I’m nervous about a Zoom interview – is it okay to refer to my notes?

I scheduled a Zoom interview with three managers. I haven’t interviewed in a very long time and never by Zoom. Is the reference notes in order? I’m really nervous about it.

If it makes you feel better, take comfort in the fact that you can do the interview from the comfort of your own home, or any setting that makes you feel comfortable – just make sure you have a quiet place and pets and plumbers don’t. will interrupt you.

The other benefit is that through Zoom, you can refer to notes in a way you can’t in person — but don’t let them know you are.

Here’s a simple hack: Put the key points you want to make on post-it notes and tape them at eye level around your camera and computer setup. Then you can refer naturally without people knowing you’re looking at them.

Just don’t be obvious and read literally what you wrote. And if you haven’t interviewed in a while, practice with a friend and make sure the lighting and setting make you look good.

I have emailed HR at many companies in my field to try to get a position, but have not heard back. Is it a waste of time? Does anyone get a job this way?

It depends on how you define “wasting time”. I can tell you for sure that sending unsolicited emails to HR asking about job openings is one of the least productive job hunting activities.

A little more productive – but still not very effective – is to respond to online job postings on those big job aggregator sites like Indeed.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for jobs this way, but since thousands of applicants are seeing and applying for the same jobs, it’s very difficult to stand out. At the very least, come up with a name and email an individual about a specific job opening, using the email as a cover letter and attaching your resume.

However, the most productive job search is through networking. Every company prefers to hire someone who is a referral from someone they trust. And when you send an email, if you can say you were referred by a reciprocal link, you’re much more likely to get a response.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a Chief Human Resources Executive. Listen to Greg Wed. at 9:35 on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande