6 Tips to Succeed During Your Zoom Interview

Since COVID began in 2020, the interview process has changed drastically.

While you may still have an in person interview at the final stages, it is much more likely that your first interview with a new company will be conducted via video conferencing.

It is CRITICAL that you consider a few factors unique to this format in order to give a good first impression.


Tip 1.
Test the join link and your camera BEFORE the interview – over the past 2 years, I can’t even count how many times we have had someone assume everything would work smoothly only to end up failing the interview as they couldn’t join on time / get their camera on/ or participate at all.

Tip 2.
Make sure to look into the camera when speaking – not the video of yourself. When you watch yourself it makes your line of eye contact slightly downcast.

Tip 3.
Use the mute button – One of the biggest problems of zoom interviews is know when to start speaking. This goes for both parties. Use the mute button to signal that you are done as well as to make sure no odd sounds go through while the other person is talking.

Tip 4.
Wait 1 second after the other person stops talking before you start. Sometimes with slow internets or software issues, there can be a delay in the others voice coming through. If you end up speaking at the same time no-one can hear each other and the conversation get de-railed. Instead, wait a second, confirm they are done, then answer their question.

Tip 5.
Dress professionally – dress exactly as you would if this was an in-person interview. Where a shirt & tie, pants, a jacket. Don’t try to cheat by looking professional just on top, because you never know what might happen causing you to stand up and ruin your perfect image.

Tip 6.
Use a nice simple professional background if you can. While your house and it’s cleanliness may be your personal business, it doesn’t exactly shout “organized & pay attention to detail”. Set up in front of a blank wall or book case, and if you can’t, download a picture of an office and upload it as your virtual background.