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Writer's pictureThe Job Shop

Make Zoom Work for You



Author: Mike Scaletti


Over the course of the last two years, Zoom has become a household name. While it is a fantastic program that has set the standard for video conferencing, and we've all used it for work meetings and staying in touch with friends and family during the pandemic, but it's not perfect, and occasionally you'll run into problems. If those problems arise during an interview, or an important business meeting, they can have serious repercussions.


Use The App


Various browsers will interact in different ways with the browser version of zoom, causing the stability of your video conference to suffer. To prevent some of the problems with using zoom, it’s best that you download the app instead of using the website. The links will automatically open in the app if you've downloaded it, but the app comes with several advantages, including the aforementioned stability. In addition, if something DOES go wrong, it's much easier to pinpoint it in the app than it is in browser. Plus there are several features, such as sharing your screen or altering your background, that the app can do that the browser version cannot.


Use Your Phone for Audio


If you are having issues with your computer audio in Zoom meetings and can't diagnose the source of the issue, one workaround is to dial in with your phone and effectively use it as a mic. For whatever reason, the audio functions often seem significantly more stable on the mobile version of the app than the desktop version.


Run a test meeting


This is a sort of pre-troubleshooting. Take the time to test your devices, your connection, and your knowledge of the app. The easiest way to do this is to ask a friend or colleague to join you for a quick zoom meeting prior to your main meeting, just to make sure everything is working properly.


Be Transparent With Issues


The bottom line is we all have enough experience at this point to know that things don't always work that zoom, and other video conferencing apps, don't always work the way we like. While it can be frustrating and embarrassing, if you get disconnected or run into issues, just be open and honest with the person you're meeting with. Chances are, they know your pain.


Hold on to Contact Info


Don't discard the meeting link once you have connected. If you do get disconnected it's nice to have that easily available so that you can log back in quickly. Also have your contact's email/phone number readily available. If you find yourself unable to reconnect, shoot them a quick email or give them a call to let them know. Connectivity issues are not your fault, but you don't want to leave someone waiting indefinitely in an empty room.


Have Backup Dates Available


If you can't get back on track quickly, it's possible you will have to reschedule. People are busy and can't always accommodate the additional time necessary to troubleshoot your connection. If that happens, having multiple open options on your calendar for rescheduling will allow you to reschedule for a time that is convenient for them, making it much more likely that they will be able to do so.

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