How can you ensure a stable internet connection for remote interviews?

1 Check your speed

Before the interview, it's important to test your internet speed using a free online tool like Speedtest. For a clear video call, a download speed of at least 10 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 5 Mbps is recommended. If your speed is lower than that, you may experience lag, buffering, or pixelation. To improve your speed, try closing any unnecessary tabs, apps, or programs that use bandwidth. Additionally, you can move closer to your router or use an ethernet cable. It's also wise to avoid using public or shared Wi-Fi networks and consider upgrading your internet plan or switching to a faster provider.

2 Test your equipment

Another factor that can affect your internet connection is your equipment, such as your laptop, webcam, microphone, and headphones. Make sure they are all working properly and have the latest software updates. You can test your equipment by doing a mock interview with a friend or using a platform like Zoom or Skype that has a built-in test feature. You should also check your battery level and have a backup charger ready. If you encounter any issues with your equipment, you can try to troubleshoot them or replace them if necessary.

3 Choose a suitable location

The location where you conduct your remote interview can also influence your internet connection. You want to choose a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable place that has minimal distractions and interference. Avoid areas that have a lot of background noise, such as traffic, pets, or children. Also, avoid places that have a lot of wireless devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, or Bluetooth speakers, that can cause signal interference. You should also make sure that your location has a strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal or a nearby outlet for your ethernet cable.

4 Have a backup plan

Even if you follow all the tips for a successful virtual interview, you may still encounter some unexpected internet connection problems. To prepare for this scenario, it's best to have a backup plan. You can have a secondary device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that you can use as a hotspot or switch to if your primary device fails. Additionally, it's important to have the interviewer's contact information handy in case the connection drops and you need to switch to a phone call. Furthermore, having a copy of your resume, portfolio, and notes ready offline is crucial. Most importantly, remain calm and professional and apologize for any inconvenience caused by the connection issues.

5 Follow up after the interview

After the interview, you should follow up with the interviewer and thank them for their time and interest. You should also reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and highlight your main qualifications and achievements. If you had any connection issues during the interview, you can also address them briefly and explain how you handled them. This will show that you are proactive, resilient, and adaptable to challenges. You can also ask for feedback or next steps and express your availability for further communication.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?