Zoom is an easy-to-use cloud-based chatting tool and it is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android. Its great features including desktop and mobile support, multi-sharing, free video replays, auto-recording meetings, and so much more are the reasons for its popularity. 

Let’s dive into how you can take advantage of the flexibility and convenience it brings.

Sign up for Zoom by visiting their website or downloading their app. Enter your preferred email address, allow important resources such as how-to-guides to be sent to your email account, enter your credentials, activate your Zoom account by clicking on the confirmation email sent to your inbox. Remember to use strong passwords to secure your meetings and keep scammers out.
 
Download and install the app on your desktop. Launch the app, enter the required information such as your email address and password. When logged in, head over to the top-right corner and manage your profile. Go to ‘Settings’ to change defaults and activate your preferences. Such as automatically copying the URL once the meeting starts, stopping your video or audio when the display is off, etc.

​You can create a test meeting before inviting participants if you like to get comfortable with how the platform works. Go to ‘Start Meeting’ and use speakers to join audio. Go full screen and test the speaker or microphone.

Schedule meetings and choose how you want to manage them by heading over to the ‘Meetings’ tab. Select ‘Schedule a new meeting’, enter the name, description, as well as time and date. Invite people by selecting the ‘invite’ button, copying the URL, and sharing it. Send the link via email or text. The invitees only need the link as well as the time and date or password where applicable to join. They simply launch the app, enter their Zoom ID, and click on ‘Join’.
 
Set up daily or weekly meetings by using the ‘Recurring’ option under the ‘Meetings tab’. This helps you to lock in settings and ensure you don’t constantly send out invites to participants.

After the sign-up process, install important recommended add-ons before proceeding. Schedule or start a meeting by signing in to the web portal. Click ‘Host a meeting’ to set one up and then ‘Join from your browser.’ Add participants by going to ‘Participants’ and ‘Invites’. Invite people by copying and sending your URL via email.
 
Your attendees will join meetings by following the link or pasting it onto their browser.
 
Keep them engaged by enabling the Q&As section, chat-texting, and screen sharing.

It is important to note that you won’t have access to all Zoom features with this option.

​Download the app from the Play Store or the App Store. Install and launch it. Sign up for an account or log in to your existing account following the prompts.
 
Start new meetings by clicking on ‘New Meeting’ and then ‘Start new meeting’. Go to ‘Participants’ then ‘Invite’. The mobile version also allows you to adjust your settings, similar to the desktop one. Add participants by copying, pasting, and sending them the URL via email, messaging, or other available options.
 
They will attend meetings or webinars by following the same method outlined under the desktop version.

Go to ‘Meet & Chat’, click on ‘Schedule’, fill in the name as well as the time and date. After hitting ‘Done’, enter participant names and set notifications. That’s it, you’re done setting up a meeting.
 
To respond to an invite, follow the URL link or answer the incoming call. Tap ‘Join’, enter your meeting ID, and participate.

Knowing the common mistakes that make conferences boring, unproductive, and tiring will help you to avoid them.
 
So, here’s what you need to avoid:
 

• Failing to get attendees to connect with you.
• Multi-tasking or trying to respond to text or emails while presenting.
• Failing to keep participants engaged.
• Hosting meetings without proper planning.
• Not recording your meetings especially when there are important things to remember.

​Get the most out of your Zoom experience by knowing the best tricks to use the platform and implement them at your next meeting.

Look professional or decent by positioning your webcam right. Don’t look down at the camera. Keep it at the eye or face level and look directly at the webcam.

Check if everything is working as expected before starting. Ensure you conduct your webinars in a quiet environment. Get rid of background noises by investing in the right tools that will give your presentations and presence that professional touch. Mute and unmute participants to get rid of unwanted noise by going to ‘Manage participants’ and ‘Mute’ or ‘Mute all’. Don’t forget to mute your microphone and unmute only when speaking.

​Your background says a lot about you. So, use one that presents you or your business well. Zoom allows you to change or customize your background. Go to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Virtual Background’. From there, upload your preferred image or video or use default ones. If you want to maintain it as it is, make sure everything behind you is clean and tidy. Or simply set your desk in front of a plain wall and have it as your background.

​This helps you to effectively manage and host productive meetings. Sharing information, commenting, bouncing ideas off each other, and solving problems becomes easier because you will be running manageable groups. You can also provide one-on-one support to participants if you are an instructor. Create breakout rooms by going to ‘Account Management’ and then to ‘Account Settings’. Go to the ‘Meeting’, choose ‘Breakout room’ and enable it.

