Zoom Interviews: 6 Do’s and Don’ts for Success

The pandemic brought big changes for both employers and the workforce. With social distancing came remote work and a shift in how employees carry out their daily roles. Whether that shift was for the better is still debatable, however, these new changes have arguably become the new norm for many of today’s employees.

Despite these shaky times, many businesses came out on the other side and are now in desperate need of new employees. To safely and effectively accomplish hiring initiatives, employers quickly adopted the use of virtual interviews through popular platforms such as Zoom.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a virtual platform that meets communication needs through video calls, chats, virtual meetings, webinars, and more.

While Zoom itself is a popular brand name for video communication, it has become a go-to for many employers who seek to carry out meetings with clients or interviews with candidates. So, when you hear an employer reference Zoom, it’s safe to consider that you’ll be connecting with the interviewer via a video call.

It’s true video calling is more convenient, but the preparation for these calls should not fall short simply because it can be carried out from the comfort of your home. As a result, we’ve comprised a list of do’s and don’t when attending a Zoom interview.

Review the suggestions below to get ahead of the competition as you’re vetted by your next potential employer. 

1. Don’t Be Late

An obvious ‘don’t’, but you would be surprised how many candidates arrive late due to poor time management. While some things are certainly out of our control, it’s best to anticipate issues like technical difficulties or a last-minute change of plans. We recommend blocking out at least an hour for your Zoom call. This permits you plenty of time to prepare your answers and set up your area, all while having an open time slot for a thorough interview.

2. Dress Like You’re Going to An Interview

Just because you’re not headed to the office for an in-person interview doesn’t mean your attire should take a back seat. First impressions mean a lot. Dress the part by putting effort into your interview outfit, even if it’s held in your living room. The employer will appreciate the extra step you’ve taken to arrive in a professional and polished manner. Though you may be tempted to focus only on your upper half, we strongly advise against it. When you look good, you feel good! Putting on a full interview getup helps provide an added boost of confidence which is always helpful when speaking with a potential employer.

3. Use a Professional Background

Picture this: You arrive at your interview on time and are dressed to the nines, but your backdrop reveals a disorganized space or family members walking in and out of the frame. It’s safe to assume this probably won’t leave a good impression on your employer as it exhibits a lack of planning and courtesy to the interviewer. When thinking about your next Zoom call, try to position yourself against a blank wall with no distractions around you. For those who have trouble finding this type of space, not to worry. Zoom offers several background features you can apply to ensure you give off a professional appearance.

4. Don’t Use Your Cell Phone:

We live in an age where our cell phones are used in place of computers for a variety of reasons. Interviewing, however, is not one of those reasons. Computers offer ease of accessibility for users that phones don’t always provide. Additionally, computers provide users with a comfortable distance from the camera, allowing them to avoid the unflattering and unstable angles shown to your interviewer. Use your laptop or desktop computer and you are guaranteed to provide a better experience during your Zoom interview.

5. Troubleshoot Your Tech

Technology can be a tricky thing. There are always those moments when our internet fails us, or our computer decides to install a last-minute update. To avoid arriving late and coming off unprepared, take a few minutes prior to your interview to test your tech. You can do so by turning on your computer at least 15 minutes before your interview begins. This allows you to test your internet, charge your battery, and familiarize yourself with the Zoom platform for easy access. It’s also a good idea to test your microphone and camera. The last thing you want to do is ask the interviewer if they can see and/or hear you OK.

6. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Body language matters, even virtually. The non-verbal cues we show can be just as important as our verbal cues. We strongly advise against taking the Zoom call on your couch or bed. Instead, select an office chair or upright seat where you can appear poised and put together. Allow your professional answers to fully translate by avoiding slouched posture or crossing your arms. It would be a shame to say all the right things only to be overlooked due to poor body language.

In Conclusion

There are plenty of ways you can prepare yourself to nail your next Zoom interview. Remember, your best bet is to have control over your environment. Always equate virtual interviews to in-person interviews as you can be sure the employer is doing the same.

Finding a recruiter who can guide and prepare you for an interview is a valuable tool worth utilizing. The team at Glades Talent goes beyond finding you your next role. We go the extra mile by ensuring our candidates have the meaningful support they need to succeed. To learn more on how to benefit from our services, submit a request here and our team will be in touch!