Checking the technology

- You've applied for an interesting job and now you've been asked to do an online interview for the position. Great news. Before you begin preparing anything else, it's a good idea to check the technology needed for the interview. Let's take a look at some of the vocabulary you need to know to ensure that you are ready for the interview from a technical perspective. First, the platform is the program that you will use for the interview. Common platforms include Zoom, Skype, and WebEx but there are many others on the company you're interviewing with may even have its own unique platform. The interview organizer should always tell you which platform will be used, but if not, you should ask. And if the platform is one you have not used before, you should try to find some information about it online and check that it works with your device. You will want to check for example whether the platform is web based meaning you can open it directly from a webpage or whether you need to download a program or application to use it. If you discover that you need to download something, you should do so as soon as possible to try working with it before the interview. Your browser or web browser is the program you use to access the internet. Chrome, Firefox and Safari are examples. Since certain web based platforms don't work well on some browsers, it is a good idea to check online, to see whether you need to use or avoid a particular browser. If you cannot find the information on the internet, then you can ask the interview organizer the question, is there a preferred browser to use for this platform? You should also check the technical specifications for the platform. This is information about what versions of which operating systems, for example, Microsoft windows or MacOs will work. There may also be information about webcam resolution or the internet speed required for the platform to function correctly. Finally, you need to make sure the settings for your headset, microphone and webcam are correct. You'll want to check for example, that the microphone and camera you plan to use are being recognized by the platform's software. Test the audio and camera beforehand, if at all possible so that you know they are working properly and that you will not delay the start of the interview trying to adjust the settings. By doing the appropriate research about the platform, ensuring the technical specifications are met, and checking all your settings, you will greatly decrease the chance of technical problems during the interview.