There are ways to record Zoom calls without actually using Zoom (and triggering the notification). But this may or may not be legal, depending upon the location of the parties involved.

Yes, I always prop my laptop up on books as well to get a good, clear angle

Zoom sends you a little pop up notification if it's being recorded

Zoom will alert you if the meeting is being recorded. I really doubt it would be because then the recording could be discoverable evidence if someone sues.

Practice practice practice with camera. Try propping up soft cover books under the laptop to make the camera tilt down at you at a flattering angle. Use good lightning. Experiment with sitting in different areas of the house to find the best light.

+ 1 for turning off the self view. Check your face and background using your computer's camera beforehand to make sure your background is appropriate and that you look okay, and then turn off or hide the self view for the actual interview.

It's not common to have interviews recorded but I've heard of it being done.

Just practice with a friend beforehand so you know where all the buttons are and that you get used to looking into the camera when you talk. Good luck!

I am an interviewer at my federal agency and we do not record interviews.

No, recording is not normal. Also, I can't imagine having time to rewatch interviews.
When a Zoom meeting is being recorded, Zoom informs you. It wouldn't be a secret.
Yes, you can hide self view.

You really need to do a practice interview with a friend so you can try out all the buttons, see how the screen looks if someone is recording, etc. I think that will help you.

One thing I love about video interviews is I can tape some key points to my monitor to help me in case I get off track.

I have a job interview this week that will be held over Zoom. I haven’t interviewed for a new job in over 6 years, so this format is new to me. To be honest, I’m really nervous about the idea, because I’m afraid that my interview will be recorded and scrutinized later. Is this a legitimate practice? Would they be obligated to ask for my consent to be recorded or can they just do it without asking?

Also, I really hate the way I look on camera and will be very distracted by having to see my face while being interviewed. I haven’t used Zoom since the pandemic. Is there a setting where you can turn off your self view?