How to prepare for a job interview on Zoom

Differences between regular job interview and job interview on Zoom

In today's job market, more and more employers are conducting interviews via Zoom. This can be a great way to save time and money, but it also means that the interview process is a bit different than it would be in person. Here are some of the key differences between a regular job interview and a Zoom interview:

First, in a regular job interview, you'll usually have the opportunity to shake hands with your interviewer and make small talk before getting down to business. This isn't possible on Zoom, so you'll need to make sure that you come across as warm and friendly from the start. Secondly, body language is much more important in a Zoom interview than it is in person. Make sure you sit up straight and avoid fidgeting; you want to appear engaged and interested. Finally, be prepared for some technical difficulties. It's always a good idea to test your equipment in advance, and to have a backup plan in case of any problems.

Overall, there are some key differences between regular job interviews and Zoom interviews. But as long as you're prepared, you can still ace the interview and land the job you want!

So besides these 12 steps to ace any interview...

Here are some zoom specific tips:

Make sure you have a quiet place to interview with no distractions

Interviews can be nerve-wracking enough without worrying about the technical aspects. To avoid any stressful surprises, make sure you have a quiet place to interview with no distractions. That means finding a spot where you won't be interrupted by kids, pets, or other household members. If you live in an apartment, try to pick a room that's not near a busy street.

Test your connection and audio beforehand so you don't have any technical issues when it's time to interview. By taking some time to prepare ahead of time, you can help ensure that your job interview goes smoothly.

Dress professionally - even if you're interviewing from home

Even if you're interviewing for a job from the comfort of your own home, it's important to dress professionally. After all, first impressions count, and you want to make sure that you're presenting yourself in the best possible light. While it may be tempting to lounge around in your pajamas, taking the time to get dressed up will help you to feel more confident and poised during your interview. And who knows? Dressing the part may just help you to land the job. So next time you have a Zoom interview, make sure to put your best foot forward by dressing for success.

Make sure your computer is fully charged and has enough bandwidth for the call

When you're getting ready for a job interview, there are a lot of things to think about. You want to make sure you have the right clothing, that your hair is clean and styled, and that you have all the materials you need. But one of the most important things to remember is to make sure your computer is fully charged and has enough bandwidth for the call. Most employers will conduct job interviews via Zoom these days, so you want to make sure you have plenty of battery power and a strong internet connection. If your computer dies in the middle of the interview or your internet connection starts lagging, it will not reflect well on you. So take a few minutes before the interview to make sure your computer is all set to go. That way, you can focus on acing the interview itself.

Arrive a few minutes early

It's always a good idea to arrive a few minutes early for a job interview, and this is especially true for Zoom interviews. Arriving early gives you a chance to ensure that your technology is working properly and that you're familiar with the platform. It also allows you to take a few deep breaths and collect your thoughts before the interview begins. And if there are any technical issues, arriving early gives you time to troubleshoot without feeling rushed. So don't be late for your next Zoom interview - aim to arrive a few minutes early instead!

Follow up after the interview

Following up after a Zoom interview can be tricky. You want to come across as interested and professional, without seeming like a stalker. The key is to strike the right balance between being assertive and giving the hiring manager space to make a decision. Start by sending a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. In the note, mention one or two things that you discussed during the interview and express your continued interest in the position.

Then, wait a week or two before following up again. At this point, it's appropriate to reach out by email or LinkedIn message to check in on the status of the hiring process. Finally, don't be afraid to reach out one more time if you haven't heard back after a few weeks. A polite reminder that you're still interested in the role can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.