Zoom is the new kid on the block. While you may not have heard of them before, they are definitely getting all the attention now.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a web conferencing website often used for virtual meetings. Similar to Microsoft Teams or Skype, it was created for individuals or groups to meet for video conferencing, making it the perfect platform to use while working from home and social distancing. It has been a game changer for companies, transforming the online landscape for interviewers and interviewees.
Due to Covid-19, OFE has dived head-first into learning to use different virtual platforms. It has been a boon to our ability to collaborate with each other while working remotely. We use Zoom for virtual office meetings, for connecting with our colleagues and, of course, for conducting mock interviews with our participants.
And we are not alone – many companies are also using Zoom to interview potential candidates.
Zoom interviews on the rise
These extraordinary times have required extraordinary measures. Zoom interviews are the new normal, and with the platform being easy to use and convenient, we can only assume that employers will continue to use it even after the pandemic is over. Not only is it safer to conduct interviews virtually, it is cheaper and easier as well.
As you can imagine, getting comfortable with Zoom and other similar platforms would be beneficial to you, so take the time to learn this new skill.
Know your way around Zoom
In this quickly changing landscape, employers want more and more of their employees to be comfortable with video conferencing technologies. Being able to execute a successful virtual interview could lead to that amazing job. In a snapshot, doing well in this type of interview showcases your adaptability, your professionalism in a remote work environment, and your ability to connect and communicate.
If you are hoping to work in an office environment, the likelihood that you may be working from home at least some of the time is higher than normal. Knowing how to use Zoom and similar technologies goes a long way in showing that you will be able to collaborate with your colleagues and check in with your boss without needing the extra accountability of being in the office.
For other jobs where being in the work building is necessary, Zoom is used as a pre-screening and selection tool to narrow down the number of people moving in and out of the building. This means making a good first impression is even more important, as you want to be able to stand out from other applicants to get that in-person interview.
6 tips to ace your Zoom interview:
- Dress professionally, all the way down to your shoes! Being well-dressed will boost your confidence.
- Test your camera and mic beforehand by practicing with a friend or family member. Check for things like your background setting and whether or not your face can be seen clearly. Try to sit in front of a window to get natural lighting. If nothing else, make sure the window is not behind you.
- Keep your Meeting ID close by. The less scrambling you have to do before the meeting, the less nervous you will be.
- During the meeting, look at the camera on your computer or phone rather than the interviewer’s picture. This creates more of a sense of eye contact during the interview, helping you connect even when not physically in the room.
- Keep your hand movements to a minimum. Moving your hands during a Zoom meeting can be very distracting.
- Smile….a lot! Just like making eye contact helps with making a connection, so does smiling. Frequent smiles go a long way towards making a good impression, both online and in person.
Author: Stacie Gottfried, Employment Services Advisor at OFE
