As more companies turn to online platforms to meet and evaluate potential job candidates, acing a virtual interview can be the key to landing your dream job. Because presenting yourself professionally through a screen can be challenging enough, it’s important to set yourself up for success by eliminating potential hiccups or technical difficulties. Check out Twin Valley’s top tips and tricks for acing your upcoming interview, and discover how your internet service can make or break the job hunting process!

Check Your Internet Connection

What’s the worst thing that can happen during a virtual job interview? Besides awkward conversation or apparent unpreparedness, a slow or unstable internet connection can quickly throw off your interview. Save yourself the added stress of internet troubles and check your connection beforehand! Our team at Twin Valley recommends testing your connection at least a day before your interview to allow yourself time to address any potential issues and make accommodations if necessary. Then, check your connection a final time a few hours before the meeting.

How Do I Test My Connection?

Utilize an online tool like Speedtest to pinpoint your specific upload and download speeds, latency, and jitter. As a general rule of thumb, aim for at least 100 Mbps download and upload speeds, less than 100 ms of download latency, and less than 30 ms of jitter for the best virtual experience.

Use a Reliable Device

Demonstrating a sense of professionalism over video call can remain challenging to begin with—and that’s assuming everything runs smoothly! Don’t add the extra anxieties of having to stay calm and collected while navigating technical difficulties. Ensure your device is reliable and the platform you are utilizing (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, etc.) is compatible with your operating system. Consider performing a mock interview with a friend to practice using the webcam, microphone, and speakers, and make sure your device has sufficient storage and battery life to get you through a few hours of video conferencing.

Find the Right Background

If you’re conducting your virtual interview at home, you likely know where your internet connection is strongest. Set up your device in a location where connectivity is stable, and you can best concentrate without any interruptions—online or in real life! When possible, avoid areas far away from your router. If that’s not a possibility, consider using a Twin Valley WiFi extender to boost your signal in different rooms of your home. Our managed WiFi not only beats equipment from leading competitors and big box stores but also has the best reach and signal strength in the game! You may also choose to:

• Request that other housemates refrain from streaming videos or gaming online during your interview (this can help free up bandwidth).
• Curate a calm and professional-looking background, void of television screens, animals, clutter, etc., as these can detract from the interview.
• Opt for a virtual background provided by your videoconferencing software (remember to keep it professional!).
• Set your device on a steady surface to prevent wobbly or shifting camera angles.

Look Into the Camera!

We get it; it can be tempting to look at your own reflection during an online job interview, whether checking for flyaway hairs or searching for affirmation in the interviewer’s reactions. But the truth of the matter is that looking directly into the camera is one of the simplest ways to create connection during an interview. Not only does looking into the camera simulate eye contact, but it also makes interviewees appear more engaged and confident in the conversation. If you’re struggling to maintain eye contact, position your camera at eye level to create a natural, face-to-face conversation.

Expert Tip: Staring down at a camera positioned too low can make you appear domineering, while looking up can make you seem unprepared. A quick adjustment to your camera placement can significantly improve how you’re perceived during the interview!

Partner With Twin Valley

A reliable connection may be the only thing standing between you and your dream job. When you partner with Twin Valley, you can focus on what really matters—impressing the interviewer with your skills and experience—without the distraction of technical glitches. Our fast, reliable internet service ensures you’re always interview-ready, providing the bandwidth and stability needed for seamless video calls. Don’t let a poor connection hinder your job search. Get the support you need with Twin Valley.

View our available service plans and pricing to get started!