How to use your "Super Power" in a Zoom Job Interview, Andrea (Anj) Roo Resumes

The technology may be more advanced in a Zoom video link interview, but the principles of interview etiquette after lockdown life still remain unchanged. Read our great job interview tips to brush up on the basics interview tips and techniques, and then note these interview style and tips to nail an interview on Zoom today.

Make Sure You Check the Technology First

Have you downloaded the Zoom app? Is your PC running well? Is your internet connection strong? Does your phone have battery life in it? Check everything is working well – the last thing you want is to have a signal failure mid-interview with the company of your dreams. It’s worth plugging your PC in via Ethernet to minimise the risk of signal dropping out. If you’re on a laptop, plug in a power cable or make sure it’s fully charged. How about your phone? Is it on silent? A ringing phone mid-interview is a distraction that’s easy to avoid.

Listen and Then Wait for your Turn to Speak

Have you ever noticed the slight lag on some Zoom video links when you have been doing Zoom lately with family or friends? That’s usually caused by low signal strength on either end, and can lead to really uncool or awkward interview moments as each person tries to speak over the other. To help the conversation flow more smoothly, wait a beat longer than you usually would before you speak – otherwise your interviewer might not have quite finished their sentence.

Smile and Look at the Video Camera

It may feel strange staring at the little dot of your Zoom webcam, however you will come across as more engaged with the interviewer. Looking into the camera ensures the person conducting the interview feels like you’re making eye contact. On the flipside, it’s easy to get caught up staring at your own reflection on the screen which can make you seem aloof. If seeing yourself is going to be a distraction, try covering up your image with a sticky note.

Think about your Space and Surroundings

The key is to make your home, or wherever you’re conducting the job interview, appear as professional as you possibly can. That means setting yourself up in a room that is completely free of clutter. You don’t want a bunch of family photos or your favourite artwork distracting the interviewer – keep a clear background to keep the focus just on you. Additionally, test out different lighting options until you find the one that works best. It looks better when you’re facing a light source – if the light is behind you, you’ll be hidden in shadow. Make sure your space and surroundings are appropriate for a job interview over Zoom to demonstrate a professional image and great first impression.

Minimise All Interruption

Think about anything else that could distract you during your Zoom interview. Is your telephone off, or on mute? Be sure to shut down any internet tabs that might grab your attention and turn off email alerts. If you live with other people, or other people may be present, make sure they know not to disturb you, and to be very quiet. If you have a noisy pet, it would be wise to move it to another room whilst you conduct the job interview on Zoom.

Technology can be a great advantage for candidates and interviewers separated by distance, but bear in mind that interview etiquette still applies and technology can provide its own unique challenges. Remember to always be patient – the interviewer faces the same challenges and a weak signal may cause lag, and maintain a professional demeanour. Create an environment with as few distractions as possible, double check the internet connection and power supply, and have the contact details of the interviewer as a backup, just in case you get cut off suddenly or something goes wrong.

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