A recent Harvard Review article identified several reasons for Zoom fatigue—and one of the main reasons was because video calls focus on the face. When you think about it, during any conversation, you look away occasionally—up, down, sideways—you might even close your eyes. It is part of the rhythm of an exchange. But on a video call, you sit endlessly face to face.
A survey by Robert Half ranks another cause for Zoom fatigue in the top three: people talking over each other. Again, when you meet face to face, the etiquette of taking turns is clear; on video conferences, you may find yourself thrust back into the third grade, raising your hand for the opportunity to speak.
In an earlier blog, we gave you some quick tips for your video interview or conference. But if you are beginning to feel Zoom fatigue during your job hunt, here are some ways to restore your enthusiasm before your next video interview:
- Cut out nonessential video meetings. Yes, you want to stay in touch with friends and family but right now your priority is your job search. Ask them to call or email instead. Or write a letter.
- Give yourself a day between video interviews or conferences. If you cannot manage that, give yourself one video free day during the week. Even one day of recovery helps.
- Stay on point. Rehearse your answers to potential questions so that you can speak concisely and efficiently, rather than dragging out the interview with irrelevant detail or prefacing every comment with “uhm” and “you know.” Those quirks of speech can make a video interview or conference seem endless to both you and your audience.
- Hide the self-view. While your audience will be able to see you, you will avoid the constant distraction of looking at yourself. Check beforehand that you look presentable and that the camera is pointed at you, not the floor; then turn off the view for yourself only.
In addition to resume writing, Robin’s Resumes® is delighted to offer support for your job search. As a Certified Electronic Career Coach and as a Job and Career Transition Coach, we help you guide your career in the direction you want.