Top tips on how to approach an online Zoom/Teams Interview.
Organisations are performing interviews in a very different manner these days.
As a newly qualified ACA in 2022 you will need to understand how to best put yourself forward during a virtual interview. Most of the traditional interview basics are still the same but there are a few new differences to consider when interviewing online.
Whether it's Teams, Zoom Skype or Google video they all do the same basic job. What matters is how you conduct yourself in front of the camera.
Typically,the interviewer or recruiter will have sent you a link for you to click through at the time of the interview. Make sure you are familiar with the technology being used and that you are comfortable with the application in advance and know how to use the various settings.
When using video software to conduct the interview there are a few key considerations :
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Review the video application in advance.
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Do a trial run checking that the software is working, your WIFI connection is good and you know how the video and audio work. Perhaps get the help of a family member to do a practice interview with you.
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Set up your phone or preferably your laptop making sure it’s set at the correct height so the interviewer can see your head and shoulders properly.
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Professional attire: Dress as if you were heading to the interview in person as it helps to get you in the right mindset and brings an air of professionalism. (Ties are becoming less common now however).
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Set up your desktop in a quiet room with a suitable background (books or painting / typically tidy). Have a drink and your interview notes close at hand. (The beauty of a video interview is that you can set the environment up as comfortably as suits you e.g., gas fire on in the corner or a hot water bottle and slippers. 😊)
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Try to eliminate background noises e.g. a barking dog or crying baby or construction outside your window as much as possible. Consider using earphones if this helps mitigate other noise.
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Close all other applications on your laptop with only Zoom or Teams open and switch your mobile phone to silent obviously.
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A Pen and paper close to hand will make notetaking easy and useful during the interview.
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Watch your body language during the interview : hands on the desk in front of you, shoulders back and a positive professional demeanor. You can keep an eye on yourself using the picture function to ensure you're putting yourself across correctly.
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Some people blur their background but I'm not a big fan of this if the background is suitably reflective of the person.
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Video interviews can be somewhat two dimensional sometimes and you may need to work a little harder to get your expression and passion across. Keep an eye on your body language but also allow for a delay when speaking to the interviewer particularly if it's an international interview.
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Eye contact is a difficult element with online interviews. In fairness its less essential to maintain good eye contact but be vigilant and perhaps make a point of looking directly at the camera at various intervals. Some practice with this in advance will help.
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Join the meeting a little early to allow yourself settle in and get familiar with the functionality.
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If you're having problems with connectivity or something technical make sure you have the interviewers mobile number. A quick text can be useful to let them know you are experiencing problems and to bear with you.
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As with any interview preparation is key - make sure you connect with your Chartered Accountants Ireland Careers Team to schedule a customized interview preparation session at any stage.
Dave Riordan (ACA) dave.riordan@charteredaccountants.ie
Recruitment Specialist & Career Coach | Careers Team – Chartered Accountants Ireland
Phone: +353 1 637 7251 | Mobile: +353 87 9674285
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