What is Zoom?
Zoom is a cloud based web meeting application that gained popularity over recent years and especially over the pandemic. People relied on the app to carry out business calls as well as online classes.
It’s easily accessible because of its compatibility with different operating systems. You can do video and audio calls, it can be used for webinars, screen-sharing, and other collaborative projects.
It’s no surprise that Zoom was the #1 downloaded application since 2020 because of the pandemic causing everyone to find a way to communicate with each other. It has been utilized by businesses, schools, administrations, and many more.
For this article, we will focus on how a recruiter can best use Zoom when conducting job interviews!
Benefits of using Zoom as a video solution for virtual recruiting.
When it comes to recruitment, recruiters also use it for conducting the recruitment process because of how accessible and useful it is. Here is our checklist of things to do in preparation for an interview!
Checklist Before an Interview
- Download Zoom and explore the interface
- Use your professional work email
- Setup your screen namen (don’t use nicknames)
- Use a computer or laptop as much as possible
- Make sure to be updated on the latest software updates
- Check your internet’s speed and stability
- Test your audio and headset and/or microphone you will be using
- Create a professional background
- Find the best lighting
- Be in a space without noise
- Make sure to turn off your notification sounds both on your computer and phone
This is a foolproof checklist to get your prepared beforehand! Make sure to double check everything on this list!
Day-of interview pointers
Before it starts make sure that you check again with the checklist above to make sure that all technical aspects of the interview are taken care of! Here are some more pointers for the actual day of the interview!
- Let people you live with know that you have an interview beforehand so that they know not to disturb you.
- In case of any unavoidable noise in your area, mute your mic as the interviewee speaks so that they will not be distracted or lose focus. Don’t forget to be courteous and to apologize if this happens!
- Just like an in-person interview, dress well! Bonus points to the interviewee if they dressed well too!
- To make it more natural, look at the camera when you’re speaking to mimic eye contact.
- Don’t forget to frame yourself comfortably on screen.
- Make sure that all of your questions and the interviewee’s resume are accessible and strategically placed so that you can see everything.
- Other than the standard questions, get to know the interviewee through their resume and their story. This gives you a more holistic view on whether they are a good fit for the role.
NOTE: Remember that since this is done virtually over Zoom where we rely on the software and the internet connection. Expect technical difficulties either on your part or theirs. Stay calm and give it some time. This might put you both off on the momentum of the conversation but just give it time and be flexible to any changes such as extending time or rescheduling to a later date.
With the surefire checklist and pointers under your belt, interviews will be a breeze and a good experience for both you as the interviewer and the candidate!
