Interviewing over Zoom can be a pretty daunting experience. You are already nervous enough about trying to impress your prospective employer, without having to worry about technology letting you down!
However, in this new world we live in, a lot of business is going to be conducted in an online setting, so employers will be keen to see that you present yourself well in this situation.
The small details can make a big difference. So, here is our list of the top tips to remember, in order to leave a great first impression!
Set the scene
Make sure that the room you are sitting in looks presentable. It should be well lit, tidy… And ideally not have any ‘visitors’ in the background for the duration of the interview!
Lights, camera, action!
It is very important to make sure that you are clearly visible to those on the other end of the Zoom call. Without good lighting, you will appear grainy/blurry. And if the interviewers can’t see your face, it will be harder to build a connection and trust with them.
Our recommendation is to sit facing a window. Natural light is always the best option, and of course the light needs to be shining on you, and not coming from behind (Most employers don’t want to hire a silhouette!).
Dress for the occasion
And we don’t mean a shirt and blazer with pyjama bottoms!! Getting dressed as if you were going to an ‘in-person interview’ will help you to get into the right mind frame. So, do your hair and makeup, put on your favourite shoes, and even give yourself a spritz of perfume! Sure, the interviewers won’t notice… But you will feel so much more prepared when you are professionally dressed and ready to impress!
Test the software
If you don’t have much experience with whichever software your interviewer will be using (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), it’s definitely a good idea to familiarise yourself with it in advance. Ask a friend or family member to jump on a call with you for a few minutes so you can learn how it all works. Don’t forget to find the ‘mute’ button, and try to practice screen sharing if you think you may need to show a presentation or anything.
Turn off notifications
There is NOTHING more embarrassing than when your phone goes off during a meeting… And online is no different! Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode, and switch off all notifications on your computer.
Practice with peers to build confidence
Swyg are offering an incredible new service which allows you to do practice interviews with your peers, for free! This is a really super way to get feedback from an unbiased stranger on where you can improve. Plus, it will also really help you to build confidence as you get used to communicating in an online setting.
Looking to start a new job? Our career hub has lots of opportunities listed!
