3 Secrets to Mastering a Zoom Interview

While animal face filters are fun accessories in Instagram and Snapchat, they’re not your smartest move for work. Lions, tigers, and cute bear ears just don’t scream professional. When you find yourself in your next zoom meeting, do you ever worry about having to blurt out “I’m not a cat”? Video call mishaps are really funny on social media. Who doesn’t love a good laugh? But what if you found yourself in that same boat?

We live in the digital age and thanks to technology we zoom everything we can. There’s everything from zoom happy hours to fitness classes. And let’s not forget how the hiring process has changed. Video interviews are the norm with 86% of companies choosing video job interviews. Videos can be nerve racking, especially as an interview.

Here are a few tips to help you whiz through them like a pro.

Tip 1: Be prepared 💡

• Set the stage. Everything on screen makes an impression including your backdrop. Make sure it’s clean and professional looking. Select a quiet space with good lighting so they can see you clearly.
• Find your good side. Position the camera so that your face and shoulders are visible. Select a closeness that’s appropriate.
• Press pause. Turn off notifications to avoid distractions and ensure noise producing technology is turned off.
• Internet connection. Without it there is no interview, so check that it’s working and even set your phone up with a personal hotspot in case of emergencies.

Tip 2: Do the research 📷

• Download your tech. It’s time to install your video platform and be sure to test it before the call. Poke around inside Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet to master video, sound and chat controls.
• Do your company homework. Spend some time learning about the company and their solutions so you can show up prepared. At all costs, avoid being that person who asks, “So what does this company do?”
• Know your audience. Check out the company’s social platforms to see their tone of voice and get a feel for their brand. Check out your interviewer’s profiles and see what stands out to ask relevant questions.
• Make a list. Being prepared isn’t just for Girl Guides. The interview is a chance for you to learn about the company, the team, the role, the expectations, and the culture. So make a list of questions and don’t forget to ask them.

Tip 3: Be confident 🎬

• Dress the part. First impressions matter and it’s not a pyjama party. Try solid, bold colours and avoid choosing white or black.
• Put your face on. Your game face that is. Practice introducing yourself with eye contact and a warm smile. Check your appearance out in the camera to ensure you’re not surprised when the meeting starts.
• Body language matters. Sit up tall and make good eye contact. Use cues like head nodding and hand gestures if that’s your typical style. If you’re taking notes, check your visuals from seated to note taking postures to ensure you’re presenting your best self.
• Speak clearly and slowly. The most challenging part of video meetings is the lag between speakers. It can create awkward pauses and more than one person talking at a time. Don’t be thrown off by these normal events.

Making a good impression has changed. The days of a confident handshake and sharp suit are behind us… at least for now. Zoom interviews are normal today and so it’s important that we master them! Today’s first impressions look a lot more like a movie: lights, camera, action. Being prepared and practicing the tips above will give you the confidence you need execute flawlessly. And if those cat ears do creep up on you unexpectedly, you’ll find a way to still ace that interview and be remembered for being different.