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Zoom Interview Etiquette

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OPTIMISE YOUR ‘STUDIO’

  • Find the right location. Set up in a quiet, WiFi-strong, distraction-free area.
  • Always choose a place with a simple solid colour background such as a wall and not with a place that displays tons of things and avoids any foot traffic behind you. Anyone listening to you should not be distracted by what is in the background. They should be able to focus on your face and what you are saying.
  • It’s ideal to have natural lighting like a window facing you but not shining in your eyes. Do not sit with a window behind you, unless you can close a blind/draw curtains
  • Line up the shot. Lay your device in a horizontal/landscape orientation on a steady, level surface and set yourself up in the middle of the view frame. Framing is important, the bottom ⅓ of the screen may be used for captions. Your camera or webcam should be at eye-level for the most natural, flattering visual.

STEP 1

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OPTIMISE YOUR ‘STUDIO’

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  • Turn off sounds. Before your Zoom call, turn on “do not disturb” if you’re on a smart device. Turn off and mute all computer alerts, speakers, or any other chimes or dings that may come through during the meeting.
  • Test your mic. If you use Bluetooth earbuds, be sure they’re fully charged. The mic on your device is normally the best option.
  • Plug into a power source. Make sure your device is fully charged and is plugged into a power source. The last thing you want is for your electronic device to die and cancel the call.

STEP 2

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OPTIMISE YOUR ‘APPEARANCE’

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  • Dress down without being too casual - business casual. A good rule of thumb is to take things down one level from what you'd typically wear in the office.
  • Sit up straight and remain 30cm to 60cm from your camera.
  • Don’t move your legs or rock your chair because this movement can be distracting, make you look nervous or cause your video to appear shaky.
  • If you’re being recorded for video, don’t talk or make sounds while others are speaking. Keeping silent will prevent Zoom from flipping the camera between the interviewer and yourself and keeps the audio clean for editing. Never switch the Zoom settings to silent as you may forget to switch back on when it’s your turn to talk.
  • Remember to use nonverbal cues like nodding or smiling to show you're actively listening.
  • Remember to set yourself up in the middle �of the view frame

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STEP 3

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DURING YOUR CALL, REMEMBER

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  • All calls will automatically be recorded and uploaded to the cloud

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  • Be mindful of background noise as your microphone will not be muted. Avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as shuffling papers.

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  • Don't share your screen

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  • Limit distractions by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your mobile phone.

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  • Blur your background or ensure that your backdrop is a clean, organized, and well-lit space. Ensure no pets or family members are in the background(!)

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STEP 4

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DURING YOUR CALL, REMEMBER

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  • Keep your video on and stay aware of your eye line.

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  • Try not to watch yourself talking and instead keep looking at the camera. Doing so helps create a more direct sense of engagement.

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  • The occasional glance is OK, but speak to the camera as much as possible. The end result is a much more natural-looking conversation, with seemingly “eye-to-eye” contact.

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THANK YOU!

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STEP 5

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