Many companies, including those within the florist industry, now incorporate technology into their recruitment process. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly popular for recruiters to conduct interviews over Zoom.
This can have many benefits for recruiters and job applicants. However, virtual interviews require different preparation than in-person interviews. As a leading flower industry recruiting agency, we are well-placed to give you some top tips on how to prepare for a Zoom call interview.
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
Preparing for a Zoom interview is similar to preparing for an in-person interview. Research the company, review the job description, and prepare some examples and case studies that are related to the job you are applying for.
2. Choose a quiet and clean area.
Unlike an in-person interview, you will decide where you will have your Zoom interview.
This could be your bedroom, your kitchen table, or your home office. Most recruiters won’t have a preference, but they will expect your interview space to be quiet and clean. A busy interview space will distract you and your recruiter.
If you are doing your Zoom interview in your bedroom, make sure the room is clean and your bed is made.
If you live in a shared household, let everyone know that you have an interview taking place. Close the door and put a notice on your door, telling people to avoid entering your room.
3. Limit distractions.
Much like an in-person interview, you should make sure your cell phone is switched off. You could also disable notifications on the device you are using for the interview.
Try to arrange for any deliveries to come before or after your interview. Sometimes a knock at your door during your Zoom interview is unavoidable. If this happens, explain clearly and calmly to the recruiter, and if you need to, step away from the camera for a short while. Apologize for the interruption, then carry on with your interview.
4. Check your lighting.
Natural light is always best, but too much of it can cause unwanted glare on the screen. You should avoid sitting with a window directly behind you, as this will put you in a shadow. In the darker months, a small desk lamp will give you some much-needed light.
5. Test your internet connection.
Other people in your household using the internet can slow down your internet connection. Therefore, if possible, you should try to make sure that anyone else in your household is limiting their internet usage during your interview.
Once you have selected the place where you will do your Zoom interview, you should also test your internet connection here. There is no point in selecting a quiet and clean area if your internet connection is poor.
If you are tech-savvy, you could prepare your cell phone to be a mobile hotspot. This means that if your internet connection fails, you can use your cell phone as an internet router.
6. Make sure your device is charged.
If your device runs out of battery during your interview, it is unlikely that your interview will be a success. Not only will it interrupt your interview, but it will show your interviewers that you haven’t prepared properly.
Thankfully, it is easy to ensure that your device is charged. Don’t leave it until the last minute, charge your device overnight. This will leave you with one less thing to worry about on the day of your interview.
7. Practice using Zoom.
If you haven’t used Zoom in a while, you should make sure that you are comfortable using it.
Set up a test call with a friend or family member. This will ensure you know how to log on and test your video and audio.
You can also use the test call to try out some of the tips mentioned above. For example, a test call is a perfect opportunity to check your lighting and how clean your background is.
8. Wear appropriate clothing.
Because you are being interviewed from the comfort of your own home, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you should dress for a normal day at home. Instead, you should dress for a Zoom interview in the same way you would for an in-person interview.
9. Look into the camera.
Maintaining good eye contact during an interview is a key component of a successful interview. This can be more difficult for online interviews; however, it is not impossible.
During your Zoom interview, you should focus on looking directly into the camera. Your interviewer will then feel like you are looking directly at them.
Conclusion
Zoom interviews are becoming more and more common in many industries, including the floral industry. As an applicant, it can save you time and money traveling to the recruiter.
However, Zoom interviews do have some challenges, but these aren’t impossible to overcome. If you prepare correctly and take into account our top tips above, you will be well-placed to ace the interview and secure the job. Do you need more tips for your next job interview? Pollen Talent is here to make your floral job search easier. Contact us to learn more.
