Ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, video interviews have become the newest big trend in the job market world. And even as we’re recovering and being vaccinated, it doesn’t look like Zoom interviews are going away any time soon.
If you’re on the hunt for one of the record-breaking nearly 10 million job openings in the United States, there’s a very good chance that’ll you’ll have an interview over the computer. These are very different than in-person interviews, which far too many people don’t take into account, so it’s critical that you know the ins and outs of the entire process ahead of time.
Our recruiting agency has years of experience in training and coaching candidates on how to have a great job interview, and over the course of the past year and a half we have gathered tons of experience and information about Zoom interviews. These are 5 helpful tips on how to stand out and significantly increase your chances of getting hired.
#1 – Make the Interviewers’ Life as Easy as Possible
This should be at the top of your mind throughout the duration of the interview. If you show up early, fully understand how Zoom operates, the less stress that you’ll put on the person interviewing you. You have to take into account that companies sift through hundreds of resumes and interview dozens of people for every position. The entire routine can quickly feel monotonous and tedious. If you can make it easier, you’ve immediately separated yourself from the pack out of the gate.
#2 – Think Extra Hard About Your Background
You can always choose a plain wall behind you, especially if that’s one of the only options you have at home, but again, you want to stand out. If you have a home office with achievements on the wall or even intriguing artwork (that’s of course suitable to be in the background of a video interview), this is a way to not only stand out, but show the interviewer that you have a competent work space at home and that you’re responsible.
#3 – Wear Pants
This might seem like the silliest tip, and it even feels a little odd typing it out, but it actually needs to be said. With the rise of video interviews over the past year, it’s almost become a running joke that some people during video interviews don’t wear pants, or they wear pajamas underneath the computer and out of sight. We strongly recommend wearing normal interview attire, because it will make you more aware of how important the moment is, and you’ll overall be more focused for the interview. It can help your mind switch gears and will only enhance your performance.
#4 – Test Your Technology Beforehand
About 30 minutes before the start of the Zoom interview, open your computer and test the wi-fi connection and the Zoom application. Make sure you have access to the room that the interview will take place, and that everything is running smoothly. The last thing you want is for an interview to go poorly just because of tech issues. Little nuisances like this can destroy the flow of an interview.
#5 – Keep the Webcam Level With Your Face
This is a small detail, but it’s overall important to how an interviewer views you. For example, if you’re looking down at the webcam, that’s an unflattering angle. Humans don’t like to be looked down at, because it creates an immediate visceral reaction that consciously or subconsciously makes us uncomfortable.
Below is a photo example from Career Protocol on how you should properly position your camera.
Need more tips on how to prepare for your Zoom interview?
Our recruiting firm has written a few pieces of blog content about how to nail a Zoom interview. Click here or here to read two previous entries to get completely different Zoom tips.
Carter Recruiting and Associates is one of the largest independent recruiting and outplacement companies in Arkansas. Our headquarters, located in Little Rock and our satellite office in Conway, both service accounts nationwide. We have satisfied clients and references from some of the largest companies in the state. With over 50 collective years of experience in the recruiting business, we have a vast amount of resources and knowledge to ensure a job well done.
Cherie Richardson
President
Cherie is the owner and president of Carter Recruiting and Associates. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Mississippi and has over 30 years of experience in the recruitment of executive and manufacturing professionals. Cherie’s work has been instrumental for new plant start-ups, as well as building and maintaining relationships throughout the region and state of Arkansas. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives and the National Association of Women Business Owners.