How to Prepare For a Job Interview Via Zoom

If you’re going to have a job interview via Zoom, there are a number of things you need to make sure in your preparation so that you can put your best foot forward. This post will help you with how to prepare for a job interview via Zoom.

Top 7 Things to Focus on when Preparing for a Zoom Interview

You’ll want to ensure the following:

1. You have the correct date, time and time zone for the Zoom Interview
2. You have a good internet connection
3. You have a good web cam
4. You have the link to the Zoom meeting
5. You are prepared mentally
6. You are dressed formally for the interview
7. You are in a conducive environment

Get The Correct Date, Time And Time Zone For The Zoom Interview

Many people miss virtual interviews because they either get the date or time or worse off, the time zone wrong.

If you interviewers are in Toronto and you are in California, your interviewers are 3 hours of your in terms of time.

So if the interview at 3pm make sure you establish if this 3pm California time or Toronto time.

Strong Internet Connection

An interview is a great prospect for landing your dream job and establishing as well as growing your career. It’s a serious exercise, treat it as such. In most cases hot spotting through the phone is not the best thing to do. Try by all means possible to be in a location with a wi-fi or fibre for video interview on Zoom.

Good Web Cam

Your interviewers certainly want to see you face as much as you are curious to see theirs. A fuzzy looking face will not do you good. Invest in a good web cam if you can afford, if you can’t try to borrow one or borrow a laptop with good web cam.

Save the Link for the Zoom Interview

Don’t overlook the importance of getting your things in order in advance. An Interview has a great way wrecking nerves especially a few moments before the actual interview. Emails have tendency to hide when you need them most and you are in a rush. Avoid the roller coaster, save the link to the Zoom interviewer somewhere where you can access and click it conveniently without have to exhume the link from the email archives.

Prepare Mentally

This part is job focused and involves ensuring that you understand the job spec clearly in relation to your profession, experience and qualifications. Read around on related resources on approaching a job interview for job type: for example: If you were preparing for a web development interview you would benefits from resources such as:

Top Web Developer Interview Questions

Doing this will put at ease. Think about what you value proposition against the job offer and goals of that company.

Spend time to understand the company, its values, goals, products/services and culture, etc.

How to Ace an Interview on Teams

Prepare Some Answers Ahead of Time

If the interviewer has a lot of questions to ask, prepare some answers ahead of time.

Review common interview questions for the position or industry. If you’re unsure of what to say, prepare examples of previous work.

Remember to always use the appropriate tone for your answer. You’ll want to impress your interviewer by being polite and respectful.

However, if you can’t avoid all possible distractions, you can try to get along with others in the room.

Be in a Conducive Environment

Logging into the Zoom interview from a noise place with a lot going on in the background is to shoot yourself in the lower jaw.

Ensure by the time you log in you are in a conducive environment with less to no noise.

Try by all means to be in room where you can be along for the duration of the interview.

This is an important moment in your life. Everything else can wait.

If you have a baby or you have other important thing that need your attention make appropriate arrangements so that there are no distraction whatsoever for the duration o your interview.

Dress Formally For A Job Interview

Yes it’s a virtual interview on Zoom, but you don’t need to rock up looking like a scarecrow. Unless specifically stated otherwise, interviews are typically formal engagements.

Dress formally, look good. It’s not just good for looks you will feel confident  and less nervous knowing you are dressed for the occasion.

The video camera will let your interviewers see only your upper body, so you’ll want to look your best.

Other important tips include keeping yourself calm and muting yourself during the interview.

After all, no one wants to see their bare bum! Also, make sure you’re in a professional environment by dressing in a neat, clean outfit.

Dress appropriately for the interview. Make sure to choose an outfit that’s wrinkle-free, new, and suitable for the job.

If you’re attending a job interview via Zoom, you should be dressed appropriately for the company’s formality.

This will give the interviewer a sense of a seamless fit, and it shows effort.

To help you determine the company’s dress code, look at their social media profiles to see what employees are wearing.

If you find a photo of an employee wearing a casual outfit, then this is an indication that you should dress similarly.

It’s also important to remember that not all companies expect the same level of formality, so be sure to check the company’s website to find out exactly what they expect.

But regardless of what company you’re interviewing with, it’s always a good idea to dress to impress.

Deciding on Wardrobe for a Zoom Interview

If you’re going to be interviewed via Zoom, it’s best to avoid wearing clothing that will distract you or make you appear unprofessional.

Make Sure Your Outfit Looks Good On Camera

When conducting a job interview via Zoom, it’s important to wear comfortable, professional clothing.

Dressing appropriately will make you appear more confident and present yourself in a positive light.

Avoid wearing flashy pins, cufflinks, or other items that might distract from your interview style.

In addition to your clothing choices, other factors can affect the quality of your interview, such as the background or lighting.

Before the interview, you’ll want to choose an outfit that’s wrinkle-free, clean, and new.

In addition to making sure your outfit looks good on camera, practice talking clearly and slowly. Zoom calls can occasionally cut out for a few seconds.

