Interview Tips in the Zoom Era

By Taylor Clark, Press and Written Media Staff

Congratulations on getting to the interview stage of a job or internship application — it’s a tremendous accomplishment! Having a perfect interview is already nearly impossible under normal conditions. Now, with COVID-19 taking over the world, we have all had to adapt to ever-changing situations. Our classes and get-togethers have moved online, and so have our interviews. This can make the interview itself seem even more daunting than it really is.

I have compiled a list of interview tips specifically for the Zoom era that should help you feel confident and at ease with a new interview atmosphere.

1. Make sure your Zoom software is up to date. The last thing you want is to show up late to your interview because you need an update.
2. Arrive early to the Zoom interview, but not too early. Interviewers may use the same Zoom room to interview people back-to-back, so if you show up early you might be intruding. Set an alarm 10 minutes before your interview to go over your notes and click the Zoom link about two minutes before your interview.
3. Finding the right lighting can sometimes be a challenge. Try sitting in front of a window where the light can diffuse over you. Avoid putting a light source behind you, as it will make it harder for them to see your beautiful face.
4. Prepare as if you were going to meet in person. This means that you should spray some perfume or cologne. Use a few mints. Dress from head to toe in your interview attire. It might feel a little strange at first, but this confidence will help you focus on the interview itself without any distractions.
5. Let your family know ahead of time that you will have an interview so there will be no interruptions during your Zoom interview (that includes your pets as well).
6. Make sure the background of your interview isn’t overly distracting. They should be looking at you, not your dirty laundry in the back!
7. Be careful when it comes to interjecting. Let the interviewer finish their thought before jumping in. Because of Zoom, there might be a tiny lag that causes your comment (even if it was polite) to come off as an interruption.

You’ve already accomplished so much by getting an interview. Use these tips to feel more confident and comfortable with a new interview setting and nab that job or internship! From all of us here at Wave, good luck!

Wave Learning Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free, live seminars, tutoring, college application help, career mentorship, and more. If you would like to learn more about Wave Learning Festival, check out our website or contact us at hello@wavelf.org.