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.

Continue reading

5 ways to increase your PC's download speed

You may have a poor internet connection if downloads take forever to reach 100%. Outages or poorly-constructed websites could also be to blame. Whatever the cause is, try these tricks to increase the download speed on your PC.

Continue reading

Block Internet ads forever

A new gadget on Kickstarter could revolutionize the Internet by removing all ads from your Internet connection. The device will let users stream videos, surf the web and much more, all without making you watch ads first.

Bad Wi-Fi? This trick will fix it

Open/download audio

Is your internet connection frustratingly slow? Try this one simple trick to boost your connection speed, revealed in my 60-second podcast.

🛜 Off the grid? Check Gmail anytime, even without an internet connection. Just log into Gmail, tap the gear icon > See all settings > Offline tab > click Enable offline mail. Click here to go right to that page. Choose your offline data settings and hit Save. This only works in Chrome and not in Incognito mode.

True or false: You need a streaming gadget to cut the cord

Many are fed up with the rising costs of cable and satellite. And the more equipment you have, the more that can go wrong, adding to the inconvenience. It’s no surprise that cord-cutting is gaining momentum.

Your mind may stray to countless available streaming options, but an old method of watching TV is making a comeback. You can throw it way back by purchasing a TV antenna, but it won’t resemble anything like the rabbit ears you may remember. Tap or click here to learn about the differences between indoor and outdoor antennas and which is right for you.

Continue reading

Work from home basics: 4 tips to help you get started

The dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases has prompted many businesses to transition to remote work. In 2018, a quarter of Americans worked from home at least some of the time. Now, at-home workers may be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Continue reading

The first iPhone 14 satellite emergency rescue

Open/download audio

Do you have an iPhone 14? It could save your life — even when you don’t have an internet connection. Here’s how, in 60 seconds.

Quick fix for slow Wi-Fi

Open/download audio

Wondering why your internet connection is so slow? Here’s a quick and easy fix, in 60 seconds.

New broadband nutrition labels are here

Open/download audio

Have you ever tried to figure out your internet connection bill? It’s a nightmare. Here’s some good news, in one minute.

You're sharing your internet with your neighbors

Open/download audio

Do you use Amazon devices? If so, you may be sharing your internet connection with your neighbors. Here’s how, in 60 seconds.

Test your internet connection speed

Open/download audio

Is your internet connection slower than a snail race? Listen now for a few ways to get the speed you’re paying for.

Free internet connection speed test

Open/download audio

Is your internet connection as slow as molasses in January? Here’s exactly what you need to do!

Are you getting the high-speed internet you pay for?

Open/download audio

Before the new workweek begins, let’s make sure you’re getting the internet connection speeds that you’re paying for. Give me 30 seconds of your time.