7 Top Tips for Zoom Interviews

Zoom interviews have become the norm for anyone looking for a new role during the pandemic. You should prepare as you would for any interview, but there are some specific things you can do to improve your chances:

1. Pick a quiet space & communicate with your household

Choose an area that is quiet and free of distractions. This way your interviewer can direct their full attention to what you have to say. Using a room where you can shut the door is an ideal space to interview and make sure you let your household know not to disturb you.

2. Look into the camera while speaking

When you are at an in-person interview, maintaining eye contact with your interviewer is a sign of confidence and respect. Video chat makes this a bit different, because if you were to look them in the eye on your screen, it may not look like that on their end. Instead, look into the camera as you are speaking. This creates the illusion that you are looking at them rather than yourself or the screen.

3. Wear professional attire

Dress professionally exactly how you would during an in-person interview. This means you should wear your nicest business attire. Even if the interviewer cannot see your legs, still wear nice bottoms to feel fully prepared and professional.

4. Turn off notifications

As well as turning off your phone, you should also turn off any notifications on your computer. Close any websites or anything else that could become a distraction. Set the Zoom meeting to full screen so that your interviewer is the only thing you can see.

5. Choose a professional background

Make sure your background is sparse and only has professional-looking items in the background or use blur options. Setting up in front of a blank wall or a few decorations shows that you are organized and pay attention to detail.

6. Find a good internet connection

Before Zoom interviews, make sure you have a strong internet connection. Test out your connection where you plan to sit during your interview. If you can stream video or Zoom with other people, then you are likely to have a solid connection during your interview.

7. Use appropriate body language

During your interview, sit up straight with your hands in your lap and your feet on the floor. While you speak, you may use your hands as well if that’s natural for you. As your interviewer speaks, use nonverbal cues such as nodding and smiling to show that you are listening.