You’ve applied for the job and got that interview – congratulations! If it’s a Zoom or Teams call, there are some important things to think about compared to a face-to-face meeting.
Use a laptop or desktop
Zoom and Teams have mobile apps but laptops or PCs are best — even if you have something to hold your phone still. Your computer gives you and the interviewer a better view and may be clearer.
If you can, plug your laptop in. It’s a good idea to have it fully charged.
Update software
Get the newest edition of whatever you are using before the meeting. Do a full system update ahead of time to make sure your device is at its best and you won’t be interrupted by notifications.
Check your background
Choose an area that is tidy and free of clutter. Make sure your background isn’t busy and only has suitable items visible.
If it’s hard to find the right spot, choose one of the preset backgrounds. You want the interviewer to focus on you and what you are saying, not your curtains.
Test your connection
Make sure you have a good internet connection. Check before the interview and if you are having problems, find another location or sort out your tech.
Sight and sound
The interviewer wants to read your face and body language. Choose a room with good lighting. Using a space facing a window will make you more visible. A window behind you can cast shadows on your face and make you look like a silhouette.
Use headphones for better sound quality and find an area that is quiet so both you and the interviewer can focus. Try a practice run at the same time of day as your interview.
Put your phone on silent
Turn your mobile off or put it on do not disturb. You don’t want to be embarrassed by a call or an alarm. Put your phone away at least 10 minutes before your interview, so you can focus on preparation.
Turn off any notifications on your computer. Close social media or any distractions. Set the video meeting to full screen – your interviewer should be the only thing you can see.
Print out your CV
Print out a copy of the job description and your CV and have it next to your laptop. You can refer to them without switching between different open windows.
Use the mute button
Keeping yourself on mute as the interviewer speaks can help them feel you are focused on what they want to tell you.
Remember to unmute yourself when you’re ready to speak. There are keyboard shortcuts, such as holding down the space button.
Look into the camera while speaking
Maintaining eye contact with your interviewer is a sign of confidence and respect (if you are neurodiverse and struggle with this, you may want to explain before the chat).
But if you look someone in the eye on your screen, it may not come across on their end. Look into your camera while you are speaking instead.
This creates the impression that you’re looking at them rather than yourself or the screen. It’s helpful to test out the angle of the camera before your call so that you’re level and not looking up or down into the lens.
Dress for success
Choose an outfit that’s right for your industry and makes you feel confident. Look at photos on the company’s website to see what people wear.
Keep your screen clear
Close everything on your desktop before your interview. This can prevent video or audio from suddenly playing in the background and may help your call load more efficiently.
Practice
Get to know Zoom/Teams/whatever the interviewer is using. Set up test chats with friends, family or your tutor. Get them to ask you typical interview questions and give feedback afterwards.
Be early
Check for technical difficulties by joining the call at least five minutes early. Don’t join too early – you don’t want to surprise the interviewer. Muting yourself while waiting for other people to join is standard practice for all types of video calls.
Deal with technical issues
If you have any problems during the interview, try to contact the hiring manager via email or phone. You may be able to resolve the issue, switch to phone or reschedule. It shows initiative.
Follow up
Afterwards, send the recruiter an email to thank them for their time. This makes you stand out. Mention a point that was discussed that chimed with you – it shows that you’re keen and were paying full attention.