How to rock a remote interview: Tips for shining over the phone or on video

Remote interviews are the present and the future. Why? The pandemic forced many companies nationwide to move to a remote system nearly overnight.

Now that we’ve been operating remotely for a while, many employers have seen the positive benefits of having remote employees. Increased productivity is one of them.

Many companies have decided to stay that way, so much so that your next interview could be over Zoom. Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to prepare for a remote interview over the phone or on video, brought to you by our sponsor, LinkedIn.

Is your business hiring? Our sponsor, LinkedIn, is the easiest, fastest way to find qualified candidates. Tap or click here to post a job for free.

Double-check everything

You wouldn’t show up to an in-person interview 10-15 minutes late, would you? Being on time is just as important for a virtual interview as in person. Showing up late looks unprofessional, which won’t help you score points with the person interviewing you.

RELATED: Working from home? Eight tips for managing remote employees

First, double-check your internet connection to ensure it’s stable before the interview. Run a speed test to be sure. Try the FCC’s speed test to ensure your internet works fast enough to support your interview, whatever platform it may be on.

Second, double-check you have the software needed to run the interview. If your remote interview is over Zoom, you must download the software first. Don’t wait until 10 minutes before your interview! Be sure you know how to use Zoom, or you may end up like this poor guy in this famous Zoom mishap.

Finally, ensure all your equipment is working. Ensure your laptop is charged or plugged in before starting the meeting. Do a microphone check and video cam check to ensure everything is running smoothly, so there won’t be any hiccups during the session.

Don’t assume your call is audio-only and dress accordingly

Just like you wouldn’t show up to your interview late because punctuality is important, you wouldn’t show up in sweatpants either. Don’t assume your interview will be audio-only, even if it is over the phone. Dress like you would for a typical interview and look as professional as possible.

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Money-saving secret your cable and internet provider doesn't want you to know

When you’re driving, spotty cell coverage is a drag. Music, GPS, and calls just won’t go through. Here’s a quick guide to boosting your service no matter where the road takes you.

What about a travel pro tip if you prefer to fly to your destination? You can see which flights include the most legroom with the right tools. I tell all my tall friends about this trick. Tap or click here for the secret — it’s No. 5 on the list.

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Clean up your cables

👊 Fixing the cord mess is easy with the right gear.

  • Wiring across the floor can be a tripping hazard. This floor cord-management kit is 24% off and hides everything nicely.
  • An under-the-desk cable tray is perfect for tables, desks without storage compartments and even bookcases.
  • These cable ties (14% off) aren’t just ugly pieces of plastic! Use ‘em over and over again.
  • A cable concealer hides cords along the wall, across the floor or attached to furniture.
  • Some outdoor equipment comes with excessively long power cords. Roll them up in an easy-to-use storage wheel (29% off).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🧱 Don’t buy a brick: Before you buy a used phone, check its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Here’s how: Just dial *#06# on the phone to display its IMEI. Now, pop that number into the Stolen Phone Checker to see if the phone has been reported lost, stolen or blocked by a carrier.

A hospital's responsibility for ransomware attacks

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When ransomware cripples a hospital, it’s not the building or equipment that suffers — it’s the patients who are denied. 

✈️ Hundreds of flights a day are under attack: GPS spoofing is an electronic warfare tactic that sends fake signals to disrupt aircraft navigation. Pilots get false warnings (like “pull up”), clocks reset and flight paths go off course. The scariest part is we won’t see an equipment upgrade or fix until next year, at the earliest (paywall link). Scary.

Tidy your tech: Best cable organization and cord management options

Everyone seems to own laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, Internet of Things devices and so much more. It’s great to be connected, but what isn’t great is all those tangled cords.

Thankfully, there are tons of organizing tools to choose from. Whether you want to hide those cables swinging from your TV or move the wires out of your way on your computer desk, we’ve got the right organizers for you.

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How to make money from your car, home, RV and other stuff you own

We could all use a little extra money, but who has the time to pick up a part-time job? The solution is simple: Make passive income by renting stuff you have. Use these apps to earn money without working.

This peer-to-peer marketplace app helps you make money by renting trailers, home improvement tools, adventure gear, heavy equipment and other products you aren’t using. Whenever you list an item, the Equipment Protection Plan covers you against damage and loss for up to $25,000.

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What wood you do? A Georgia man lost his phone at night in the woods, and, while looking for it, he fell down a 50-foot well. He called for help but spent a long, cold night in the well. Rescuers took almost two hours to get him out using special equipment. PSA: Don’t walk around alone at night in the woods.

Grow your small business: 4 free ways to learn digital marketing

You can have the best product in the world, but that won’t mean anything if you don’t know how to market your business. To attract customers to your site, you must arm yourself with marketing strategies. Luckily, there are tons of free ways to learn digital marketing.

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Stop renting your modem and buy one instead - Here's why

Anyone who has ever set up at-home internet knows the importance of a modem and router. You may not know how many options you have when shopping for these gadgets, though. Many folks just rent a modem/router combo from their internet service provider since the costs of buying one can seem too high.

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Tech how-to: Create your own custom QR codes

When you entered a restaurant years ago, you received a paper or laminated menu, and that was that. Since then, many establishments have adopted QR code menus. Scan the code and view the menu. This concept has moved to retail establishments and service providers like doctors, mechanics and universities.

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12 useful things under $20 that are well worth the money

Everyday life can be stressful, but there are ways to make things a lot easier. All it takes is an extra gadget here and there, and suddenly challenging tasks become simple.

Turn to Amazon, the most convenient place to buy everything we need. Tap or click here for the top Bluetooth speakers to take on the go.

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Photography tip: How to shoot a winter landscape

If you consider winter the most beautiful time of year, you might want to capture it on camera. That can be tough when you’re new to photography, though. There are all sorts of harsh elements for a newbie to balance, especially the intense light caused by snow reflecting the sun.

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8 proven ways cheap people lower their monthly internet, cable and streaming bills

The average American will pay $32,400 for internet access throughout a lifetime. This number, calculated by researchers at Reviews.org, doesn’t even include today’s big dogs. I’m talking about your cable, streaming, cellphone and other subscriptions.

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Streaming service comparison: Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Disney+ and more

If you’re ready to drop cable and fully embrace streaming services, look no further. We’re here to help you find the best streaming service for your needs. Whether you’re looking at Netflix, Hulu or HBO Max, you’ve got a lot of research to do.

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How to build the ultimate Windows Flight Simulator setup

Taking a leisurely flight is now easier than ever — even in the midst of a pandemic. You’ll just need to dig up the right equipment to make it happen. No, we’re not talking about masks and luggage. While you need both of those things to fly on a commercial flight, you won’t need them where we’re going.

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7 photography myths you should stop believing

Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a semi-pro photographer, you probably have some strong ideas of what makes a photo (or a photographer) good.

Maybe you think it’s all about the right equipment or the right software. Photoshop isn’t the only tool in town, though. Tap or click here for some free alternatives that may have all the features you need.

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Tech how-to: Make phone calls from your computer

It’s tough living far from people you love, but telephones make that distance much more manageable. Unless you live very far away, then telephones can make that distance expensive.  

Roaming and long-distance charges and using up tons of your allowed minutes can make phone calls really expensive. Click or tap here to learn how to make calls when you have terrible cell reception.

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Small biz advice: Get the expert tech help you need

As of December, more than half of Americans were employed by small businesses. There’s no question the impact the coronavirus has had on those businesses, and all their employees.

It’s an unprecedented time, and if you own or work for a small business, you’re navigating new territory. So how do you stay afloat when everything is changing? With the right resources.

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