Blog 10: The Dos and Don'ts of Zoom Interviews

Hi Readers! 

I want to focus on the dos and don'ts of Zoom interviews. Zoom interviews are becoming more and more frequent due to COVID-19, and not everyone understands how to succeed in a virtual interview because it's clearly not the same as in person. As a recruiter, I've been through enough Zoom interviews to know some of the patterns that will make you stand out in a professional and personal way. Realize that with Zoom interviews, you may be invited to a group interview or one-on-one. It's always good to double-check your Zoom invitation for the date and time, as well as the number of attendees. This will tell you if it's a group interview or not. Remember that not all Zoom interviews will be formal, but it's good to assume that most of them are. With that, let me share my wisdom of the dos and don'ts of zoom interviews 

1. DO sit in a quiet and professional area with good lighting 

    This one is really important, and it's a tip that many people forget. If you're constantly interrupted by your dog barking, or by your children, or have a terrible glare behind you that makes you look like a silhouette, it looks unprofessional. Save yourself some time and stress by finding a quiet and undisturbed area with good enough lighting that your interviewer can easily see your face. 

2. DO make sure your internet is easily working, along with your microphone and speakers 

    Again, this is another really important factor in having a good Zoom interview. If your internet keeps cutting out, both you and your interviewer are going to get frustrated really easily, plus it shows you may not have the best internet for working from home. Make sure your interviewer can also hear you clearly and you can hear them. This will help smooth the transition time between question and answer 

3. DO wear professional business attire 

    Most people accomplish this by just wearing a professional top and then whatever pants they want on the bottom since the camera will only get your top half. This one seems pretty self-explanatory, but I kid you not, I had one interviewee who appeared on my Zoom interview with no shirt on. Seriously?!? Already I was not interested in whoever he was as a person, because he didn't seem to take this interview seriously enough to dress appropriately. Do yourself a favor and wear at least a professional business top to your next Zoom interview 

4. DON'T check your phone 

    Checking your phone during a Zoom interview is easier to get away with, as it looks like you're taking notes on the camera, but it's something that will distract you and ultimately cause you to appear uninterested in your interview. Just like an in-person interview, leave your phone somewhere you can't reach it during the interview. 

5. DON'T forget a notepad and pen 

    Just like an in-person interview, make sure to have a notepad and something to write with or your computer to take notes on. This will help to show your interviewer that you're interested in what they have to say. Make sure to show them that you are taking notes, as this will also help to show them your interest. 

6. DON'T have other things open behind Zoom, make your call the main screen on your computer. 

    Unlike an in-person interview, it's easier to have other internet pages or tabs open behind the Zoom call, which can easily distract you. To avoid distractions, close all other distracting windows and maximize the Zoom screen to make sure you're giving the interview all of your attention. This gives the interviewer respect. 

I hope these tips are helpful for standing out at your next Zoom interview. Let me know what other tips you'd like me to share, or if there is anything I missed. 

Until next time! 

Katie