At this point in the 21st century, it seems to me that there are now three different established options for two-way interviewing. (I’m not going to address one-way video interviewing, other than to say I’m not a fan.) This blog post offers some advice regarding phone interviews vs. Zoom* interviews vs. in-person interviews.
[*Yes, I know there are other platforms. I’llkeep using “Zoom” in this post because a) it’s the platform I like best, and b) Zoom seems to be the most prevalent generic term, partially because it’s useful as both a noun and a verb.]
For job seekers, these different modes of interview present different challenges and opportunities. Let’s take a look at three different dimensions: appearances, relationship-building, and presence.
Phone Interview
Appearances
The best thing about a phone interview is that you don’t have to be distracted by how you look. On the other hand, the phone interview is your first “live” impression, but facial expressions or body language aren’t available. Your qualifications and interest have to come across in your selection of words and the tone of your voice.
Though the interviewer has seen your cover letter and resume, in the phone interview you need to demonstrate that you truly match what you submitted in writing. (Apparently an AI can write a cover letter and resume. But the employer is interviewing for a real person to perform the actual job duties.)
Relationship-Building
A phone interview can sometimes, but not always, be conducive to making a personal connection. Often phone conversations start with some humanizing “how is your day going” chit-chat. This relationship-building can be highly valuable if the hiring manager is conducting the initial phone interview.
If the phone conversation is with an in-house or external recruiter, keep in mind that we’re a gatekeeper. Establishing a rapport with a recruiter is less important than demonstrating in the interview that you’re qualified to move to the next interview stage.
Presence
You can participate in a phone interview from anywhere, which can be both “pro” and “con”. These are usually shorter than other interviews, which means they’re easier to schedule between other aspects of your busy life. The time and location you choose, however, can make it harder to be fully present for the conversation.
To be successful, treat the phone interview just like any other important meeting. Be in a quiet location where you can focus and be fully present.
Staying present in a phone interview is demonstrated as good listening and good answering. What I mean by “good listening” is to be attentive to the question being asked. Careful listening provides a clue as to the type of answer being sought by the question; take care not to answer a different question.
“Good answering” means being concise while still giving examples and enough detail to answer the spirit of the question. Because the interviewer’s facial expressions and body language are not available to tell you if you’re getting off-topic or going long, you need to self-monitor.
Zoom Interview
Appearances
Compared with a phone interview, a Zoom interview is helpful because you and the interviewer(s) can see each other. Facial expressions can go a long way in conveying meaning and understanding.
However, this means visuals are important! For years now, I have emphasized the “stagecraft” of video interviews. Lighting, background, audio, and especially your internet connection can add to, or distract from, the interview. These elements demonstrate your professionalism just as much as your words and your personal appearance.
Relationship-Building
With Zoom, opportunities to build rapport vary a lot depending on the number of interviewers. In a one-on-one video conversation, there’s usually a good opportunity for relationship-building. It’s much harder with a panel of several individuals, who are typically following a script and trying to juggle the same awkward factors you are.
If the interview is structured well, however, there should be opportunity at the end for candidate questions to the interviewer(s). This is a good time for relationship-building, especially if you’ve done your homework and ask questions tailored to each individual about their work and/or background.
Presence
Staying present in a Zoom interview is both technical and personal. Because it’s important to appear to “make eye contact”, set up the video camera so you’re looking directly into it. Be attentive to the individual boxes on your screen and try to be responsive.
Technology may create a feeling of distance, but these aren’t just questions coming to you through your computer’s speakers: there are real people asking the questions. This can be hard when the interviewers themselves aren’t being very interactive; sometimes it can be hard to “read” them on video. It may take a little extra effort to remain energetic and focused, but the burden of this truly is on the interviewee.
In-Person Interview
Appearances
To state the obvious, an in-person interview is a full-body experience. That means being attentive from head-to-toe, front-to-back. I like to see candidates wear slightly more formal attire than the office culture (examples: if it’s a “jeans” culture, wear khakis; if it’s a slacks culture, wear a suit and jacket, tie optional).
Relationship-Building
In person, there are more opportunities for chit-chat and relationship building, including during transitions between different spaces. Take advantage of that! If there are breaks in between segments of the interview, use the opportunity to ask about the company, or the office, or the individuals around you.
Presence
Being in-person provides a job seeker more information for your own assessment of the employer’s fit with your own priorities. You get to experience the office and the “full selves” of the people you’re meeting with. Keep in mind they are also assessing your “vibe” as well! This starts from your first interaction (perhaps with a receptionist, who may be asked for their input) through the final handshake.
From the time you enter the office space and through to exit, it’s important to exude the right amount of energy: not too high, not too low. Staying present is a more full-self experience. This can be challenging if the interviews are multiple hours. Find appropriate ways to take bio breaks (bathroom, snacks, a few minutes to yourself).
Want more interview-prep tips?
Check out my previous blog series, Troubleshooting Your Job Search.