Zoom interview tips please

[DarlingWithoutYou]

Hi all, I've got an interview day coming up soon for a place on a course/job that I desperately want (Step Up to social work) and could really do with some tips/advice etc. I'm really anxious because the whole day is held on Zoom, and I'm so worried I won't get the chance to shine.

The day consists of a group discussion, a role play with an actor playing a service user with self reflection afterwards, an interview with a service user and then the final 1to1 interview. There's also a written task but I'm not worried about that. I am most concerned about the group situations.

I've got a terrible case of imposter syndrome- people on another forum were posting their work experience and I have barely none in comparison. I got so into my head I considered dropping out, but my OH talked sense into me. I know I have nothing to lose.

The course is incredibly competitive- for my district there were 1100 applicants and 130 of us got through to this stage. There are only 33 jobs.

Thanks for any help.

I always recommend this Ted Talk to people before job interviews. It's not specifically aimed at Zoom interviews but I reckon it would still help. www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en

Good luck!

Thanks Hebe, I'll watch that tonight!

I loathe group discussions at interview and it sounds like a stupid thing to try and do over Zoom, but whatever....

I always make sure to try and use a name of another group member (shows im a team player, innit ), so for example "i think you make a really good point about co-dependency in addiction, Peter, and I would add that we all need to be aware of the impact of trauma bonding as part of that problem as well." That way, you're showing you work well in the group, but you want to make your ideas heard too. In a live discussion, I would usually try to open up a chance for a quieter person to speak, but I don't know how you can do that on Zoom.

Its more about how you participate really. I'm not a social worker but I frequently work alongside them, and in professionals' meetings, you need to be able to speak up to act in the best interest of the SU.

Best of luck - I am sure you will smash it. You have obviously done brilliantly already to get through from such a huge pool of applicants!

@funnylittlefloozie thanks so much, that's all so helpful and really useful. Great tip about using names. In real life groups I try to make sure I invite quieter ones to speak too, but I've no idea how that will work on Zoom. I have this awful vision of us all trying to talk over each other at the same time without realising.

Seems like an incredibly awkward interview stage! Group interviews are bad enough in person!

I've had a few zoom interviews, find a place with a good light. I find a kitchen or taller side so I can stand helps with projecting myself and awkwardness. Also, have some boards with key notes/phrases or talking boards around your laptop out of view.

Break a leg

Annoyingly I can only do it on my bed as my partner is WFH downstairs. I hope they can't tell!

Thank you!

Sorry but interview definitely trumps DH.

You need to put a strong light behind your computer monitor shining onto your face. Camera needs to be at your natural eye level so you are not looking down.

Check you Zoom settings for the flattering setting. Backgrounds on zoom are a bit crap I'd recommend not using one but have your real background as plain and bare as possible.

I love zoom. It takes a decade off me. Don't talk over people. There is a raise your hand setting if you should need it.

Thanks @Wallywobbles you’re totally right, I’m going to ask DW if I can use her desk space for the day. She can sit in the bed with her laptop rather than me, thanks for putting that suggestion in my head!

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it count. I zoom all bloody day, but I also video myself on zoom to see how I look before interviews and I get someone to zoom me and tell me what looks best in terms of lighting.

If you don't have a computer stand put some books underneath it so you are facing the camera.

I'm old so I also wear a polo neck to hide my neck, regardless of weather!! Make up doesn't really show on camera, unless you wear a lot, but I might put concealer under my eyes to even things up and make sure my hair is looking good.

Honestly zoom hides a multitude of sins, but not the fact you are on your bed, or in your bedroom.

If it is not made clear how things will work in the group discussion (there really should be a chair or moderator) then ask at the beginning what the protocol is.

I had a zoom (teams) interview on Wednesday and got the job! My tips are:

• do not use your bed!!! Find a table somewhere as it will affect your posture even if you blur background

• practice what your outfit looks on camera. I had planned a white top and navy blazer (standard work outfit) but the blazer just didn't look right. I went for a black shirt dress with small ditsy print
• look at the camera, not your own face
• don't be tempted to have notes next to you as they will see you looking at them

-smile

Good luck!

Thanks everyone, and well done Acunningruse on your job!

Have sorted with DW- I'm going to use her desk space and she'll use her laptop on the sofa for the afternoon. Will also practise with lighting and what I'm wearing too.

Switch off self view in zoom. It's very distracting being able to see yourself in a meeting. Good luck op!

Oh I didn't know you could do that- thanks- definitely going to do it! I hate seeing myself! Thanks for the flowers

Even if it feels strange, look into the camera and remember to smile but as naturally as possible (practice that before with someone else)!

When I’m doing a talk on Zoom I make a bit of space at the side of the screen & have Notepad open there with my notes - maybe that would help? Good luck!

I don't tend to look into the camera, I look at the person talking. I'll have to practise!

Good idea about notes- I definitely have some so would be good to have them on the screen.

Log on in good time!

Will make sure I do, thanks!

Hi all, am also preparing for the set up to social work interview this month and still don’t know much on what to expect . Pls any tips or ideas are very much Wellcome.