I have a job interview via Zoom scheduled in two days. I have never used Zoom. How does that work? Do I need to download an app.? Do I just wait for my phone to ring?
Need answer fastish.
Thanks!
Are you using Zoom on a PC/Laptop or a phone?
They should send a meeting request by Email or Text, did they say?
On a PC/Laptop you will need to download the Zoom program, but it is usually very quick and doesn’t require a restart.
On a Phone/Pad, I would download the App ahead of time. It should be something like Zoom Client, I’ll check my phone for you.
ETA: The App on the phone should be Zoom Workplace from Zoom.us
Yes, you download the zoom app, which is free. Then they’ll give you a meeting code and I think also a password code that you’ll enter into the app just before the meeting starts.
Use a photo app or some app that uses your camera beforehand to make sure you’re properly in camera, looking good, and don’t have anything embarrassing in the background. The app I believe has filters and things that can blur your background or add a whole different background.
There should be a URL link that you can copy into a browser, or you can download the Zoom app on whatever platform you are using. (There also may or may not be a phone number you can call into for audio, which is recommended.). The browser-based connection tends to have some lag, but at least it doesn’t crash as often as the Zoom app in my experience (at least on MacOS devices). If the interview includes video, you’ll also need a device with a camera or use a webcam on your computer.
Stranger
I have no idea. I just now responded to an email asking me to click a link to set up a meeting date/time. Which is wed. at 11a.m.
Seriously, that’s the extent of my experience in the Zoom matter.
Do you plan to use your Phone or another device? Zoom works on almost everything, even Blackberrys.
But what you do varies.
Your phone has a camera, but your PC/Laptop/Mac might not. That is the other thing to check.
My laptop does have a webcam, and I can be seated before it, so maybe that’s what I should try.
Get a friend to help you practice and make sure you know exactly how to get it going and how to get the video/audio working. Logging into your Zoom meeting is one of those first impressions that only matters if you mess it up.
That sounds like a good plan.
So I would go here: Download Center for Zoom Apps and Plugins | Zoom
Click the button for Download for Zoom Workplace desktop app and install it.
Once installed, there should be options to start it and test the camera and microphone. Being ready is a solid plan as @Johnny_Bravo said.
Zoom will prompt you to enter a test meeting when you first activate it. Do that to ensure everything works properly.
I recently activated Zoom on one of my SO’s bits of technology.
Ok, if my laptop has a mic, I’ve never used it. I’d hate to end up in a pantomime with the interviewer.
Maybe my phone is better.
Zoom lets you set up a short meeting for free. Download zoom, and practice using it with a friend. Have your friend comment on what can be seen in your background, and how the lighting is. It’s not very hard, but like anything else, there’s a learning curve.
Give it a try and test it.
Test before the meeting. In the settings you can see your video and test your speaker output and mic abilities.
I am amazed to find someone that survived the pandemic, along with life since, that hasn’t used Zoom!
You can try it with your phone and also your laptop. In general, people look better over a laptop. But it’s definitely better if it works.
For what it’s worth, I’m interviewing for the very job that I quit right before the pandemic hit. There is new corporate ownership, and they don’t know me. The boss is my old boss, the cow-orkers are my old 
orkers.
I like my odds, I bravely state, but I can’t fumble my way through this Zoom technology which is a mystery to me. I appreciate all of the advice.
I forgot to add, Good Luck. Sometimes I become focused on being Vulcan IT Guy and forget to be human.
Ok, I downloaded Zoom to my laptop, and entered my gmail info.
I also just received an email confirmation of the interview with a link and a password.
I think my phone might be the way to go… but I don’t know. Ha ha.
My advice:
Unless you have a stand that you can put your phone in and still have a reasonable framing (don’t just hold the phone in your hand during the interviews), plan on using your PC.
Download Zoom on your laptop and practice. Learn how to blur your background. It’s simplest and best. Find a spot and positioning that provided good lighting and a reasonable framing of your head and shoulders. Learn how to join Zoom on your PC and call in to number with your phone for audio (When the meeting is set up, you’ll get a notice with the meeting ID and some phone numbers you can call into for audio). You don’t need Zoom on your phone for just the audio.
A word of warning about a potential trap. When interviewing where you have friends, you need to avoid coming off as too friendly or appearing like you think you have the job in the bag. To the interviewers that don’t know you, this can come across as unprofessional. I recommended a guy who used to work for me to another manager at my new job. He was dedicated, smart, and had a lot of expertise. However, during the interview (I didn’t participate), he came off to my colleague as not focused, not particularly motivated, and a bit inappropriate. He didn’t get the job.
Thanks, human! Ha ha!! 