How to Ace a Zoom Interview for a Job in 2020 and Beyond

If the last six months have taught us anything, it’s that we have to learn to be adaptable. Many Canadians are job-hunting: either out of necessity or because these unprecedented times have shaken you — and made you re-evaluate everything in your life, including your career path. And while you may have had to figure out how to prepare for an interview in the past, there’s now the added layer of selling yourself online vs. in-person. Once you figure out how to use Zoom, we’ve got 10 video interview tips.

Woman getting dressed for an interview looking in the mirror

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What to wear

Wear exactly what you would to a regular in-person interview. While it may be tempting to wear something more casual, a sharp blazer will indicate to the interviewers that you’re professional. And although it may be tempting to rock business on top and sweats on the bottom, it’s best not to. Not only will a full-on business look give you boss-like confidence, there’s always the odd chance you’ll need to stand up (perhaps to grab a portfolio piece?) and then your SpongeBob boxers will be on full show.

Women sitting by window looking at laptop

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Where to sit

There is lots to consider when selecting the best spot to sit for your video interview. Pick somewhere that you’re comfortable, but not too comfortable. Kitchen tables or desks are OK, but beds? Not so much. Also consider what is behind you: make sure your space is clean and tidy and there’s nothing you wouldn’t want your future coworkers to see in the background (pop star posters, sex toys, etc.). If all else fails, there’s always those handy Zoom backgrounds (tailor depending on the industry you work in!).

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Consider lighting

The spot you ultimately choose should also have good lighting. One lamp directly by your face usually garners the best result. Also avoid sitting with your back to the window, as the camera will become overexposed. Use a video app on your computer to test out different spots, adjust lighting as needed.

Pro-tip for virtual interviews:

Aim for a place near natural light as it does wonders for your employable visage.

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Be mindful of sound

So you’ve figured out the best spot: what’s comfortable, what’s clean and what’s well-lit. Now you’ll also have to be mindful of sound, to minimize distractions for yourself and the interviewer. Close the windows to block out traffic noise, don’t run the dishwasher or laundry during your interview and if you have a dog or cat that tends to make noise, put them in a different room or ask a friend to pet-sit while you land your next gig.

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Communicate with your household

If you live with others that’ll be around during your interview — whether that be roommates, a partner or kids — let them know. Perhaps they can leave the house or stick to a different room to help minimize any distractions for yourself or the interviewers (hello there roommate in a towel in the background!).

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Maintain your focus

Speaking of distractions, try to minimize as many as possible: that includes humans and pets in your space, but also your phone, push notifications on your computer, etc. It could also mean closing your curtains to minimize distractions outside or moving that laundry that’ll remind you of your to-do list.

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Charge your laptop

Make sure you’re either plugged in to an outlet or your laptop is fully charged. You don’t want to have to scramble mid-interview to find your charger (been there!) – as it’ll make you appear unprepared.

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Check your connection

Likewise, make sure your Internet connection is strong. Has it been unreliable lately? Try contacting your Internet provider. Worst case scenario: ask a friend if you can set up shop in their home for an hour.

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Prepare some notes

In my opinion, the best part of a video interview vs. an in-person interview is that you can have extensive notes about your experience, questions you think they might ask, etc. Have Zoom open on one half of your computer screen and a Word document on the other half. Just be sure to not read anything verbatim (that’ll be obvious), but having a few notes might help ease your interview anxiety.

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Do a practice run

Do a practice run with a friend, to not only check your connection and lighting/background, but also to run through a few questions. You can also record your Zoom conversation and watch it back – to see if you can improve on body language, eye contact, lighting/background and any particular answers.