Is poor Zoom interview etiquette sabotaging your odds of landing your dream job?  

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With the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work, I’m finding myself do more and more “mock interviews” over Zoom with less experienced candidates. It might sound simple enough, turn on your computer and login into Zoom right? But there’s actually a few, easy things you can do to really optimise the way you present yourself remotely.   

Here are 5 ways to impress, stand out, and leave an impression during your next Zoom interview. 

1) Pick your location carefully 

Location is paramount here. Avoid bathrooms and toilets because contrary to popular belief, people can tell where you are because of the echo. 

Also, avoid sitting on your bed or have your bed showing as it’s too intimate and extremely unprofessional. It’s not an appropriate setting to take a Zoom job interview call. 

2) Minimise background noise 

You don’t want your interviewer to strain to hear what you’re saying. If you have children or loud family members, tell them ahead of time that you will be on an important call. 

Ideally, choose a room where you will not be disturbed and switch off phone notifications. 

3) Lighting is pivotal 

Avoid artificial lighting that casts shadows on you where your facial features and reactions can’t be clearly seen. 

You want natural light as it is the most flattering and makes you look your best. Sit facing a window or purchase a ring light if you don’t have suitable lighting. 

4) Dress appropriately 

Don’t neglect to dress appropriately simply because the interview is being done via Zoom.  

You need to look the part – professional and representable. So avoid sweaters, pyjamas, or your ‘loungewear’ when on camera. 

I also would discourage only dressing the upper part of the body as you might have to unexpectedly get up during the interview. 

5) Camera positioning 

Where should your camera go? And where should you be looking? 

The camera should be at your eye level and not chin-level. And you should be looking directly into the camera when speaking and not at the faces of your interviewers on screen. 

Make sure there is a good distance between you and the camera so you don’t look too close or appear too far. 

You want to be able to communicate with your hands where necessary and display some body language as it is key to communication. 

Bonus tip: Pick a neutral background 

What’s in your background? Your panel should never have to see any mess or personal clutter in your background as it reflects badly on you. It’s also distracting. 

What should you do? Pick a neutral bare wall without family photos and have it as your backdrop. Or you could pick one of Zoom’s virtual backgrounds if necessary.  

Are you looking for a startup or scaleup recruitment agency? We can help connect you with world class talent around the globe, get in touch with us today!