11 Mistakes in Zoom Interviews (And How To Avoid Them)

Zoom is an audio and video conferencing platform that many organizations use during interview processes. Although a digital interview may feel different from a traditional in-person interview, it's important to prepare for each interview properly. Learning about some of the common mistakes people make during these interviews may help you better prepare to succeed during your interview. In this article, we discuss common mistakes in Zoom interviews and offer advice on how to avoid them.

11 mistakes in a Zoom interview to avoid

Here are some potential Zoom interview mistakes to avoid making:

1. Sitting in a messy room

Interviewing in a messy room may create a bad impression on the interviewer, and sitting in front of an area with lots of decorations or trinkets may distract them. Aim to find a neutral place for your interview, such as a clean area with a clear wall. If this isn't an option for you, consider using a virtual background on zoom. Select an appropriate digital image to upload as your background, and be sure to test it before your interview. Read more: How To Use a Virtual Background in Zoom Interviews

2. Dressing inappropriately

Wearing the wrong attire for the interview may make you appear unprofessional. Choose an interview outfit similar to what you would wear to an in-person interview, such as a business casual or business professional outfit. While the interview is likely to be from the shoulders up only, consider dressing professionally from head to toe. This may help you carry yourself more professionally throughout the interview and prepare you in case you need to stand up during the meeting. Read more: What To Wear for a Zoom Interview and How To Prepare

3. Sitting in poor lighting

Poor lighting may make it difficult for the interviewer to see you. If possible, host your interview in natural lighting so they can see your face. If you don't have access to natural light, use ceiling lights or lamps to ensure you're properly lit during the interview. Think about testing your appearance in the lighting before your meeting. Related: 9 Audio and Video Tips To Nail Your Virtual Meeting

4. Not speaking clearly

Using Zoom may make it difficult for others to hear you or understand you. Be sure you're speaking slowly, and avoid rushing your answers. Test your technology in advance, and ensure your microphone works. It may also be helpful to use headphones with a built-in microphone to prevent issues with you or the interviewer hearing each other. Related: 10 Tips and Strategies for Speaking on Zoom

5. Appearing distracted

Focusing during a Zoom interview may feel difficult because there are likely other things happening on your screen during the meeting. Consider enabling a "do not disturb" setting on your devices to mute notifications, and think about turning your cell phone face-down during your meeting. During the meeting, avoid looking at yourself on the screen and, instead, focus your attention on the interviewer. Try to maintain natural eye contact with them to show that you're engaged in the conversation. Related: 18 Tips for Succeeding During Your Zoom Interview

6. Experiencing technical issues

Most interviewers understand that technical issues may occur during a meeting. However, it's best to try to prevent them by testing your technology in advance. Download Zoom before the meeting and test your internet connection. Practice joining meetings and speaking on them. Think about having a practice meeting with a friend before your interview to ensure you're comfortable with the platform, have a strong enough internet connection and know what you may appear like on screen. Related: 16 Zoom Tips for a Productive Meeting

7. Arriving late

Being on time for a virtual interview is just as important as arriving on time for an in-person interview is. Plan on arriving a few minutes early to demonstrate your preparedness and to allow for plenty of time if you experience technical issues. Be sure to confirm the meeting time and login information at least one day before your meeting, and consider setting an alarm to remind yourself of your interview approximately 15 minutes before it begins. Once you log in, Zoom typically places you in a virtual waiting room, signaling to the host that you're ready to meet. Related: Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Interview

8. Not engaging in conversation

Interviews may feel uncomfortable if you're only answering questions during the entire meeting. This may feel exhausting for you, and it may limit what the interviewer learns about you. Aim to carry on a normal conversation with the interviewer. Listen to them carefully, share thoughtful responses, and ask them relevant follow-up questions. Read more: How To Keep a Conversation Going: Benefits and 10 Tips

9. Forgetting your materials

While you may be interviewing remotely, it's still important to arrive prepared. Think about what you might bring to an in-person interview, and adapt this for a virtual interview. For example, have a paper copy of your resume with you and a glass of water within reach. If the interviewer assigned you a project to share during your interview or asked you to bring your portfolio, be sure to store them somewhere on your device that you can access easily. Related: 7 Items To Bring to a Job Interview

10. Being unprepared

Arriving for an interview unprepared typically makes a poor impression on the interviewer. Be sure to prepare for this interview just as you would an in-person meeting by researching the organization, learning about the interviewer and preparing a list of questions to ask them. Practicing using Zoom and testing how you appear on camera may also help you prepare and feel comfortable during the meeting. Read more: How To Prepare for an Interview

11. Allowing excess noise

While some noise may happen during the interview, it's important that it doesn't become a distraction. Try to find a quiet place for your interview, and let the other people that you live with about your interview. Be sure to silence your notifications and other devices during the meeting. Using headphones with a built-in microphone may also help reduce excess noise and help you listen better. Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.