Set up details and familiarisation support for students with an interview on Zoom.

Page sections:

• If your subject requires conversation (and possible screen sharing by interviewer) only
• If your subject requires you to write things as well
• Joining your interview on the day
• Troubleshooting problems
   

Setting Up - Testing Before Interviews

You will need a device that allows you to use a microphone and webcam. We recommend that you use a desktop computer or a laptop, if possible. It is important that you test that the microphone and webcam work on the computer that you are planning to use in advance of your interview, in case there are any issues that you need to resolve. 

Please read either 'Using Zoom in browser' or 'Using the Zoom application' depending on how you will access your interview/s.

If you would like to install the Zoom application on your computer, please see installing Zoom.
 

Using Zoom in browser ('Zoom web client')

1) You should make sure that the browser you are using has the latest updates installed. Zoom web client works best in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Chromium Edge browsers. If the device you are using is not your personal device (e.g. it belongs to your school) you should check which browser/s it has installed.

2) Go to https://zoom.us/test, which tests your internet connection, camera and microphone. Select 'Join'.

3) Make sure you select the 'Join from your Browser', which is at the bottom of the options. Ignore the pop-up. Sometimes you might need to ignore the pop-up a couple of times before the 'Join from your Browser' option appears!

4) Ensure that your microphone and camera are enabled. The buttons will have a red line if they are turned off - click them to turn them on. You will need to give Zoom permission to access your microphone and camera when prompted. 

5) Check things are working. Please note the session will automatically end after a couple of minutes.

If you are not sure if your microphone is working, you can also try https://www.onlinemictest.com/. 

If you find that either your camera or microphone isn't working, please go to the Troubleshooting section below.

Using the Zoom application (installed)

1) There is a page on installing Zoom if you don't already have it on your computer, and you should make sure that the device you are using has the latest device and Zoom updates installed.

2) Go to https://zoom.us/test, which tests your internet connection, camera and microphone. Select 'Join'.

3) Click 'Open Zoom Meetings' when prompted. This will open the test meeting in the application.

4) Make sure you enable 'Join with Video' and 'Join Computer Audio'.

 5) Ensure that your microphone and camera are enabled. The buttons will have a red line if they are turned off - click them to turn them on. Go to the microphone settings and click the 'Test Speaker & Microphone' option. Follow the instructions to check they are working. You can also check if the device is using the correct microphone and speaker here.

Useful Zoom links

Suggested Zoom trial and familiarisation exercises

If possible, you should set up a test meeting via Zoom with a friend, family member or teacher using the same device and in the same location you are planning to use for your interview. You should get the other person to schedule the meeting, so you can practice entering the details to join the meeting as you would need to do for the actual interview/s, including making sure your username is displayed as instructed.
 

If you're applying for the kind of subject where you will need to write things down in your interview, we will explain how this will work in your invitation to interview.

If your interview set-up needs two cameras (this information will be in your invitation) then remember to mute and turn the volume off for your second device, to prevent any echo.
 

1. Before the interview, find your invitation to interview. All times are GMT (so students not in the UK should check they have the correct timing for their country - check this using World Clock). 

2. On a sticky note or piece of paper, or print off the email, write down the following for each interview

• The Meeting ID (a long number - 11 digits) OR the Link in your invitation (you only need one or the other).
• The Meeting Passcode (a 6 digit code)
• The interview time

Make sure you keep this information in a safe place and to hand during your interview (e.g. next to your keyboard), in case of any technical issues requiring you to rejoin the session. 

6. Wait to be let into your interview. 

7. When your interview is finished, please leave the meeting.
 

My camera is not working

1. Check that the browser or application has been given permission to access your device's camera. If you cannot find a way to do this, try exiting and restarting the session to renew the prompt. 
2. Check that Zoom is connected to the right camera.
3. Check whether the fault is with the camera - open the pre-installed camera application on your device to see if it produces an image.
4. Ensure that the device you are using has installed the latest updates.
5. If using the Zoom application, ensure that it has installed the latest updates.
6. If using Zoom in browser, ensure that the browser has installed the latest updates.
7. If using a wired webcam (i.e. not built-in) check that the wire is properly connected to your device.
8. If at school, consult your IT technicians for further advice. 
9. If it cannot be made to work, try an alternative device if possible. 

My microphone is not working

1. Check that the browser or application has been given permission to access your device's microphone. If you cannot find a way to do this, try exiting and restarting the session to renew the prompt. 
2. Check that Zoom is connected to the correct microphone. 
3. Check whether there is a fault with the microphone - go to 
4. If using headphones, disconnect the headphones and try the device's own microphone. 
5. If not using headphones, try connecting some headphones with a microphone. Where possible, please use wired headphones, not headphones which connect over Bluetooth as this is a weaker connection. 
6. Ensure that the device you are using has installed the latest updates.
7. If using the Zoom application, ensure that it has installed the latest updates.
8. If using Zoom in browser, ensure that the browser has installed the latest updates.
9. If at school or using a school device, consult your IT technicians for further advice. 
10. If it cannot be made to work, try an alternative set of headphones, or an alternative device if possible.

I can't open Zoom

1. Ensure that your device has the latest updates installed.
2. If using the Zoom application, check for updates and install them if available. 
3. If using browser, ensure that the browse has the latest updates installed. 
4. If using browser, try an alternative browser. Zoom works best in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Chromium Edge.
5. Check any possible firewall or other restrictions on your internet connection. If using the device on your school's network, you will need to consult the IT team.
6. If possible, try using an ethernet cable for a stronger connection.