​Protect against Zoombomb and scammers. They can disrupt your meetings and post malicious content if you are not careful. So, use the best security standards to keep that from happening. For example, don’t publicly share your meeting links, use waiting rooms or the ‘lock’ feature to gain complete control over who participates, remove disruptive attendees by using the ‘Remove’ option, and so forth.

​Be sure to review Zoom's Best Practices. Go to their website. Navigate to ‘Resources’ and ‘Privacy and Security’. Here you will get in-depth information on how to protect and conduct as well as manage secure meetings.

Effortlessly navigate through the platform by mastering the essential keyboard shortcuts. Whether you are on a Mac or using Windows.

• Use Alt+I on a PC to access the invite window and share the link.
• Use Cmd+I on a macOS to access the invite window and share the link..
• Take a screenshot on Windows by using Alt+Shift+T.
• ​Take a screenshot on a macOS by using Cmd+T.

The list is endless. Access the hotkeys by going to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Keyboard Shortcuts.’

Zoom's platform lets you set up and conduct job interviews and productive virtual meetings. Its user-friendly interface lets you set up and manage everything easily without any tech skills. Once you open an account, you can invite people to your meetings and have them join by simply clicking on the shared link. No IT required. 

Whether it’s a job interview, business meeting, or a family meeting, connection issues may occur. Some of the most common issues you may run into are: 
​
Failing to see or hear other participants, seeing blurry images, lagging videos, crashing meetings, background noises, and getting your meetings hijacked, just to name a few. 

Learning Zoom meeting etiquette is also important. All this can be frustrating when you are trying to join a meeting. Nonetheless, running into technical issues is quite common when using video conferencing software. So, you are bound to run into problems on Zoom as well. But luckily, you can fix most of the issues on your own. There are easy practical solutions you can apply to solve Zoom meet​ problems.

​Ensure security by using the best standards such as having participants enter a password before joining meetings or locking your meetings to ensure no one joins in without your approval and so on.

If your webcam isn’t working, go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Video’, and choose the device you want to use. If this doesn’t solve your issue, close all programs that are using the camera so Zoom can access it. Ensure the application has permission to access the camera. Close the app and relaunch it. Make sure the ‘Turn off my video’ box is unchecked and log in. That should fix your problem.
 
If you get blurry images after fixing the camera issue, clean the lens, refocus your camera, or use an auto-refocusing webcam.

If you can’t hear other participants, check your speakers and ensure they are turned on. Leave the ‘Do not connect to audio’ box unchecked when signing in. If other participants can’t hear you, check to see if your microphone is muted and unmute it. Go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Audio’ and select your device. That will solve your issue.

Fix background noises by having all participants except the current speaker mute their mics during meetings. Another option is to go to ‘Participants’ then ‘Mute all’ or ‘Mute Participants on Entry’. However, only the host can do this. Use the same methods to fix echoing audio issues. ​

This is often caused by slow internet connections. Check your connection speed. Close all programs that may be using the same connection and pause ongoing downloads, if any. Next, go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Video’ and ensure ‘Enable HD’ and ‘Touch up my appearance’ are both unchecked. If that doesn’t work, find a faster less congested connection and use it instead. ​

Intruders can hijack your meetings and post inappropriate content. Protect yourself by keeping your app updated as well as adhering to the best security standards. Such as, using a random or generated meeting ID when creating conferences, locking your meetings, using strong passwords, and using waiting rooms to gain control over who joins. ​

Remember to learn the Zoom Keyboard Shortcuts. They facilitate navigating through Zoom settings without using the mouse. 

Use this script to follow up after an interview if you haven’t heard anything back.
 
PREPARATION:

• Send a written thank you note within 48 hours after the interview.
• If you were given a timeframe in the interview for a decision or next step and that time has passed (at least one day after the date you were told — but preferably 2-3 days afterwards, since people are busy), it’s a good idea to follow up.
• Note: Consider an email as your first follow-up unless the hiring manager gave you permission at the end of the interview to call OR if it’s been more than a week and you haven’t received a reply to your email follow-up.

 
MAKE THE CALL:
Be prepared to leave a voicemail message if you don’t reach the person directly. Be sure to leave a phone number, but know that you may not get a callback. If you leave a voicemail, follow up 2-3 days later with an email.

If you do reach the person directly, use the scenario below:

Hi. This is (your name) and I interviewed with you for the position of (job title) on (date).
 
I wanted to reiterate that I’m very interested in the job, and I wondered: Are you close to making a decision yet?
 
