How to Navigate and Excel at a Job Interview on Zoom

Job interviews are already stressful, but now you have to adapt to them online? Here's how you can prepare for a virtual interview.

Getting a call to schedule a job interview can be a moment of equal elation and intimidation. Securing an interview is cause for celebration—but then you have to begin the work of preparing for it. An interview is a pivotal moment in your job or internship search. It allows you to get to know an organization to see if it’s somewhere that fits your career goals, and it also enables the organization to see if you’re a good fit for the position. Plus, you’ll get an opportunity to practice your interviewing skills, something that is valuable at any stage of your career.

But much of today’s workplace life has moved online for the time being—including job interviews. An in-person interview already required intentional research and forethought, but an additional dimension is added for a video interview. While the internet is replete with hilarious video conference fails, it’s the subtle issues that can sabotage us. Here are four tips to get beyond the unique technological and mental barriers that a virtual job interview presents.

Set the stage

Even though your interview may not be in an office, you want to leave a professional impression. Dress in business professional attire just like you would for an in-person interview. Also consider your background. Avoid any messy or informal settings—an office or dining room is preferable to a bedroom or kitchen. In addition to the visual environment, listen to the sounds in your space and find a setting that is free from interruptions like lawnmowers outside, barking dogs, or housemates wandering through.

Related: What to Do Before, During, and After Your First Job Interview

Test-run your technology

Enlist a friend or colleague to help you practice placing and receiving calls using the platform your interview will be held on. How does your image look? Can they hear you clearly? You should also have a phone number on hand for the person you’re interviewing with in case you encounter technological challenges. And just as you would allow plenty of time for transportation and parking for an in-person interview, make sure you sit down at your computer early so you feel calm and collected and have all your technology in place.

Stay calm

As we’ve all discovered by now, online communication can be awkward. Even if you can see the other person via video, it doesn’t allow for many of the non-verbal cues that make interactions smooth. Be aware of that from the outset and be prepared to stay unflappable throughout—a genuine smile goes a long way to keep things relaxed and engaged.

Create connections

It can be easy to get caught up in the technical hurdles or lose track of the people who are interviewing you while navigating the interface. Be warm. Ask them how they are. Do the virtual equivalent of looking them in the eye by looking directly at the camera (not at your own reflection). Genuinely thank them for their time at the close of the interview. Allow for the space to have as personal an interaction as possible, even if it’s mediated by technology.

Related: How to Use Your College Network to Land a Job

One of the foundational pieces of advice I give about interviews is to view them not as a test to pass but an opportunity to explore. Your goal is not to survive each question but to get to know the company as they get to know you. Approached with that mindset, no interview—even a virtual one—is ever wasted. Good luck!

Check out more job and interview advice in our Internships and Careers section.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Cheryl Hyatt

Cheryl Hyatt is a founding partner at Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search. She specializes in leadership, management, higher education, and hiring practices.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Sarah Armstrong

Sarah Armstrong

High School Class of 2022

I am a deaf student, and I had always dreamed of going to Gallaudet University. CollegeXpress helped me search though other qualified universities. They helped me know for sure that Gallaudet University was the right choice for me!

Hailey Riddile

Hailey Riddile

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress has helped me find scholarships to apply for and look into more colleges. While there are many websites similar to CollegeXpress, every website is different, and I've found a lot of good insight on this website. Receiving emails from CollegeXpress about scholarships is extremely useful, and getting insight about colleges near, far, and anywhere in between helps me narrow down my choices to what I want, which is also super helpful. The articles are always really good reads, and I can't stress enough how helpful this website has been to me. Anything related to college is beneficial to me as a senior, and I have learned lots of useful things to help me on my college journey this year.

Maria  Fernanda

Maria Fernanda

High School Class of 2023

CollegeXpress is always telling you with time to spare when to apply for certain scholarships, what they require, and if you’re eligible or not. They also provide helpful tips for both incoming college students and current college students, such as what to absolutely have in your dorm.

Dani York

Dani York

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress helped in my journey by comparing multiple colleges for my final decision. While looking at different colleges, I was able to compare the tuition expenses and that landed me with the college that I’m currently enrolled in, Western Kentucky University. Thank you!

Joycelyn

Joycelyn

High School Class of 2023

I’m currently a college freshman attending Towson University. My major is Information Technology, and I plan to minor in Electronic Media & Film to achieve my goal of becoming a production engineer. Upon graduating high school earlier this year, I was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from CollegeXpress, which greatly assisted in paying my tuition. Truthfully, this financial reward was the difference in affording my room and board and tuition, along with other expenses for school. My family and I haven’t stopped celebrating my award since it was bestowed on me. I will never forget this opportunity for allowing me to get my foot into my university financially.

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Methodist University

Fayetteville, NC

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC

Moody Bible Institute

Chicago, IL