Dress for success (but keep it comfy)

Sure, you want to look professional for your interview, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit or high heels. Remember when Pam showed up to her interview at Dunder Mifflin in a sweatshirt? Probably not the best choice, but we can all agree that comfort is key. So throw on a nice shirt or blouse and pair it with some comfy pants or shorts. Just make sure you’re not caught in your pajamas if you have to stand up for any reason.

Test your tech (before the interview)

Nothing is more awkward than joining a meeting and realizing your audio or video isn’t working. So before your interview, make sure to test out your tech. Do a practice call with a friend or family member to make sure everything is working properly. And just in case, have a backup plan ready. Remember when Michael had to resort to using his phone for a conference call? Let’s avoid that if possible.

Background check (your virtual one)

Your interviewer is going to see your background, so make sure it’s professional. No one wants to see your messy bedroom or your pile of laundry. Set up a clean and organized background that shows off your personality, but won’t distract from the conversation. If you’re really feeling creative, maybe you can take some inspiration from Creed’s mysterious background in his interviews.

Prepare your talking points (but don’t sound rehearsed)

You want to be prepared for the interview, but you don’t want to come across as rehearsed. Make a list of talking points that you want to cover, but be prepared to go off-script if needed. Remember when Jim tried to prepare for his interview by memorizing all of the potential questions? Yeah, let’s not do that. Be authentic, be yourself, and don’t forget to listen to what the interviewer is saying.

Stay relaxed (but not too relaxed)

Last but not least, don’t forget to stay relaxed. Take a deep breath, and remember that you’re talking to another human being, not a robot. Crack a joke if the moment feels right (but maybe leave out the “that’s what she said” jokes). Just don’t get too comfortable and start taking your pants off like Michael did during his conference call.

In conclusion, preparing for a Zoom or Teams meeting interview doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Follow these tips, stay true to yourself, and remember to have some fun (but not too much fun). Who knows, maybe you’ll end up getting a job offer and becoming the next regional manager at Dunder Mifflin. Good luck!Top of Form