[If no: I wanted to be sure you had all the information you needed from me. Is there anything else I can provide you with to help you make your decision?]
​
[If yes: That’s great. Am I still being considered?
 
Do you have a timetable for when you expect to make the decision? What is the next step?
[If the answer is “I don’t know” or you are given a future date, ask if you can follow-up.]
 
When would be an appropriate time for me to check back with you? I’m excited about this opportunity, but I know these things take time.
 
[Hiring manager may give a specific time or may be noncommittal.]
 
Thanks again for the opportunity to be considered for this job.
 
HOW IT MIGHT SOUND:
You: Hi. This is Jim Jones, and I interviewed with you for the position of Business Analyst on the 28th. I wanted to let you know I’m still very interested in this job, and I wondered if you are close to making a decision yet.
 
Hiring Manager: I’m sorry, I’ve been swamped and haven’t had time to schedule the next round of interviews.
 
You: No problem. Am I still being considered for the job? And if so, is there anything else I can provide you with to help you make your decision?
 
Hiring Manager: No, I think I have everything I need.
 
You: Great. When would be an appropriate time for me to check back in with you? I’m excited about this opportunity, but I know these things take time.
 
Hiring Manager: Maybe in a week or two?
 
You: Thank you, I’ll check back in on the 17th then. Thanks again for the opportunity to be considered for this job.

Aside from all the details, it is important to know WHEN to follow up after interview. Follow up in the right time frame and outshine your competition this way.

​​Becoming a better negotiator is a beneficial skill to learn that takes consistent practice. Whether you have to learn how to negotiate salary or are after learning how to get the raise you deserve, negotiating properly can help you earn as much as 25% more than if you negotiate poorly. Negotiating can be tricky, but it can increase your opportunities and improve your life in many ways. It’s a skill you can develop. 
 
If you want to be a cut above the rest of the negotiators, follow the five steps below:

Step One: Always bid first and higher – If you are selling something, don't assume the buyer will pay higher than what your goal is. It is likely that if you allow the buyer to provide a price first, they will always low ball, and it will make it harder to negotiate a better value. When bidding first, it is also essential to give a number that is higher than your end goal.
 
Step Two: Listen before action – Listen before you reply. Let the other party finish any of their thoughts first. Silence may be awkward, but this can be used to your advantage. Most likely, the other party will fill the silence with valuable information to lead you to a better result. Not every response needs a reply, either. If someone claims the price is too high, let the silence make them think about their reasons why.
 
Step Three: Avoid negative emotions – It is only natural to feel tension when negotiating but don’t allow the other party to feel this tension. It will only lead to a roadblock that prevents success. Try to think of it as a challenge and something that is fun rather than something confrontational.
 
Step Four: Make it a win/win situation – Becoming a superior negotiator does not mean one party must lose. In fact, it means the opposite. For example, often, the car salesperson will say something like, “Let’s find something that works for both of us.” Then they will likely tack on extras such as car maintenance but not lower the monthly price. Now the price seems more worth it to the buyer while the seller still gets what they want out of the deal; that is a win/win situation.
 
Step Five: Research and more research – Don't go into any negotiation before knowing what you are talking about. Research as much as you can on the topic that you are dealing with. For example, if you are trying to negotiate your rent (believe it or not this does happen) then it is a good idea to research all the prices in the zip code you plan on living in as well as crime statistics or other factors that can be negative to allow a decrease.
 
Keep practicing these five steps, and you are sure to benefit the next time you must put your negotiating skills to the test. Remember, learn as much as possible so you can exude confidence and always look to help each party, and you will be sure to reap the benefits of becoming a master negotiator. 

There are two types of video interviews — live interviews (using Skype, FaceTime, or LiveMessenger) and recorded Question-and-Answer interviews, also called “time-shifted” video interviews.
 
In a recorded interview, the jobseeker is directed to a website to answer questions on video, using their computer’s webcam. Video interviews provide an apples-to-apples approach to assessing candidates. All applicants are asked the same questions, and the hiring manager can review and rate the responses. These interviews can be easily set up by the company’s HR staff and the recording forwarded to the hiring manager for selection for the next round of interviews.

More common, however, are live video interviews.

In 2012, Robert Half reported in a press release that a survey by OfficeTeam found that 63 percent of HR managers use video technology to conduct job interviews. This was a significant increase from 14 percent who conducted Skype interviews in 2011.

