What are the best ways to ensure a stable internet connection during an online job interview?

1 Test your connection beforehand

Don't wait until the last minute to check your internet speed and stability. Ideally, you should test your connection at least a day before the interview, and again a few hours before. You can use online tools like Speedtest or Fast to measure your download and upload speeds, latency, and jitter. These factors affect how smoothly your audio and video will stream during the interview. As a general rule, you should aim for at least 10 Mbps of download and upload speed, less than 100 ms of latency, and less than 30 ms of jitter.

2 Choose a suitable location

The location where you conduct your online interview can also influence your internet connection. Try to find a quiet and comfortable place with minimal distractions and interference. Avoid areas that are too far from your router, have thick walls or metal objects, or have other devices that use the same frequency as your Wi-Fi (such as microwaves, cordless phones, or Bluetooth speakers). If possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, as this can provide a more consistent and secure connection. You can also use a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network to boost your signal in different rooms.

3 Close unnecessary programs and tabs

Another way to improve your internet connection during an online job interview is to close any programs or tabs that you don't need for the interview. These can consume your bandwidth and slow down your connection, especially if they involve streaming, downloading, or syncing. You should also disable any automatic updates, backups, or scans that might run in the background and interrupt your connection. If you share your internet connection with others, ask them to avoid using it for heavy activities while you are interviewing.

4 Use a reliable platform and device

The platform and device that you use for your online job interview can also affect your internet connection. You should choose a platform that is compatible with your device, browser, and operating system, and that has good reviews and ratings. Some of the most popular and reliable platforms for online interviews are Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. You should also use a device that has a good webcam, microphone, and speakers, and that has enough battery life and storage. You can test the platform and device before the interview by doing a mock interview with a friend or using the platform's test feature.

5 Have a backup plan

Even if you follow all the tips above, you might still encounter some unexpected issues with your internet connection during an online job interview. To prepare for this possibility, you should have a backup plan in case your connection drops or becomes too unstable. You should communicate with the interviewer beforehand and exchange alternative contact details, such as phone numbers or email addresses. You should also have a mobile hotspot or a public Wi-Fi network that you can access if your home connection fails. If you experience any technical difficulties during the interview, don't panic, but apologize and explain the situation calmly and politely.

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?