Zoom Video Interview Tips For Success

The use of remote interviewing has grown significantly, with a large portion of employers now regularly incorporating it into their recruitment processes. Video interviews offer a number of benefits, from cost and time savings to improving the screening process and providing a positive candidate experience. This makes it a popular choice for tech-savvy employers, but the method also comes with its own set of challenges for both interviewers and interviewees alike.

So, whichever side of the virtual table you’re sitting on, here are the key “dos” and “don’ts” for how to give a good zoom video interview.

Zoom Video Interviewee

Do: Prepare Your Notes

One of the best things about a Zoom interview is that, due to limited visibility, you can have your notes in front of you. Prepare notes with research on the company, the people interviewing you and industry developments, and have a copy of your CV handy. That way, instead of scrambling to remember all your research under pressure, you’ll have a reminder. Aim to keep your notes to one page to minimise paper shuffling, and use bullet points to make them easier to read at a glance.

Don’t: Forget That it’s a Job Interview

While it’s easy to feel more relaxed because this interview is taking place “on your own turf,” it’s vital you take it just as seriously as a traditional interview. That means dressing appropriately and doing all the things you would do to prepare normally.

Ideally, you should ensure that your background is as plain and unobtrusive as possible to encourage the interviewer to focus on you. Remember to keep good eye contact by looking into the camera lens when speaking and ensuring it is at eye-level or slightly above will provide the best camera angles. Keep kids and pets at bay and make sure you do it somewhere well lit. All of these steps will help you come across professionally and give you the best shot at acing the interview.

Do: Make it Clear You’re Listening

Just like with a traditional interview, it’s good etiquette to ensure that you are paying attention to your interviewer. Your concentration needs to be on the screen, so close your internet browser and put your phone on silent. Another great tip is to use headphones, even if you’re in a quiet room. Headphones momentarily block out the world and signal to the interviewer that they have your attention.

Zoom Video Interviewer

Do: A Pre-Interview Technology Check

The one big downside when conducting a Zoom video interview is the reliance on technology. No one is a stranger to technical issues, but as the party running the Zoom video interview, these issues can make you look unprofessional and unprepared. Run a test call with a colleague before you call the candidate. Ideally, make sure that the colleague is using a different internet connection in order to get a more accurate idea of what the candidate will actually experience.

Also be aware of other technological factors, such as the potential for the video to lag and freeze, which is important to anticipate when conducting the interview. Always have a plan B, whether that’s a phone interview, FaceTime or another alternative. You and the candidate have both carved out precious time to do this interview, so try to make sure the time isn’t wasted.

Don’t: Conduct the Interview in a Crowded Place

Try to find a quiet spot to do the interview, whether you’re in the office or working from home, noise can be distracting to everyone involved and isn’t a great look for your organisation. Ideally, find a room that you know you won’t be disturbed in, and ensure that you have an appropriate professional background. Double-check that no one can be seen walking behind you and ensure that you have the best lighting possible – daylight actually provides the best light for on-camera work.

Do: Record the interview

Naturally, the first part of this will be obtaining the candidate’s permission. Zoom video interviews differ from face-to-face interviews in many ways – one often overlooked difference is the greater difficulty of keeping focused and staying present. Recording the meeting gives you a safety net in case you have missed anything, as well as the ability to share the results with colleagues to get a second opinion.

Summary

While a good Zoom video interview is similar to a traditional interview in a lot of ways, it pays to be prepared. Interviewees and interviewers alike should remember to get ready ahead of time, including preparing notes and ensuring the technology is functioning correctly. The setting might be slightly different, but neither party should forget that this is still a job interview.

With these Zoom video interview tips, you should be off to a great start. To see how we could help you prepare for your next interview, get in touch today.