How to Ace a Zoom Interview
by Paul Strubell
You have an important interview coming up—perhaps a first-line screening for a physician or nursing position. Certainly you want to present yourself in the best possible way. What is the optimal way to prepare for a zoom interview?
First, have a clear understanding of the Zoom experience. Zoom is a teleconferencing tool, but there are other important features of Zoom such as screen sharing, text chat, and muting, that may come into play.
Following are several tips that will help put you in the best “light” (pun alert!) for a stellar Zoom interview performance.
What to Do Prior to Your Zoom Interview
Ensure that the setting is optimal
Set up in a room that is quiet and well lit. It’s important that the interviewer be able to see your facial expressions as they try to get to know you. A window directly in front of you can provide good lighting.
You’ll want to shy away from sitting with a window directly behind you since that can cast shadows on your face. Choose a professional background such as a blank wall, a bookcase, or perhaps a virtual background.
Wear professional attire
Makes sense, right? Dress as you would for an in-person interview, wearing clothes that are appropriate for your field. Business casual often works well in the medical field.
Not sure what to wear? Check out the employer’s website to see what others are wearing. Don’t distract by wearing items such as large, dangling earrings or clunky bracelets. Don’t wear a highly patterned or busy colored shirt.
Be familiar with the Zoom technology
Download the Zoom app. You can use Zoom on a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. Before the interview, check your internet connection to make sure all is working.
Test your webcam and microphone, too. Practice looking into the camera while speaking. If you’re using a laptop, be sure that it’s charged up or plugged in.
Show up early
Settle in at least 10 minutes before the interview time. Bring up Zoom and click the meeting link and enter the access code provided in the interviewer’s email. Once you are in the meeting room, take a few calming breaths to center yourself. At the meeting time, let the host speak first.
Tips to ensure an optimal Zoom experience:
- If you live with others, let them know you will need quiet in the house.
- Silence your phone! You’ll want to limit all possible distractions.
- Turn off any notifications that may pop up on your computer (either visual or audio ones).
- Update your version of Zoom if it’s not the latest.
- Clear your screen, so you won’t be distracted.
- Be sure to be fully dressed (no kidding). It’s not out of the question that you may have to stand up and you don’t want to be caught in your pajamas or sweats!
What to Do During the Zoom Interview
Demonstrate appropriate body language
Sit up straight, place your feet flat on the floor, and rest your hands on the chair’s armrest or on your lap. Look directly into the interviewer’s eyes. Smile or nod at the appropriate times.
Speak clearly and confidently. Use nonverbal cues to show the interviewer that you are listening. Use Zoom’s mute button if the interviewer is speaking for long periods of time.
Prepare answers to the common interview questions
Don’t get so distracted by the technology that you don’t attend to the matter at hand: giving the best possible responses to the interviewer’s questions! There are several questions typically asked in interviews with physicians.
Ask the interviewer questions
Jot down a few questions about the position or the practice in advance. Listen carefully during the meeting, making mental notes about what you’ll want to ask. Here are a few possible questions you could ask:
- How would you describe your organizational culture?
- What are the organization’s biggest challenges?
- How does the group help physicians build up a patient base?
- What are the hours and the call schedule?
After the interview, follow up with the interviewer by email. Send a personal email to each person who attended the interview as well.
Good luck! May your interview go well!
