Zoom Interview Tips: A Guide For Your Online Interview

Landing a Zoom interview is a huge accomplishment for first-time job seekers and people changing careers. It’s also an exciting opportunity to get to know a company and a position you’ve applied for while logging on from anywhere in the world. 

With Zoom video interviews becoming more common, the video software itself adds a layer of preparation on top of researching the company and presenting yourself confidently. Prepare for meeting a potential employer and learn how to set up the device ahead of time so that you arrive on camera ready to shine. 

In-person vs. Zoom interviews 

Since more employers are using Zoom for interviews, you may have some questions, such as:

• How does a Zoom interview work? 

• How will it differ from an in-person interview? 

• How will you establish a rapport with your interviewer across a screen? 

• Will you need to create a workspace to serve as a backdrop or conceal your existing one?

The first thing you’ll need to do is get clear instructions from the organization on how to join a Zoom meeting and with whom you’ll be interviewing. You’ll most likely receive a link to a Zoom meeting or a numerical meeting ID scheduled for a set length of time. As with an in-person interview, you could be speaking with a recruiter, hiring specialist, the manager or supervisor to whom you’d report, or the organization’s founder.  

With many professionals now working remotely, employers may be making efforts to accommodate different work-from-anywhere scenarios, including shared spaces with limited private areas. Take the pressure off of yourself to create the optimum interview environment, and at the same time, be aware of these potential advantages and drawbacks of interviewing over Zoom:

Video interview tips

Your next step is to configure the technological aspects of your Zoom interview. Creating a state-of-the-art home office with professional lighting and sound equipment is unnecessary. You can take a few steps to feel confident about your interview setup. 

Use this checklist to streamline your preparation:  

1. Double-check instructions from your contact at the organization, including the day, time, and timezone of the interview, the Zoom meeting link you’ll be using, and other details.

2. Charge your device and install the latest version of Zoom.

3. Set up a free Zoom account if you don’t already have one. Personalize the basic settings by adding a headshot and selecting your time zone.

4. Pull up the organization’s website and your resume, cover letter, preparation notes, and other application materials. 

5. Sign in to the email account from which you applied for this position. 

6. Start a new Zoom meeting and test your internet connection and app settings. Adjust the audio and video settings to your liking. Add a virtual background, or blur the background if you prefer not to display your physical space. Practice using the mute button, chat feature, screen share, and video recording features.

7. Leaving the Zoom meeting open, place your device where you feel most comfortable conducting the interview. If possible, experiment with the room’s lighting and angle your screen about 45 degrees from a light source to provide the clearest view of your upper torso and face. When the setup is to your liking, end the practice Zoom meeting.

8. Silence all notifications on your device.

9. Close all other windows, tabs, and programs besides your application materials.

10. A few minutes before the interview, settle into your space and click the organization’s Zoom link.

How early should you join a Zoom interview?

It’s good practice to join your Zoom interview five minutes early. Not only does this give you time to check your connection and technical settings, but you will also be prepared and settled into your setup when the meeting begins. 

Read more: Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

How to follow up after your Zoom interview 

Within two or three days, follow up with your potential employer to express your gratitude for the chance to interview and enthusiasm for the position: 

• Address an email to the most appropriate recipient: your interviewer, recruiter, hiring manager, or the supervisor for your role. 

• Begin the email with a greeting and a short “thank you” message.

• Include the date of your interview and the position for which you applied.

• Confirm you’re still interested, and summarize how you can contribute to the organization.

• Add any essential details that you did not discuss during the interview.  

• Close by stating that you’re eager to hear the next steps. 

• If no timeline was given during the interview, wait at least five business days to receive a response, and if you don’t, follow up a second time.  

Prepare for your Zoom interview on Coursera.

Keep practicing these Zoom interview prep techniques as you continue your job search. With each new Zoom interview, you can cultivate comfort and ease while exploring new career opportunities. Want to practice more interviewing skills? Learn how to answer different types of common interview questions with Advanced Interviewing Techniques from the University of Maryland. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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