Sometimes you don’t get the job. Someone less qualified than you does. Ever wonder why? What did they get right and you didn’t? Oftentimes it’s the interview. And with virtual job interviews on the rise, chances are your Zoom call with your potential employer could have gone better.
There’s a common initial mistake that many job seekers make: they play the online interview by ear. The lack of direct human contact seems to decrease the importance of this meeting. If you’ve already done that and need to figure out what went wrong, stick around and read until the end.
The knowledge you’ll gain will allow you to navigate all Zoom interviews from now until eternity. You’ll know how to prepare, how to introduce yourself, and what the proper virtual etiquette is. We’ve also thrown in a couple of common mistakes to avoid. Ready to ace your Zoom interview?
How to prepare for a Zoom interview
Follow the best practices of pre-interview preparation.
Research the company and the position you’re applying for. Go the extra mile. It takes just a few minutes to go to their website and social media pages to learn about their mission, values, and goals.
Test your equipment in advance.
There are four items on your checklist at this stage:
- Your internet connection should be stable – close any programs that use bandwidth and are connected to the same WiFi as you. Don’t forget about smart TVs.
- Your camera should work – if you use a cover, remove it and make sure the camera lens is clean.
- Your microphone must register your voice – check the microphone settings and see that it works.
- You should have Zoom installed and updated.
Dress appropriately.
If you want to do just the bottom half, that’s fine. Just make sure that what the interviewer sees is a person who made the effort to show that they fit the position they are applying for. An appropriate outfit is a sign of respect for the other person.
Find a quiet and well-lit space.
The last thing you want is to be distracted during your interview. So make sure to choose a quiet place for the duration of the Zoom meeting. Also, find a neutral background somewhere in the house. Don’t get anxious if you have to sit somewhere you usually don’t. By switching things up your mind will also shift to the task at hand.
Always have a backup plan.
Technical difficulties happen. To overcome them you need a phone number or email address to contact the interviewer, a phone charger, and a set of headphones nearby just in case.
Don’t let the “What is your weakness” question make you antsy! Know exactly how to answer it every time!
Etiquette for a Zoom interview
This 1-on-1 is all about making a good impression and convincing your potential employer that you will be a great asset to their team. While the latter can become evident from your CV and cover letter, the former can be achieved when you follow these tips in proper etiquette.
Introduce yourself in a Zoom interview. Yes, they read your name on your application. Still, you should state your name, state the position you are interviewing for, and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.
Here’s an example of what this first phrase of your online interview should be: Hi! I am Mark Davies and I would like to thank you for taking the time to meet with me for the Service Desk Analyst position! See? Easy peasy!
Use notes. It’s perfectly fine to use notes during a Zoom interview. Still, don’t rely on them too much! Don’t read word for word, and avoid shuffling papers around on your desk.
!Pro tip! Have a notes app open on your desktop and keep it on your screen right under the webcam. Make the Zoom window smaller so both can fit on the same screen. This way you can glance at your notes more easily.
Look at the camera. If possible, have your camera at your eye level so you don’t look up or down. Also, when you speak, look directly into it as much as possible.
!Pro tip! Minimize the window showing your face so you won’t get distracted by your image.
Avoid distractions. Turn off your phone and disable desktop notifications from your apps. A good idea is to close unnecessary apps and tabs altogether. Let other people in your house know that you’re in an interview.
Use the mute button. When the interviewer is talking for a longer period, mute the mic on your end so that any unexpected sound distractions won’t cut into their ability to focus.
Be mindful of your body language. Avoid slouching or looking around. Try to keep a smiling face, nod and look at your screen for the duration of the interview.
Let the interviewer know if they’ve been cut out. Even with a flawless internet connection, Zoom calls can have interruptions. Let the other person know that they’ve been cut off and ask them to repeat the info.
Be on time, but don’t be early. So here’s the thing: sometimes recruiters will send out the same link to all the candidates and set different meeting times. If you enter the call too early, you might find that the previous interview is not over yet. If that happens, excuse yourself, exit the call, and return in a couple of minutes.
Have a thank you email ready and send it immediately after the interview is over. Recruiters discuss candidates as soon as the next day, so your input before that will go a long way.
Don’t make Zoom interview mistakes! The most frequent are:
- Arriving late;
- Not dressing appropriately;
- Getting visibly distracted;
- Interrupting the speaker;
- Speaking too fast or too slow.
Navigate around these and you’ll be on your way to a successful Zoom interview.
Best places for a Zoom interview
All online interviews take place in one of these three places: at home, somewhere public, or in a car. They all have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to weigh them and decide which one works best for your situation.
At home
By far the most convenient place to conduct a Zoom interview is from the comfort of your own home.
Pros:
- You have complete control over the environment;
- You have privacy and can avoid interruptions or distractions;
- You can set up a comfortable and professional space for the interview.
Tips:
- Test your equipment and internet connection beforehand;
- Use a neutral background to avoid distractions;
- Remove unnecessary objects or clutter from the area;
- Choose a room with natural lighting and minimal background noise.
Public places
Virtual interviews from public spaces are more common than you think. Many people do not have suitable spaces at home and turn to libraries, co-working spaces, and quiet cafes. Here’s what you need to consider in this scenario.
Pros:
- Public places are easily accessible and offer flexibility;
- Many cafes or libraries are professional and quiet environments for you to take your interview.
Cons:
- Sometimes public places can be distracting or noisy. Always bring headphones to improve sound quality and privacy.
- You will not have control over lighting, sound, or the internet connection.
- You’ll likely have no privacy. If you choose a cafe, let the staff know you will be entering a Zoom job interview and they will respect your privacy and keep the distractions on their part to a minimum.
In your car
This is rarely anyone’s first choice. Still, certain situations call for this option. Fret not, we’ll help you get through this.
Pros:
- You have privacy and control;
- You can avoid interruptions or distractions;
- You are mobile, so you can conduct the interview from anywhere.
Cons:
- If you are not in a quiet area, the sound quality can be a little off;
- The background can come off as unprofessional and distracting.
Tips:
- Park in a quiet area;
- Use a stable platform for your device, like a dashboard mount;
- Test your equipment beforehand;
- Dress professionally;
- Don’t drive during the interview.
One last thought, a question that we get asked quite frequently: Is it unprofessional to use a background in a Zoom interview?
If your real-life background is not suited for the interview, then you can choose one of Zoom’s virtual backgrounds. Make sure to choose one that is appropriate and not distracting.
Do you know how to explain that employment gap on your resume?
To wrap things up
Virtual interviews, especially on Zoom, have grown in popularity in the current job market. It’s important to know how to make the most of them. Be prepared, be aware of the online interview etiquette, and choose the right location for the interview.
We’re confident that our tips will give you the boost you need to nail all your future Zoom interviews and get the jobs you want and deserve! Speaking of which, do you know where your next job can take you? Take a look at our vacancies and choose the wonderful city you have always wanted to call home. I’m sure we’ll find a job for you there!
