10 Top Tips for Zoom Interviews

1. Research the company and the job you're applying for

A likely interview question will be “Why do you want to work for this company?” or “Why do you want this particular position?” Knowing background information on the company’s mission and goal, as well what they’re looking for in an ideal candidate for the specific job, can really help you answer this question, as well as making sure you're well informed about the job you're applying for.

2. Practice your answers to common interview questions

Even over Zoom, interviews can be stressful, especially if you’re not a fan of public speaking. So conducting practice interviews with your friends, family, or even just reciting answers to popular interview questions in front of a mirror will help you be poised and composed during the actual interview.

3. Write down questions to ask the interviewers

Now that you can do the interview from the comfort of your very own home, you can take advantage of this opportunity to have some notes available to you that you wouldn’t ordinarily have access to during the interview. Interviewers look for candidates who ask good questions, so keep a list of questions to ask nearby! Some great questions include "What's your favorite part of working for this company?" and "Is there anything else I should know about what it's like to work on your team?"

4. Dress professionally

First impressions are key in job interviews. Even though the interview may not be in-person, you still want to wear appropriate workplace attire to convey to the interviewer that you are professional and serious about the job. Dressing professionally will also help you feel professional and prepared internally for the interview. For more tips on this, check out the Work From Home Wardrobe article here.

5. Choose an appropriate place to take the call

Try and choose a place that looks professional. The ideal space would be one that is brightly lit, quiet, and relatively sparse with the exception of tasteful and simple additions. Also make sure that you have as few distractions as possible. Try to make sure no one else in the house pops up in your Zoom background, and turn off your phone notifications to ensure you remain focused during your interview.

6. Look into the camera when you are speaking

Maintaining eye contact is a big part of job interviews, as it signifies respect and confidence. So even though you may have an interview virtually, try to look directly into the camera so it resembles the direct eye contact you would have in person.

7. Try not to interject

Over Zoom, it’s often hard to know when is the right time to speak. That’s why when you have an interview over Zoom, you should put extra effort into making sure that the interviewer is finished talking before you start. That way you don’t run the risk of interjecting, which can come off as a rude interruption.

8. Plan ahead

Just like how you would try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to an interview normally, it’s good to have everything open and set up on your camera 10 to 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. This extra buffer gives you time for last minute problems, such as poor internet connection or other technical issues. Additionally, it’s always good to have a backup option ready and available, such as a spare device or printed out materials, just in case you need it.

9. Be Authentic

Now that a lot of employees have gone virtual, it’s more important than ever to let your personality shine through. Being relatable and smiling are simple but effective ways to get the interviewer to warm to you, and will cause them to think of you positively when it comes back to decide who to hire.

10. Sign up for WFO’s Interview Workshops!

Wardrobe for Opportunity’s Interview workshop has had great results over the years, with over 65% of participants securing an interview and 53% of participants gaining employment within 45 days. By participating in the workshop, you can gain the knowledge and the skills to ace your job interview, even over Zoom. Click here to sign up for WFO’s next mock interview workshops.