Skype usage has increased dramatically in recent years: more than 300 million minutes of video calls are logged every day. An increasing number of those calls are job interviews.​

In 2018, CNBC reported that job interviews are more commonly conducted by AI robots and included this video to show how AI is changing the way you apply for jobs:​​

On September 20th, 2018, The Wall Street Journal provided details in an episode of Moving Upstream and included this video to show  "how new data science tools are determining who gets hired". 
​

​You can practice a video interview on a computer with a webcam, using the Skype app, or using traditional camera equipment .
 
Even though online interviews are being conducted by webcam, they are  “real” live interviews, and you should be as prepared as if you were sitting across the desk from the interviewer. In fact, you may have to prepare more! After all, you do not have to clean your room before going off to an in-person job interview, but you do need to clear a space for your online interview.

In a 2017 article about "How to prepare for a job interview", CNBC reminds us to be carefull about our vocabulary and warns us against our use of "filler words". 

Each job board also offers its own advice about video interviews.

• Indeed provides the "Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Interview" .
• Monster.com lists its advice in form of "5 things you must do to prepare for a job interview". ​​

Also, here is a compilation of various HR professionals and their insights on virtual interviews: 

• Phone And Video Interview Tips: Experts Comment

Be mindful of where you set up for your video interview. Be sure the area is free of visual distractions (clutter). Carefully consider what is in the background of your AI interview. Make the background interesting, but not distracting. Plain white walls are fine, but boring. Can you frame a desk or bookshelves behind you instead?

Check out your technology well in advance of the interview. Make sure you have Internet connectivity
Make sure your webcam and microphone are working and that your webcam is providing a decent picture. (High definition webcams are available for under $100, if yours is not providing a clear picture.)

You may also have to download the software if it is the first time you are using the application.

One of the best things you can do to prepare for a live video interview is practice. Practice filming a couple of interviews with friends or family members before your job interview. Check the lighting and your volume.
 
As with a phone interview, recording your practice video interview can help you identify areas to work on, or fix. Have your test partner take a few videos.
 
Be sure to account for any time zone differences before the interview.
​​

​Review the guidelines for phone interviews, but also keep these “do’s” and “don’ts” in mind.

DO:
Dress nicely — more than one jobseeker has scheduled a video interview, thinking it would be voice only — and then accidentally found himself or herself on a video  call.
​
Dress from head-to-toe. You may think you do not need to wear dress pants with the shirt and tie since the interviewer is only going to see the top half of your outfit. But you should always expect the unexpected. You never know when you might need to stand during an interview. Pajama pants, jeans,  or shorts with a dress shirt, tie, and jacket just do not work.
 
Keep your clothing color choice in mind. Check how the colors of your clothing appear on camera. Just like TV news anchors avoid some colors — and most small patterns, pick colors that will show up well on video. Jewel tones or pastel colors work best. Do not wear white or black.
 
Practice your video interview wearing the exact outfit you are planning to wear. This trial run will also allow you to test the volume of your system, see how the interview software works (if you are not familiar with it), and make sure your lighting is appropriate.
​

​Lighting is important for virtual interviews. If the light source is behind you, you may appear as a dark silhouette on the screen. Position a lamp or other light source in front of you.

Ensure that your profile photo is professional. This is your first impression from a physical standpoint in a video conference.
 
Positioning is also important. Prop up the computer so that you are not looking down at it and practice where to sit so you are framed correctly by the webcam. Make sure your torso is visible — including your hands — especially if you “talk” with your hands.
 
Look at the webcam when you speak because it will appear to the interviewer that you are looking at them directly.

One “pro” tip is to use a USB-connected headset for an interview instead of using the computer’s speakers. Headsets are inexpensive and can provide a much clearer interview experience.
 
If possible, use a wired Internet connection (plug directly into the Ethernet port) instead of using a wireless connection.
 
If you are using a laptop for the online interview session, plug it in so you have plenty of “juice” (battery life) for the call. You do not want to have to dig for a cord to keep the computer from shutting down.
 
Turn off notifications on your computer and close your other software programs. You do not want to be distracted by beeps every time you receive an email.
 
Speaking of distractions, it is easy to tell on a video interview if you are not paying attention, so keep your focus on the interviewer.
 
Dial up the enthusiasm! Someone who speaks with normal energy in a one-on-one conversation can come across as flat and monotone on a video interview. So it is important to be a little more enthusiastic in a virtual interview than in-person.
 
Smiling is an important strategy for video interviews. Most of the time, when we are listening to someone else, we have a blank expression on our face. But on a video interview, a blank expression comes across as a frown. Keep a slight smile on your face: not a huge grin, just show a few teeth and raise your cheeks slightly. Practice this in a mirror ahead of time.
 
