How to prepare for a zoom/video interview
Video interviews: love them or hate them, they are here to stay.
I’ve done dozens of them over the years (even before lockdown and widespread work from home) primarily because it’s a step up from phone interviews (at least you can see the person) and not as expensive as, say, flying someone in from Alaska. Nowadays, Zoom conferencing is ubiquitous for meetings, socializing, and online classes—but there are still some specific things to keep in mind when it comes to interviews.
Prior to the pandemic, video interviews were used (if they were used at all) once a candidate made it past the initial phone screener interview. The typical order of interviews would be:
Phone screener -> First round over video -> Second round in person -> Optional finalist round in person
The pandemic has changed that process for some employers. Some firms have implemented hiring freezes or put searches on hold to try to wait out virus-related disruptions. Other firms with urgent hiring needs have been willing to do the finalist rounds of interviews over video and make offers without any in person meeting whatsoever.
Now that certain offices and locales are beginning to open back up again, will firms revert back to the old process of in person interviews? Some will. But I’m certain that a number of firms won’t—whether that’s due to fears of spreading the virus, worry about local restrictions, or because hiring through video interviews has turned out to be convenient and fairly effective. Regardless of how employers feel about it, there’s a real possibility that all of us could be forced into lockdown again, so getting comfortable with video interviews will be key for any job-seeker.
I’m going to assume you know the basics of how to prepare for an initial interview. If you’d like a refresher, you can check out the tips at the beginning of my post about phone interviews.
It’s best to make key preparations and decisions at least an hour BEFORE you’re scheduled for your interview so you have plenty of time to remedy problems. They are:
Check the tech
Do you have a proper invitation for the Zoom/Google Meet/Blue Jeans/whatever conferencing technology the company interviewing you is using?
Check your email and calendar invites. Make sure you have a working link and password (if needed). If not, contact your interviewer.
Test out the program BEFORE your interview to make sure it works on your computer. This is especially important if it’s a program you’ve never used before since it may require you to download software, install it, restart your laptop, and so forth.
If you have tech problems with the program, it’s better to discover that before your interview and send an email to the interviewers letting them know rather than running late or not showing up.
Is your computer battery charged? Or is it plugged in an outlet?
You don’t want it to die in the middle of your interview, and you don’t want to have to interrupt the interview to go plug it in.
I don’t recommend doing video interviews on a cell phone because if you’re holding it while talking, any shake or movement will be distracting to interviewers.
If you have no choice but to use a cell phone, prop it up on some books so that it is eye-level and stable.
How is the wi-fi? In the age of coronavirus, people are generally pretty understanding of lag, but it can be a distraction. Position your computer closer to your internet router to try to improve your connection.
How is your webcam? Check that it works.
Microphone - whether you’re using the computer’s internal microphone or an external set of headphones, make sure they work.
If you happen to be a podcaster or have a shotgun mike lying around, I would recommend against using them for a video interview. You may get better audio, but it will block portions of your face (especially if you have something like a pop filter attached). Interviewers want to be able to see your face and get to know you.
Sign in to the meeting a few minutes early. Better to be sure the technology all works and wait a few minutes than be late (and make your interviewers wait).
Attire - as with in-person interviews, how you present yourself matters.
Wear clean, wrinkle-free, professional clothing.
Wear both professional top and bottom in case you have to stand or leave the Zoom frame for whatever reason. The last thing you want interviewers to see is your unwashed Snoopy pajama bottoms.
For attorney job-seekers: wear a full suit. Same for executives.
For administrative or paralegal staff: a full suit may not be necessary depending on the employer, but fairly conservative business casual is a must.
Groom your hair and face.
Location. Your interviewers will be judging everything that’s in your Zoom frame—not just you. Ideally, you should do the interview in a place that’s:
Quiet / has minimal background noise
Thanks to the lockdown, many people are much more understanding of unavoidable background noises due to families, pets, etc. If there’s any kind of disruptive noise you can’t get rid of, be proactive in addressing it at the beginning of the call with an explanation like, “Unfortunately, there’s construction going on in the building next door, so if you hear some noise that’s what it is.”
What you don’t want is for the person you’re talking with to be distracted with trying to figure out what a noise is (is that a cat meowing? what’s that sound?). You want the focus to remain on you, your answers, and what a great fit you’d be for the position.
Isolated / in a room away from anyone or anything else
Again, thanks to lockdown, people have grown more understanding about things like pets zipping in and out of calls. However, anything moving in the frame that isn’t you will be a distraction to the interviewers, which isn’t ideal for you as a candidate.
If you live with anybody, let them know you have an interview scheduled. Ask them to refrain from coming into the room and from making much noise. It can be highly distracting to see a disheveled adult milling around a kitchen in the background of a Zoom conference making a pineapple smoothie.
If it’s not possible to be totally sealed off, just tell your interviewers at the beginning of the call so they know.
Has decent lighting.
Make sure your face and body are visible in either sunlight or indoor lamp light.
Video interviews are not the moment for candlelight, disco balls, or colorful neon.
Has a non-distracting background.
Plain walls are fine.
Art on the walls is fine as long as it’s nothing that could be interpreted as edgy or provocative (if you wouldn’t hang it in the office, it probably shouldn’t be in your Zoom background).
I’d avoid having too many personal/family photos in the background because it can be distracting for interviewers.
If an entire room is visible behind you in frame, be sure that it’s as tidy and plain as possible. Again, the purpose is to avoid distracting the interviewers from you, the candidate, and your conversation.
I’d avoid using a virtual background (see my endless refrain: distracting).
However, if you are in an environment full of moving objects you can’t control, it may be possible that a serene, professional virtual background is a better option. Use your best judgment.
Physically comfortable & stable.
Ideally, your laptop/computer should be on a stable, non-moving surface like a desk or table.
It’s probably best to be seated for the interview for ease and convenience, but if you can rig up a standing desk and a frame that doesn’t make the fact that you’re standing noticeable, feel free.
Try to avoid sitting in a chair where you’re tempted to roll around or rock back and forth. Distracting.
Not too personal or unusual.
Try to avoid doing an interview in your bedroom, as it can feel too personal in a bad way. Ditto for a bathroom.
Definitely do not do your interview in bed.
If a bedroom is your only option, try to arrange yourself so the bed is not in frame.
I would avoid doing the interview in a car or van or any other mode of transportation. It’s a little weird and distracting.
However, if that’s the only spot you can do it in, just address it at the beginning of the interview and explain that it’s the best location for sound/other reasons.
Other Tips:
Have paper and pen within reach in case you want to jot down notes.
I’m not a fan of using a computer to note-take because the tapping of keys can be audible and make your interviewer feel like you’re checking your email/doing something else instead of paying attention.
Paper and pen is quiet, and allows you to record any information that may be useful for you to know later on (for example, the name of the Hiring Manager or other people you’ll be interviewing with).
Have a glass of water within reach in case you get thirsty.
Speak clearly, engage in the usual pleasantries like hello, how are you.
If you feel genuine excitement and interest in the role, don’t be afraid to show it.
If you feel uncomfortable doing video interviews, it might be worthwhile to do a short mock interview with a friend/family member to get some practice.
I’m also available to do mock interviews or help you find a decent spot for video interviews. I can give suggestions on how to improve your Zoom frame to minimize distractions or step by step instruction for using videoconferencing technology. Contact me to learn more.
You want an interviewer to focus on getting to know you and why you’d be great for the job, not watching your adorable dog doing flips in the background or staring at the blinking red light over your right shoulder.
Good luck! If you’d like to schedule a time to review common video conferencing technology or practice interviewing, I’m available for a one-on-one consultation. Contact me to learn more.
