9 Video Interview (Zoom Interview) Tips to Help You Land the Job

By Rachel Jay, Content Specialist

Video interviews, also known as Zoom interviews or online interviews, are efficient and effective for both the candidate and the company. In order to give yourself the best chance for success, follow these nine video interview tips!

9 Tips for Successful Online Interviews

1. Prepare Yourself

It’s important to put just as much preparation into a video interview as if you were interviewing in person. You should thoroughly research the company, along with its industry, products, and achievements, so you’re prepared to discuss them during your interview.

Furthermore, hiring managers and recruiters typically have a presence on LinkedIn, and a quick Google search can shed some light on who you’re meeting with for talking points. It’s also a good idea to prepare questions to ask of the interviewer.

2. Be Punctual

How early should you show up for a Zoom interview? For an in-person interview, it’s courteous to show up approximately 10 minutes early. This tip also applies to video interviews, but the benefits go beyond just showing that you’re a punctual person. Arriving early for your online interview gives you a few extra minutes to log in in case you have issues.

For example, if the company uses video conferencing software you’ve never used, it might take some time to download the program or open it in your browser. But if you make sure to do all this beforehand, you’ll be ready to go at your interview time.

3. Test Your Technology

You could run into serious interview hiccups if your microphone or webcam stops working right before your interview—or if the Wi-Fi is on the fritz! When preparing for your interview, one of the most important video interviewing tips is to test these four components, so you know your technology is good to go.

Audio Settings

Do your speakers and microphone work? Do a few microphone tests to make sure you are coming across loud and clear with no static.

Camera Settings

Is it too dark? Too light? Too distracting in the background? It’s best to sit in front of a plain, solid-colored background wall with plenty of light in front of you so as not to create a glare or shadow. This way, the interviewer will focus on you and not the decor behind you.

Internet Connection

Although often overlooked, it may be wise to ensure you’re plugged in with an Ethernet cable for a wired connection. Video conferencing can take up a lot of bandwidth, and a spotty Wi-Fi connection may cause an overly lagged session.

Video Platforms

You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the interview software. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, Skype, and Google Meet are some common platforms.

Ready to land your next interview? Connect with companies hiring now!

4. Check Your Environment

Choose your interview location very carefully. Webcam mics are surprisingly sensitive, so be wary of places with noise in the background because there’s a good chance that your potential employer will be able to hear whatever’s going on around you.

The ideal setting for a video interview is a quiet room in which you can shut out any distractions. Avoid being near windows against busy streets, and make sure children and pets are out of the house or being supervised to be sure you’ll have a distraction-free environment.

5. Choose Your Background

Although it may not interfere with the day to day of your work, your video interview background can sway the interviewer’s opinions. First and foremost, your background should be professional and uncluttered, without any distracting items that may take the hiring manager’s attention away from what you’re saying. If your office is in the living room or a bedroom with a background that looks less professional than you’d like, a room divider can create a professional backdrop for your interviews.

What about virtual backgrounds? To eliminate any unconscious bias and encourage more inclusive interview practices, some companies are providing candidates with virtual backgrounds to use during interviews. If your company isn’t quite there yet and you’re worried about your in-person background, “going with a virtual background is definitely okay to do, just choose wisely,” explains former FlexJobs Career Expert Cidnye Work. “For example, you may go with a classic home office virtual background rather than a beach or space background.”

6. Speak Slowly and Clearly

Video interview technology can come with delays or instances when the microphone may not pick up your voice well. To prevent this from happening, take your time when speaking and enunciate your words. This will ensure that your interviewer can hear and understand you throughout your interview.

Ready to land your next interview? Connect with companies hiring now!

7. Listen Carefully

Sometimes when you’re on a video job interview, it’s easy to accidentally cut someone off due to audio delays or from not paying attention to nonverbal cues. Keep your mind from drifting off and focus on active listening. Also, after your interviewer asks a question, wait a few seconds before speaking to avoid cutting in.

8. Dress for Success

Even though an online interview usually means the interviewer won’t see anything from the waist down, it doesn’t mean you should only dress up the upper half of your body. Dressing in full attire will help mentally prepare you for the interview experience and help get you in the right headspace. (Learn more on what to wear for a video interview).

9. Pay Attention to Body Language

Your body language in a video interview can convey a lot of things about who you are as a person and potential employee. You can present a positive image by ensuring you’re sitting up straight with good posture. Place both feet on the ground, and avoid slouching or holding your head up with your hand. Always try to keep your hands in your lap to avoid distracting gesturing or fiddling.

It’s also important to pay attention to where you’re looking. Looking at the interviewer’s face on your computer screen means you’re not actually looking into the camera and making eye contact. Instead, look into the camera as often as possible, especially when you’re speaking. This will give your interviewer the sense that you’re engaged and not distracted by what’s happening on your screen.

Ace Your Video Interview (Zoom interview)

Whether it’s your first remote interview or one of many, taking video interview tips into consideration can help you adjust to the intricacies of the remote hiring process. By knowing what to expect ahead of time, you can help ensure that you're fully prepared and able to make the best impression possible.

For additional support in your job search and throughout your career, consider becoming a FlexJobs member. We offer members exclusive access to our jobs database, which is updated every day with new postings in more than 50 career categories, in addition to may other resources. Take the tour to learn more!

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