Lean in. You have probably heard that “the camera adds 10 pounds.” The reason for this is that many people lean backwards in their chair, when they should be leaning forward. If you sit back and relax in your chair your head will be further away from the webcam than your stomach. Unfortunately, the camera latches on to whatever is closest…your gut!
 
For women, pay careful attention to your hair and makeup in video interviews. Again, a practice interview session can help you assess this. You may even hire Interview Coaching services.
 
Be mindful of your habits. Just like in a face-to-face interview, the interviewer will notice when you twirl your hair or chew your lip.

You can take notes during an online interview, but do not take too many, or you will come off looking distracted. Take notes with a pen and paper, not on your computer.
 
If you have an online portfolio, keep the link handy. You may want to share it with your interviewer. 

DO NOT:

• Choose a cutesy or unprofessional online name — no nicknames and minimize numbers and keyboard characters. Online, your first impression is your username and photo, so make sure both are professional. Your best bet is your first name and last name as your username.
• Forget to verify the timing of your interview — taking in account any time zone differences.
• Be too quick to answer. With video, there is sometimes a delay or interference, so make sure you pause before answering a question to avoid overtalking the interviewer.
• Forget to silence your cell phone when you are on a video interview.

As with an in-person interview, be sure to inquire about what the next step will be. And write a handwritten thank you note or email as soon as you are off the call.
 
Job seekers often ask about when to follow up after interview. Follow-up is key after a phone or video interview. Research indicates that employers are less likely to keep jobseekers up-to-date about their prospects with the company after a phone interview than with an in-person interview.
​

► ► BE ORGANIZED ◄◄

• Print out a hard copy of your résumé (make sure it is the same version the interviewer has), cover letter, and the job posting/job description.
• Prepare your list of questions you want to ask in the interview.
• Assemble your talking points and company research.
• Record a professional voicemail message on your phone.
• Have a glass of water nearby in case your throat gets too dry.
• If using a cell phone, have your phone charger and an outlet nearby.
• If using a laptop, make sure it is plugged-in and is charging.
• Eliminate any distractions and put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
• Have your calendar handy in case you are asked to schedule your next interview.

Having presentation or interpersonal skills is not the same as knowing how to sell yourself in an interview. If you do not know how to sell yourself, you can’t help prospective employers. Plus, you may find it very challenging to receive employment offers and/or to negotiate your salary.

• Get training in this area if you struggle with the sales end of the job search process.
• Practice your skills with an Interview Coach.
• Learn how to talk about the benefits of your work to potential employers.
• Realize that the service you offer has value and you deserve to make money.

 
Change your thinking.
The idea of using sales skills in an interview often brings up negative thoughts. The fact of the matter is that it is an essential interaction that is necessary for your success in securing new employment. 
​

• Change your outlook by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs.
• See yourself as offering to help someone, rather than taking away their money.
•  Think of how you have benefitted from other helping relationships.
• Recognize the benefits of what you have to offer.
• Change your thinking from one of sales to one of serving others.
• Stop pitching and simply talk about your work and answer questions with ease.
• Don’t promise things you can’t deliver – this makes it easier to sell your services.

 
It’s ok to negotiate. Your expertise has a monetary value.
There is a time and a place for negotiations, offers, and incentives. Make sure you don’t sell yourself short. You exchange your experience, training, knowledge and insight for  monetary rewards. Think of your services as and yourself as a product available for purchase. 
 
Show the prospective employers why they need you.
Learn how to interact with a potential employer, so that they realize you can help them. This means  showing them, rather than telling them about your skills and knowledge.  Having a professional portolio in hard copy or online, can demonstrate your skill set in a way that prospective employers come to their own conclusions about your capabilities. Keep in mind that you are selling a product. The combination of your experience, knowledge, and skillset is your product; your resume and your interactions demonstrate a taste of things to come.
 
Believe in yourself.  SELL yourself.
Acknowledge your personal strengths and demonstrate them to prospective employers.  Help them recognize your passion and interest in learning, helping, cooperating, and applying your skills. Once you believe that you are are adding value and are capable of delivering the goods, it shines through to others.   

 Telecommuting is in the news these days, but the idea of working from home has always held some appeal for many workers. Advantages to telecommuting include eliminating a lengthy commute, allowing more flexibility to pick up or drop off children from school or child care, avoiding delays in getting to work due to weather-related concerns, and isolating yourself from contagious illnesses such as the current global concern against the spread of the Coronavirus.  In fact, it was only a few days ago when I saw a report from CNN Business with a title that started with Sick employees should stay home to fight coronavirus.