May 20, 2021

The Best Zoom Job Interview Tips

Hey you! Congrats on getting that interview call for your dream job!

What’s next? The Zoom interview with a panel that decides whether you are the best fit for the role? Worry not, because we’ve got you covered! Remote interviews can be daunting, but we at Refer HR have some amazing job interview tips which will give you that extra edge to ensure that you are one step closer to landing that amazing job. Read on for some tried and tested best-practices that you can use to ace your Zoom interview call.

Have a backup plan

Zoom isn’t the hardest tool to use. However, technology may not always be reliable, so make sure that you have a stable internet connection and that your device is fully charged, so you don’t lose power midway through the meeting. If you’re using your laptop for the meeting, you could get the Zoom app downloaded onto your phone or tablet as a backup, just in case your laptop decides to quit on you midway during the remote interview session. Do a test run at home with someone, so you can make sure that everything is working properly.

One thing that always helps us when we are prepping for a Zoom interview is to also get a dial-in number from your interviewer in case there’s an issue with the video. This gives you the option of dialing in to the interview using your phone, if need be, and helps you avoid any last-minute panic, if your video doesn’t connect!

Creating the perfect interview setting

Giving remote interviews during Covid, especially if you’re working from home with other members of the family around, can be a stressful affair at times. Does your pet jump up on top of your keyboard while you’re working? Try shutting your door for the duration of the call. Some pets can be persistent, so if you have friends or family who can take your pet for a walk until your meeting is over, make use of that opportunity.

Set up in a well-lit and distraction-free environment that has a warm and neutral feel to it. This means avoiding clutter in the background and closing your cupboard doors if you’re facing that way. A background like a wall behind you would be the most appropriate setting, but if not, just make sure that you’re set up with a neutral background.

Presentation is vital

Yes, we’re all living in sweatpants these days, but a remote Zoom interview is a chance to snazz it up a little and look professional. Make sure your camera lighting is appropriate. Perhaps call up a friend so you can get some unfiltered feedback on what to wear and what not wear for the Zoom interview. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in, as physical discomfort can be a distracting factor when you’re focused on giving a good interview. Be sure to look directly into the camera during the interview as much as possible, so as to give the perception of maintaining eye contact on the other end. Elevate your laptop so as to avoid looking down into the camera. You can do this by stacking some books underneath your laptop, if you don’t own a laptop stand. Also, a smile goes a long way in establishing rapport, so feel free to flash those pearly whites!

Giving a kick-ass interview

You’ve tested your technology, you’ve got that great set up, and now all you need to do is ace this interview like the pro that you are!

Punctuality is key

• Remember to be ON TIME. The interview panel does not know who you are, and they have an hour to form an impression of you as a professional, so make sure that you start off on the right foot. Log in on time or 2-3-minutes early – no more than 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Prepare an elevator pitch

• The question “Tell me about yourself”, often catches us unawares. The best way to answer this is to note down some highlights about yourself. For example, a) Your academic background b) Your professional background (related to the position in question) c) Your interests related to the position

Keep it interactive

• Be conscious of who is doing the talking, as it highlights your ability to stay attentive. Try to keep your answers to the point and stay on topic in order to avoid rambling on and losing time. Allow the interviewer to guide the conversation.

Keep important documents handy

• We recommend keeping a copy of your resume handy, so you are able to quickly scan through if questions related to your past experience comes up. Attach some sticky notes around the laptop screen with some prompts and questions that you’d like to ask the interviewer at the end of the Zoom meeting.

Prep your desktop/device

• You may need to share your screen if the role you’re interviewing for requires you to show sample work during the Zoom interview. In this case, make sure that you have closed all unnecessary tabs on screen and that your desktop only shows the required documents.

Ask questions

• Another best-practice that you can follow during a remote Zoom interview call is to use the time that the interviewer gives you at the end of the interview to ask insightful questions. It’s a great way to be remembered by the interview panel, so make sure that your question is relevant to the position that you’re interviewing for. This is also a great way to let them know that you have done your research on the role and the company.

Remember that above all else, you are here because you earned it with your hard work and qualifications that make you the right candidate for your dream job. A remote interview doesn’t have to be a stressful affair, and we at Refer HR have your back when it comes to providing you the best practices for zoom interviews that will help you land your dream job!