How to ace your Zoom interviews and land your dream role

Before the pandemic, in-person interviews were the most popular process for interviewing. However, if you get an invitation to interview with your dream company, it almost certainly would now involve a Zoom connection. Although in-person interviews aren’t quite a thing of the past, Zoom interviews are quickly becoming the new norm. The video aspect of these interviews provides a great alternative to meeting in person. 

With so many people applying for new work as a result of the pandemic, Zoom interviews are becoming more popular and are on par with in-person interviews. Obtaining this chance also means that you are one step closer to being recruited. There are a few different things to keep in mind when you’re prepping for your next virtual interview. Firstly, your environment is different and you will be interviewing in the comfort of your own home and don’t have to commute to a separate location. Next, reading body language through a computer screen is definitely difficult and finally, communicating through a screen for the duration of the interview would require you to stay engaged and be engaging. 

We’ve divided this piece into things you should do before your Zoom Interview, key tips for you to use during your interview and finally round it off with a couple of things you can do after. 

Before your interview 

To ensure that everything goes smoothly, you’ll need to prepare your tech, interview space, and attire in addition to practicing questions.

The first step in preparation for every interview is to make sure you research the company 

Ideally, you would have done this before applying for the job. However, if you didn’t, set aside time to review the company’s website to learn more about its products/services, values, and culture before the call. Researching the business that you’re interviewing for is vital to ensure that you are a match. It also helps you develop questions to ask during the interview. 

Update your Software 

Make sure you check for the latest version of Zoom on your computer and make sure your camera and microphone are working properly. When setting up your account, upload a professional-looking headshot and add your full name to your profile. Both will appear when you join the call for your interview and you want to lead with a good impression.

During the interview

At this point, you’ve done everything to prepare for the interview. Now, it’s time to put your best foot forward.

Before joining the call make sure you keep in mind the following: 

The environment 

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. A room where you can shut the door is an ideal space to interview. Limit other noises by closing windows and turning off your music or the television. Additionally, make sure you sit in a well-lit room so your interviewer can see you properly. 

Your Devices  

Make sure your computer is fully updated and fully charged prior to joining the call. Additionally, keep your screen clear in the event you need to screen share.

Before your Zoom interview, silence your phone and put it away. This way, you can focus on the interview rather than a text message or phone call. Along with turning off your phone, you should also turn off any notifications on your computer. Come out of any social media 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. 

Your CV 

Make sure you have your CV and portfolio opened up ready for the call. 

On the Zoom call 

While on the call, you’ll want to be aware of your presentation and how you are engaging with your interviewer. Here are some tips to keep in mind 

Be mindful of your facial expressions & body language

Don’t forget that you are still on camera and can be seen. Be mindful of your facial expressions and make sure your body language shows that you’re alert, engaged, and professional.

Speak clearly & slowly

You’ve practiced your interview questions and have them nailed, so make sure that your answers are actually heard. Speak clearly and slowly so that you can effectively communicate all of your great accomplishments to your interviewer.

Be confident

Confidence, or lack thereof, can be spotted a mile away. Show confidence by being sure of your answers, sitting straight, and looking directly into the camera.

Ask your interviewer questions

As you learn more about the role, take a mental note of what questions you want to ask at the end of your interview. You can also prepare questions you have prior to the interview, so you definitely have something to ask. Make sure to listen throughout your interview so you only ask questions about topics the interviewer hasn’t covered yet. Appropriate questions could be about the company’s culture, this role’s responsibilities or what the interviewer enjoys most about the company.

Once you hang up, pause for a few seconds to ensure that you have fully left the call and that your microphone and camera are off.

After your interview

The final step in your interview process is to send a follow-up email to say thank you. The purpose is to further communicate your interest in the position and set yourself apart from other candidates.

With Zoom interviews being more common, it’s critical to understand how to prepare for them. Hopefully, these Zoom interview tips will assist you and help you feel more secure in your ability to ace your interviews.

The CodeClan Student Services Team is on-hand throughout and following completion of our immersive courses. They’ll help you prepare your CV, give you tips on writing cover letters and can work with you to prepare for interviews.