helps a lot with sound quality and preventing echo. They're generally not visible under my hair, so nobody else in the meeting would know I was using them. I agree that wires would look a little funny if others aren't using them.
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Karisa KarmaliFounder of Self-Love and Fitness
740
11/30/20 at 11:32PM UTC
Mindset, lighting, and speak slowly yet clearly, audio issues happen.
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Katrina HonerCareer Contessa Coach
102
11/30/20 at 11:44PM UTC
What has always been a conversation starter is the Zoom background I created. All it includes is my name, desired job title, and solid color. (You can create one in Canva for free).
It's simple because the focus is on your name. On top of that it isn't "cheesy" and the easiest way to set up something professional looking instead of having a background with a fake library or bedroom.
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Rebeca EvantashStrategic integrated marketing leader
164
12/01/20 at 2:25AM UTC
What a fun idea. Have you received feedback from people on this?
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Katrina HonerCareer Contessa Coach
102
12/01/20 at 2:42AM UTC
In my interview, everyone commented it looked very professional.
When I got hired, a few people asked me to make them a background. Lol.
I actually made it implemented this idea into a company branding strategy - for any virtual events, we all have zoom backgrounds with the company logo, color, our names and titles. It became very popular!
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Joy Matwale
87
12/01/20 at 6:37AM UTC
Love It! That's great that it worked out not just for you, but that you were also able something new to the company. I will be borrowing this idea :) Thanks for sharing.
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SerenaAccount Manager
149
11/30/20 at 11:46PM UTC
Practice before- put a post it note over where your icon will be so you aren’t looking at yourself! Test your audio. Invest in a good microphone if it’s something you can do!
1 Reply
Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
12/01/20 at 4:21PM UTC
I even encourage folks to take themselves off the screen--Zoom has a "hide self" view which I love (I hate looking at myself). It's great for self conscious types like me and people who don't want to accidentally focus only on themselves!
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Yvette BrooksInternet for all
32
12/01/20 at 4:02PM UTC
Mentally prepare before the interview that you are interviewing THEM. Take deep breaths beforehand if you are feeling nervous. Try to be your natural self. Then in the interview ask the questions that you want to know the answers to. Life's too short to find out three months later when you are in the job and you realize it's not a good fit. Also, I've gotten call backs before from positions I haven't even interviewed for. Interview well and they will remember you. Good luck out there.
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Sara Shapiro-Plevan
68
12/01/20 at 4:21PM UTC
Call backs for positions you haven't even interviewed for, that's pretty awesome! Congrats!
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Amber MedelArt Director in the San Francisco Bay Area
36
12/01/20 at 9:24PM UTC
Set up your own Zoom meeting with someone beforehand, to test out everything suggested here. Have that person give really honest feedback about everything from lighting, sound, and background to how you come across when talking. Also, do a screen recording of yourself so you can go back and see how you look and sound (it's a little horrifying, I know). Good luck!
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Katie FioreGrowth Marketing Strategy & Innovation
12
12/02/20 at 3:56PM UTC
Something I've started doing when presenting on Zoom is placing Post-Its around my monitor to remind myself of things I want to cover when speaking. You could easily do the same thing when interviewing - have a list of experience examples, skills, etc., posted in your sight line so you can reference them if you need to.
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Anonymous
12/05/20 at 1:22PM UTC
As a hiring manager one of the things I want to call out is the energy you exude during the interview. It’s been my experience people are more relaxed (probably because they are in their own home) and being on camera it is harder to see other communication cues such as hand movements or if someone is leaning in. Make sure to sit on the edge of your chair which will make you sit up taller automatically and appear more engaged.
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