As a job seeker in 2021, if you are looking for a remote job, you are probably doing a lot of interviewing over Zoom. I may not be looking for work, but I know how it is to be in front of the camera for a meeting. Plus I’ve had my share of Zoom interviews while actively job seeking in 2019 and 2020. So, if you are anything like me, these meetings include obsessing over what you look like on the camera and wondering what’s the best thing to have in the background. All the while you talk with your future employer. Not to mention worrying someone in the house may walk past, or say something without realizing you’re on camera.
I reached out to a few experts who shared their tips if you are interviewing over zoom. Zoom interviews are a huge part of job seeking, and having been through many myself in the past, it’s important to set yourself up for success.
Look at the camera when you are talking.
I confess, in most Zoom meetings, I’m usually staring at the face of whoever is on the screen, or noticing myself. On-camera talent coach, Catherine Bosley, recommends staring right at the camera. “It’s so important to look right at your webcam when you are talking. That’s your eye contact opportunity. It’s your chance to make the other person know you are fully engaged and that they have your undivided attention.”
When it isn’t your turn to talk, Bosley encourages you to continue looking at the camera. “When they check out the screen, they won’t be able to help but notice how present you are!”
Pay attention to lighting and what is in the background.
Before you go on Zoom, make sure you do a trial run to ensure everything is set up properly. Make sure that the lighting is right by avoiding shadows or having too much light. Bosley says, “You want the light to come as straight at you from the front as possible. Sunlight or a ring light are the preferable sources.”
Chloe Sisson, the Outreach Coordinator with PR agency Zen Media, had about 10 Zoom interviews for internships over the summer. She admits “it can be a little awkward that your potential new boss is possibly seeing your bedroom at the first meeting.” So, make sure your background is clutter-free. “It can keep everyone from getting distracted, and plus, it’s a better environment for you to work in,” Sisson says.
Having a messy background can also leave the wrong impression on your future employer. PR Consultant, Tash Benjamin of TKing Entreprises, suggests that “It makes decision-makers think that you will also approach work in the same unorganized manner.” So, straighten things up before you go interviewing over Zoom.
Make sure to smile.
Your resting face is never more apparent than when you are in a Zoom meeting. In a regular office meeting, no one may notice that your resting face looks like a scowl. On Zoom, people seem to notice your expression more. In fact, when I make sure to smile in a pleasant way throughout the meeting or interview, I feel more confident.
Sophie Milliken, Managing Director at SRS Recruitment and Employability Experts, says, “Remember to smile! Smiling instantly makes you look less nervous and helps to build rapport. If there is an opportunity for light conversational chat at any point, take that as this will also help to build a good relationship with the interviewer.”
Do a test run beforehand.
If you are walking into one of your first Zoom interviews, make sure you are prepared in advance. While I’m no stranger to Zoom interviews or meetings, I realized just recently that it was essential for me to have nearby headphones available in case I couldn’t hear the client clearly. Knowing this has prepared me for any future video chats in case there is sound issues.
Zoe Morris, President of Frank Recruitment Group, advises, “I recommend carrying out a test run ahead of the day – even just calling a friend or a relative for a couple of minutes will be enough. This way you can check how everything looks and sounds. Try on your interview outfit, and position yourself in the spot you’ll be sitting in during the interview. Check whether everything works the way it should and if not make the necessary changes prior to the day.”
Be animated and share some humor.
As I talked to the experts, one element I never thought of before was the energy coming across on camera. Being animated and evoking a certain level of energy can make a huge difference when impressing someone on a Zoom interview or meeting. Bosley states that the camera can take about 20% of your energy. To solve that, she recommends you “exude just enough energy that it feels slightly uncomfortable, or over the top. Then you will come across with the perfect amount of enthusiasm and interest.”
As someone who is an introvert, this isn’t all that easy for me. However, when I practiced this in a meeting, it worked effectively in leaving a good impression. Although I confess I had to take a mental break away from the computer afterward.
Dr. Rhonda Mattox, Chief Medical Officer and Psychiatrist, suggests a little light-hearted humor and make sure that your voice is coming across as animated. A monotone voice can bore people, so “if you can find something that is funny, you are more likely to sustain their intention.” Although I maintain my professional hat in meetings, when I can laugh or joke about something in meetings, it relax everyone and re-engage people. Mattox says, “Humor breaks down barriers and builds bridges when used appropriately.”
Being prepared for an interview and thoroughly understanding the job description and your future employer is as important as ever. However, even as the world opens up, interviewing over Zoom is certainly not going away, and there is a different level of preparation that goes into these types of interviews and meetings. Hopefully, with these tips in mind, you are able to go into your future interview prepared, professional, and positive.
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