When you find out your interview will be held over Zoom (or a different virtual meeting platform), you may feel more laid back and assume it's not as serious as an in-person interview. With how commonplace "Zoom for this, Zoom for that" has become over the past few years, that nonchalance is pretty understandable, but hear this: a Zoom interview is still a job interview! When you join the search committee's meeting room, they are still evaluating your experience, fit, and especially your communication skills. So, make your virtual interview a showcase for how you can use technology to your advantage as an expert communicator.

How Do I Make a Professional-Looking Zoom Background for My Interview?

You want to have a clean, neutral, real background. Things like an orderly bookcase, a plain wall, or a plant make for a good background. You should remove things like clutter, political material, personal documents, or anything else that may be distracting and draw attention away from you. Don't fret if a real background isn't an option for you. Zoom's built-in background blur is a good alternative, as is a distraction-free virtual background. You can find these options under the "Video & effects" tab in Zoom's settings.

How Can I Make Sure Zoom Works Before My Interview?

Let's first check whether you can reliably use Zoom in the first place. Zoom's Support page recommends at least 3.8 Mbps download speed and 3.0 Mbps upload speed for group video calls. You can check your internet speed by searching for "Internet Speed Test" online and using Google's free tool or any other you prefer. As long as your internet speed is greater than the recommended requirements, you're less likely to be the cause of connection problems or freeze-ups during your interview. Next, make sure your Zoom app is updated and that your display name matches the name you used when applying. If you need to change your display name, click the "Edit" button next to your name on your Zoom profile. If you need to share your screen during the interview, only share the specific window you want others to see. You want to avoid sharing your entire desktop, as it can be distracting and may show something you didn't intend to share. When presenting a document, have the file ready so you can also share a copy in the Zoom chat. Finally, remember not to record your interview unless you have explicit permission. Zoom notifies all participants when someone begins recording a meeting.

What Do I Do During a Zoom Interview?

Dress the same way you would for an interview on campus. Yes, including what the camera can't see. Avoid wearing things with busy patterns or colors that blend into your Zoom background. Sit upright with relaxed shoulders, keep any gestures you make inside the camera frame, and remember to look into the camera, especially when you are emphasizing a point. Before the interview, you can practice by recording a video of yourself answering a few common interview questions you expect to be asked. Review the video afterward to see how you did and if there is anything you want to improve.

How Should I Set Up My Camera for a Zoom Interview?

You don't need to go out and buy the latest high-tech work-from-the-moon-capable gadget. Most people can use what they already have if they are intentional in how they use it. Your laptop camera will do just fine in most cases. You can check this by opening your computer's camera app ("Camera" if you are using Windows or "Photo Booth" if you are using a Mac) and see how you would appear during your interview. If the image looks crisp and you wouldn't think twice about sharing that photo with someone, then you are all good to go. If the image is blurry, at an odd or unflattering angle, or you don't have a built-in camera, then you may want to consider an external webcam. When looking for one, you don't need a fancy one plastered with buzzwords like "4K MAX quality" or "AI-powered." You only need a webcam that supports "1080p." A good shopping search term would be "1080p USB webcam."

Once you have a camera you are happy with, you now need to position it properly. Using your computer's camera app to check your progress, place the camera at eye level and an arm's length away. Adjust the camera position until the image frames you from mid-chest to just above your head. Ideally, you want a window or a soft lamp somewhere behind your camera, and you want to avoid having any bright lights in the background. Now that you're set up and happy with how it looks, use Zoom's (or another platform's) built-in speaker and microphone test to make sure you can be clearly heard and understood.

Zoom Zoom Zoom Your Way Into That Role

You don't need a Hollywood set to have a successful Zoom interview. All you need is a little preparation, some attention to detail, and the professionalism you already have from military service. Remember to test your technology, practice your answers, and most importantly, wear pants! If you are still nervous about what to expect during your interview, check out our article "Understanding Higher Ed Hiring Boards: Interview Tips for Veteran Job Seekers," which explains what to expect and how to prepare for interviews in higher education.

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Working as a Veteran in HigherEd

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