Interview Tips – Ace Your Zoom Meetings

How to Ace Your Zoom Interview

Zoom is a video conferencing software platform that allows you to connect remotely to one or more people. Unsurprisingly, Zoom and other similar virtual platforms became more popular after the pandemic struck as a way to hold remote corporate meetings and for job interviews. However, remote meetings have long been a necessity in companies with teams in different countries.

If you’ve secured an interview, then chances are that it will be conducted over Zoom – or an alternate video conferencing platform such as Skype or Microsoft Teams. This goes without saying but you should treat your Zoom interview like any other video job interview.

Lack of preparation for ANY interview will count against you. So, make an effort to improve your knowledge of the platform you will be using for your interviews. Here are a few tips to help you make a great impression.

Interview Tips for Zoom (or Skype, Microsoft Teams, or any other platform)

Familiarise yourself with Zoom

Download the app and/ or login beforehand and familiarize yourself with the platform so that you are familiar and comfortable with it.

Test, Test, Test

• Ensure that your computer can handle a video call
• Test your computer’s speakers and if you are using headphones, ensure that they are working (both, the microphone and the earpieces)
• Make a call to a friend or family member to ensure that everything is in working order.

Set up a distraction-free environment

During the interview, you would want the focus to be only on you. Make sure to avoid any distracting background and that the area you choose is well, lit. Additionally, ensure that you will not be disturbed by family during your interview.

Dress Appropriately

In the same way that you would have dressed for a face-to-face interview, you should dress for the Zoom interview. Dress classy and your confidence will shine through.

Wait your turn

Wait till the interviewer is done with their question before answering (don’t forget to unmute your microphone.)

Mind your body Language

Recruiters pay attention to body language cues in face-to-face interviews, so video interviews are no different. Avoid negative gestures such as scratching your head, touching your face, looking around, etc. Try your best to look relaxed while answering your questions.

Try your best to look at the camera instead of your screen. It will make the recruiter feel you’re making eye contact with them.

What about Zoom Meetings?

If you are attending a Zoom meeting (or are hosting it) – be it with colleagues or clients – then there are also etiquette guidelines to follow. Digital or not, one must always maintain a level of decorum. Following the normal rules of a meeting like being on time, maintaining eye contact, paying attention to the speaker, etc. will hold you in good stead. The same guidelines mentioned above for interviews will help you in your Zoom meeting. Additionally, if you are hosting the meeting, the following tips will help you out.

Tips when hosting a Zoom Meeting

Introduce all attendees

At the beginning of the meeting, be sure to introduce everyone. This creates a welcoming environment.

Only invite the meeting participants who need to attend

Limit your attendee list. Adding meeting participants who don’t need to attend the meeting is not only potentially detrimental to the quality of the meeting but can also be annoying to those who just spend 30 to 60 minutes in a meeting that they didn’t need to attend.

Be the Last to Leave

If the host leaves a Zoom meeting, then an alternative host is automatically assigned. Rather follow the general rule -if you are the host, wait until everyone else has left the meeting before hanging up. Some attendees may wish to have a final word with you.

The last word

Digital interviews and meetings are fast becoming the new way of conferencing. The above tips will help you ease into that transition. Have you already been in a Zoom interview? What was your experience? Are there other platforms that are being used? Please share your tips in the comments below.

Are you working from home? The below articles will help you with ,applying for jobs during the pandemic as well as managing working from home with kids:

• Applying for Jobs During COVID-19 Lockdown: Here’s Some Tips and FAQ’s
• Working From Home With Kids: Tips
• Zoom: Video Meeting Etiquette – 7 Tips to Ensure a Great Attendee Experience

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