Avoid bright colors, busy patterns, or loud patterns. A classic button-down shirt with dark, neutral colors is the best choice.

Keep in mind that bright colors will distract the interviewer and distract them from your conversation.

Avoid wearing patterned shirts. Bright colors, including pink, are also distracting and can make the camera adjust its exposure.

Instead, choose muted solid colors to complement your skin tone and make you pop on camera. It’s easy to get confused if your outfit doesn’t look right on camera.

Dos and Don’ts

Lighting

Remember that the lighting and background of a video interview will be important.

Make sure the room is well-lit, especially if you’re being interviewed through Zoom.

You don’t want to blend into the background. Keep the lighting warm with a lamp or an additional lamp.

Try to avoid clutter, including books, houseplants, and a neutral wall. Make sure your posture is correct and avoid wearing patterns or colors that will be distracting.

If you don’t have a tripod, use a phone ring light. These devices are inexpensive and can give your interview the perfect lighting and contrast for your appearance.

Find a Perfect Background and Camera Angle

Position yourself for a perfect shot. If you’re interviewing via Zoom, the camera may be in a different location and your outfit may not be in the same position as your real interview.

For best results, try to position yourself in the middle of the frame, with your eye line in the center of the picture.

Alternatively, you may want to pose in front of a window or a book stack so that your background doesn’t distract from your appearance.

Mute Yourself During A Job Interview

During a job interview via Zoom, you can mute yourself if you are not the one “on the floor”. Remember you might cough, sneeze, or do something else that may distract the interviewer.

However, you should not mute yourself all the time – It is best to leave the audio on mute when you aren’t answering questions.

If you must cough, turn off the microphone temporarily and wait until the interviewer finishes speaking.

Familiarise Yourself with Zoom Features and Functions

When using Zoom, you should first familiarize yourself with the platform. Click on the microphone icon.

Then, click on the mute button and you’ll be able to remove any background noise.

You may also want to turn off notifications. Also, close all other websites and social media apps that may distract you. Ensure that Zoom is set to full screen.

This way, you’ll be able to focus completely on the interview.

Use Headphones if you can

Using headphones will make your voice clearer.

Zoom users can use their devices’ built-in speakers or connect external speakers.

However, it’s better to wear headphones during a job interview to bring your voice closer to the listener.

This will also help reduce background noise.

Asking the interviewer to repeat something will only wear on their patience and make them appear disinterested.

To avoid this, use headphones during the interview.

Keep Your Body Movements Under Control

Another important tip is to be aware of your body movements.

During a job interview via Zoom, you should avoid nervous habits like fidgeting with your hands, grinding your teeth, or clenching your jaw.

Your body should also be positioned upright.

You should also try to use a chair that helps you sit up straight. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful interview.

In order to minimize the risk of being interrupted, you should turn off all electronic devices and smart speakers.

Using the phone’s camera can cause the camera to shake, so a desktop computer is the best choice.

Besides, a desktop or laptop will also be a much more stable place for you to focus during a job interview via Zoom.

Besides, muting yourself will ensure you stay focused and avoid distractions.

Stay Calm During A Job Interview

The first thing you should do is to stay calm during the interview.

It can be difficult not to get excited, but remember that your body is in a state of flight and it’s easy to have anxiety attacks.

If you’re nervous, try to log in 20 to 30 minutes early, and stay on mute until the interviewers officially start the call.

Use this time to reflect or relax. Also, try to stay calm and focus on the interviewer.

Next, remember to breathe deeply.

You’ll feel better if you have a steady rhythm. If you’re nervous, a fidget spinner in your hand or the tiniest tap of your pen on the table can be noticed.

Also, avoid fidgeting or twirling your hair or shaking your legs and feet.

Ask a friend or close family member to watch you and tell you how they stay calm during interviews.

Focus on the Camera When Talking

If you’re in a video interview, it’s important to look at the camera while you’re talking.

This will make you look more present and engaged. Keep your eye contact steady and try to smile when you feel comfortable.

This will make you look less creepy and help you connect with the interviewer.

When answering questions, remember to give pauses before important points. This way, you can show confidence and connect with the interviewer.

Even if the Zoom call cuts out for a second, you’ll sound more understandable. It will also make you feel more confident and relaxed.

Final Thoughts

I hope the post simplify how to prepare for a Zoom interview and not complicated it.

You can step up your preparations for the interview by recording it and watching it.

If possible, make sure that you’re sitting facing a window, but don’t sit with your back to the window during the video interview.

It’s also a good idea to put your cell phone on mute before the interview.

This will make the interviewer’s job easier to focus on you. You may even want to put it away for ten minutes prior to the interview.

Where to Download Zoom

One of the things taken for granted the most is ensuring that you have the Zoom application installed on your laptop or mobile device.

If you do not have Zoom installed on your device please install it right now form this link:

You can Download Zoom Here

Talking slowly and clearly will help you appear more relaxed and confident. It’s also important to practice talking clearly.

Wishing you all the best !!!