In recent years, it’s become far more commonplace to conduct job interviews over video conferencing software like Zoom. However, for those new to the work world, the prospect of any interview can be terrifying, much less an interview over Zoom. Whether interviewing for a remote job or hoping to relocate, learn the top tips for interviewing over Zoom to ensure you have the best shot at the job.

Setting the Stage

Most Zoom interviews take place over a video call, but that doesn’t mean you should just turn on your camera wherever you’re sitting. Setting up the right environment for your interview is essential, so the interviewer gets the best impression.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

You can’t prevent all internet outages, but technical difficulties on your end can disrupt or even ruin your virtual interview. Ensure that your router is plugged in correctly and that your computer or device receives a strong signal.

2. Find a Quiet Space

While many employers won’t reject you just because of a bit of background noise, nobody wants to hear nearby power tools or children shrieking during a job interview. Look for a space in your home where you won’t be disrupted by outdoor noise or adjacent rooms. If you live with other people, try to have the interview in a place where there aren’t many people coming and going. 

It’s also a good idea to find the mute button, just in case. You can’t always predict when your neighbor will decide to use the leaf blower.

3. Keep Your Background Professional

Find a well-lit spot with little to no background clutter or loud decorations so the space behind you isn’t too busy. If you can’t find a clear space, you can set a virtual background to hide your surroundings.

4. Remove Filters

You may have laughed at the viral video of the lawyer surprised by Zoom’s cat filter, but it wouldn’t be nearly as funny if it happened to you during your job interview. Check your video beforehand and disable any filters on your camera so you don’t have to tell the hiring manager, “I’m not a cat.”

Interviewing Well

You may have prepared your interview space perfectly, but your background is only half the battle. To interview well over Zoom, you’ll also need to be ready for the interview process.

5. Research the Company Beforehand

Chances are, you probably don’t know much about the company you’re applying to and are more focused on finding a paying job. But employers aren’t just looking for someone with a particular set of skills; they’re also looking for someone who wants to help their company. 

Take a look at the company’s website and research the role you’re interviewing for. If you have a strong idea of what the company wants from you, you can tailor your interview answers accordingly.

6. Practice Common Interview Questions

Many employers use specific interview questions to get an idea of how you’d perform on the job. Find a list of common interview questions, think about how you’d answer them, and practice answering them to yourself or with another person. 

Of course, you can’t predict every interview question, but you don’t want to stumble over a question as common as, “Why do you want this job?”

7. Dress Well

A video interview isn’t less professional than an in-person one. Make sure you wear appropriate business attire for the call, whether business-casual or formal business wear. 

Skip any stained or wrinkly outfits; you wouldn’t show up for an in-person interview in your pajamas, so you shouldn’t show up for a Zoom interview in pajamas, either.

8. Join the Interview on Time

At an in-person interview, it’s not unusual to show up 10 to 15 minutes early. However, this is better avoided on Zoom. Zoom uses meeting rooms, but some hiring managers only use one meeting room, and joining early can interrupt somebody else’s interview. Instead, join the call at the scheduled time.

9. Answer Confidently

Even if you don’t feel confident, you’ll have a much better shot at the job if the hiring manager thinks you do. Answer questions clearly and directly, without hesitating, “um”-ing or “uh”-ing excessively, or using noncommittal language (such as “I think I could handle it” instead of “I can handle it”). 

Keep an eye on your body language as well. If you’re slouching, averting your eyes, or lowering your head, you won’t appear confident to the hiring manager. Sit up straight and look in the direction of your camera.

10. Thank Them for Their Time

You’ll leave your best impression by being polite. When wrapping up your interview, thank your interviewer for their time and let them know you hope to hear from them soon, so that you end your interview on a positive note.

Master Job Interviews with the Help of JobsFuel

At JobsFuel, we know that job interviews are often the hardest part of the process. That’s why our blog offers tips and advice for all stages of your job search, whether you’re still trying to find work or are preparing for the interview. With the right tips, you’ll be working your dream job in no time.