How to prepare for a ZOOM interview in 2020?

Question

What is the best way to prepare for the tough interview questions you may be asked in a ZOOM interview?

Answer 1

Many of the rules that apply for in-person interviews have not changed for online interviews, such as:

1. be prepared (know your resume, practice typical interview questions, research the company online, develop questions you want to ask, anticipate questions they might ask, etc.)
2. be punctual
3. look appropriate (hair, make-up/ beard, clothes)
4. smile, have a positive attitude, be interested and engaged
5. answer questions and ask questions yourself with confidence
6. pay attention to the names and titles of the people who are interviewing you
7. be prepared to discuss the next steps
8. follow up with a thank you email

However, there are also a few things that are different during an online interview. Therefore, you should:

1. make sure you know the platform that was suggested for the interview (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, etc.) and make yourself familiar with how to use it, especially if you are not that great with this type of technology
2. use a headset for ideal sound and comprehensibility; headsets have very good microphones that can focus on the speaker's voice and cancel out background noises
3. use an appropriate background (white wall with a picture frame, etc.) or use a digital/ virtual background
4. have your resume, cover letter, job description, questions and answers ready in front of you or even open on your screen; they cannot tell whether you are looking at them or a document on screen
5. talk to other family members or room mates you share a living space with and ask them not to enter the room, make loud noises, or disrupt your interview in any way
6. close the door and try to be in a comfortable environment
7. have a glass of water on your desk (no coffee mugs, bottles, etc.)

Answer 2

The best way to prepare for a ZOOM interview is practice! Most people aren't prepared for the 39 tough interview questions that usually appear in a ZOOM interview. It's important that you get familiar with them ahead of time and prepare your responses.

And, the best way to have your material for these tough questions is to take the STRONG Assessment. That way, you will have a deep understanding of your personality -- and you will be able to show your best self.

I'd love to help you with this -- All the best, Ruth