Zoom meeting job interview..

[tmschuller]

Have a job interview today via zoom. I’ve had 2 job interviews in 30 years so a little rusty.
I’m confident in myself and qualifications for the job but doing this remotely is a new challenge for me.
I know it’s nothing new but seeing if anyone else has went thru something similar.

 

[Brad69]

I dare you not to wear pants!

 

[mbills2223]

Have a job interview today via zoom. I’ve had 2 job interviews in 30 years so a little rusty.
I’m confident in myself and qualifications for the job but doing this remotely is a new challenge for me.
I know it’s nothing new but seeing if anyone else has went thru something similar.

It's a little more difficult to convey things through body language on a Zoom interview, so make sure you are very clear in saying everything you intend to convey

 

[Double T]

Yes. I would suggest researching the company, and asking questions regarding how long the person in the position you're interviewing for was in that position. Potentially questions about leadership styles, etc.

Another good question is what do they consider their ideal employee, gives you a good indication as to whether they want you to work nonstop with no outside work life.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Be well-lit.

If you can, wear headphones or earbuds to hear and use a separate mic so they can hear you. This will keep audio feedback to a minimum.

Be in a distraction & traffic-free zone. No one else in/out of frame to be seen. No one else should be heard, either.

Have the camera above your nostrils if at all possible.

 

[tmschuller]

Be well-lit.

If you can, wear headphones or earbuds to hear and use a separate mic so they can hear you. This will keep audio feedback to a minimum.

Be in a distraction & traffic-free zone. No one else in/out of frame to be seen. No one else should be heard, either.

Have the camera above your nostrils if at all possible.

Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated! I will be in my office and have a stand for my phone set up. It’s well lit and I have pants on! Just wondering what it will look like. “ hey we’re interviewing a forehead “ is not what I’m going for!.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Seriously though... No one wants or needs to see your nostrils. So a juuuuust slightly elevated position will be great.

 

[snapping turtle]

Zoom interviews? That would throw me also.
I would not sweat it much on a zoom interview as there must be a reason for such a thing. Either they are getting lots of no shows for the positionThey are “branch covidians “ and worries overly about catching the bug. Or they are just going through the we have to interview for this but “Bobby sue” is moving from warehouse for this one.

just be one time and take the above advise which I would not have thought of. I bet it is a quick will call you or can you come on Tuesday for a real interview situation.

I would want to see the mannerisms of those I interview in person. To do that I would need to see them in person.

 

[shibumiseeker]

I have conducted a bunch of Zoom interviews in the last few months. Make sure you have a decent camera and mic. I’ll echo the above suggestions.

Know as much as you can about that particular company and have at least three questions that show you know what they do in depth.

 

[MCgrease08]

Dress the same way you would if the interview were in person. If you would normally wear a suit into the office for the interview, wear it on Zoom. Don't be the candidate that dresses down because it's virtual.

 

[Ark]

Shim the camera or laptop or whatever up so it looks you direct in the face instead of looking up your nose.

My general experience with Zoom interviews has been that because they're cheap and easy, HR departments do a lot more of them and take each one less seriously than a real interview. Or maybe it's just my luck.

 

[eldirector]

100% remote company. I've interviewed (and hired, and currently manage) remote employees in India, Colombia, and all over the USA. Just spent the last 8 hours on various "calls".

Specific to Zoom, or any video conferencing meeting/interview:
- good audio is a must. The built-in mic is rarely sufficient. Even wired earbuds w/ mic (like the pre-AirPods ear buds) are better.
- decent camera. Lighting makes the most difference. To avoid the whole "camera up your nose" vantage point, sit your laptop up on some books or a box so it is more eye level.
- Nothing distracting in the background. Audio or video.
- Give slightly longer pauses to avoid talking over each other. No matter what, there may still be that fraction of a second lag that throws you off. Just be aware, and adjust your cadence to accommodate.
- Eye contact is TOUGH. Try not to get distracted and look around. It is REALLY obvious on camera. Look at the video, look down to take notes (very obviously) and then look BACK at the video. Not out the window, or at your cat.
- Wear pants! It is still an interview!

Happy to chat about working remote, conferencing etiquette, and the like. Been working this way for about 7 years now. Can't beat the commute!

OH! And good luck!

 

[Cameramonkey]

And dont get TOO close to the camera if you want to convey that body language. Back it off a bit if you talk with your hands. Everything else said upthread is spot on.

Good luck!

 

[Expat]

I would reinforce eldirector's comment on trying not to talk over the other person. You will know very quickly if there is lag or not. Adjust to it if there is.

 

[target64]

any updates?

 

[churchmouse]

any updates?

Ditto

 

[fullmetaljesus]

Use a well lit room.


When they ask if you have any questions ask things like:


What does a successful person on this position look like?

If money, time, and staff was not an issue
what would you change?

Why have you been here as long as you have?

What is the culture like here?


Good luck!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Shim the camera or laptop or whatever up so it looks you direct in the face instead of looking up your nose.

I thought you were supposed to hold your camera up over your head. That's what all the "influencers" do with their vids and selfies. I guess it depends on the amount and quality of your cleavage.

 

[Ark]

I thought you were supposed to hold your camera up over your head. That's what all the "influencers" do with their vids and selfies. I guess it depends on the amount and quality of your cleavage.

Remember to hold it high over your head, push your shoulders together to squeeze your boobs up, and make a face like you're blowing the dust out of a Nintendo cartridge.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Remember to hold it high over your head, push your shoulders together to squeeze your boobs up, and make a face like you're blowing the dust out of a Nintendo cartridge.

Oh yeah... "duck lips" are a must in a job interview!