Interview over Zoom & use it to your advantage!
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
The world has taken an unexpected turn in 2020, due to ‘the virus that must not be named’ affecting every aspect of our day to day lives.
From the way we work, to the way we socialise. Not to mention that weird toilet roll phase. However one specific aspect that will be affecting many recent graduates, and indeed anyone who may have been unfortunate enough to lose their job, will be the new way of interviewing - Zoom!
As if it wasn’t hard enough right? But do not despair dear reader. After a long summer of lockdown interviews trying to get my first role in the creative industry, video call interviews have somewhat become a skill of mine and I’m going to tell you how to turn this new form of interviewing to your advantage.
Now let's address the elephant in the room. I’m not suggesting any digital solution is ever going to fix meeting someone in the real world. It just won’t. But using Zoom (or any other video calling software) does yield its own rewards. Firstly…
01: Show them what YOU want them to see
So let’s set the scene. You're at home preparing for your remote interview. But where are you going to sit? At the kitchen table, in the cupboard under the stairs or in the bathtub? Whatever location you choose, make it professional and distraction-free.
02: Use your background to show off your personality
The interviewer can only see what you want them to see. So why not let this be something that shows something interesting about you? A pair of skis, your collection of limited edition Yu-Gi-Oh cards or other niche pop-culture memorabilia.
I’m not saying wear your next Halloween outfit, but by candidly placing aspects that show off your personality will give the interviewer a better feel for who you are! Much more than in your quintessential interview. Plus, it also makes you memorable, which is a great bonus if they’re interviewing lots of candidates in one day.
03: What about what they can’t see?
Typically, laptop cameras will only show your face, shoulders and some of the background. Granted this depends on your set-up. However, the point is you usually have what's in front of you clear from the callers view. So this one might seem a little sly, but you have full control, so use to this to your advantage! Take notes, pin up a motivational quote out of view or stick post-it notes of your research around the edges of your screen! Whatever works for you, crack on.
04: It's where you’re more comfortable right?
Have you ever gone in for an interview and felt as though every eye is on you from the moment you walk through the door to the moment you get into the interview room? Which of course, is usually the furthest room in the place. The anxious anticipation built up as you travel to your interview and silent assessment from the rest of the office no longer applies due to the new way of doing things.
Firstly, one obvious benefit to online interviews is that you’re literally in the comfort of your own home. Meaning, you’ll no longer have to feel the gaze of everyone as you pass them by. Secondly, the safe space of your home will give you a confidence boost that will leave a lasting impression.
05: OK, let’s be real
This could be just a phase, one we all have to deal with in our own unique ways or it could become the new norm, who knows. This is something we’re having to adapt to.
But for now... expect at some point to have technical difficulties. Expect that you may talk over someone on the call because the natural cues are lost in translation with video calls. Expect those awkward pauses. Expect that your housemate may blissfully blunder into the room. But you should also expect that your interviewer wants you to do well, they wouldn't waste their time if they didn't see the potential in you for this role.
06: The question round!
More often than not, when it comes to the end of the interview they will often say “have you got any questions you’d like to ask us?”. At which point they may even start to pull the same nervous expression you’ve had for the last 30 minutes. But don’t fret, this is usually the best part of the interview for you.
Firstly, it's a reminder to you that you are interviewing them as well. They also have to be right for you, that's important! However, it’s also an opportunity for you to show your engagement, passion and interest for them as a company and it’s often what will set you aside from everyone else. So use this time productively to get the answers you need but to show you’re a little more switched on than everyone else.
My favourite question to ask is:
“After six months of working here, what level would you expect to see me working at?”
This is a great question for two reasons. One, it will tell you what they expect of you so you’ll know what type of company you’re working for. But secondly, it forces them to imagine you in the role. Making the idea of hiring you a more comfortable decision.
Good luck!
About the author
Robert McCrorie graduated from the University of Leeds in 2020 and has since gone on to win a Graphite Pencil from D&AD New Blood and land his first junior design role at Tall. During his year in industry at Bolser, he also helped to deliver high-quality creative solutions to clients such as Microsoft, Battersea Power Station, KFC and many more global brands. His key skillset includes UI/UX, branding, animation, photography and illustration.
To see more of Rob’s work, visit @robmccrorie on Instagram.
