Sound, Internet and Device Checklist for Remote Interviews in South Africa

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Preparing for a remote interview in South Africa requires more than good answers — it demands a reliable sound, internet and device setup that factors in local constraints like data limits, mobile-first hiring and load‑shedding. This checklist gives practical, step-by-step guidance, troubleshooting tips and contingency plans so technical issues don’t cost you the job.

Why this matters for South African candidates

Quick pre-interview checklist (do this 24–48 hours before)

Sound checklist — be heard clearly

  • Use a dedicated microphone or a good headset. Built‑in laptop mics pick up room echo and noise.
  • Prefer wired over Bluetooth where possible to avoid latency and drops.
  • Test microphone level:
    • Record 30 seconds of speech and listen back for clarity, background noise and popping.
    • Move the mic 10–20 cm from your mouth; avoid breath hitting the mic directly.
  • Reduce ambient noise:
    • Close windows and doors.
    • Mute notifications and appliances.
    • Use soft furnishings to reduce echo (blankets, cushions).
  • Consider noise suppression features:
    • Enable Zoom/Teams noise suppression or use Krisp/RTX Voice if available.
  • If using phone for audio, use earphones with inline mic; avoid speakerphone in public/noisy spaces.

Expert tip: If you must use the device’s built-in mic, place a pillow or towel behind the laptop to reduce echo and sit in a smaller, carpeted room.

Internet checklist — stable connection wins interviews

  • Aim for at least 2 Mbps upload / 5 Mbps download for standard video. For higher quality, 5+ Mbps up / 10+ Mbps down is safer.
  • Prefer wired ethernet when available. Ethernet is more stable than Wi‑Fi.
  • If using Wi‑Fi:
    • Move close to the router.
    • Switch off other heavy bandwidth users (streaming, file syncs).
    • Use 5 GHz band if the router and device support it.
  • Mobile data & hotspots:
    • Test hotspot performance in your interview spot.
    • Top up data in advance and check your provider’s fair-usage policies.
  • Test your connection:
    • Run a speed test at the interview time (speedtest.net or mobile app) and record results.
  • Bandwidth-saving strategies:
    • Turn off incoming video if audio is priority.
    • Close unnecessary browser tabs and apps.
    • Use audio-only mode if video is unstable.

Comparison of common connection options

Connection Type Typical Speeds Pros Cons
Fibre / Fixed Wireless 10–1000 Mbps Very stable, low latency Not always available; may be affected by ISP outages
ADSL / VDSL 5–50 Mbps Widely available in some areas Higher latency, less reliable than fibre
Mobile Data (4G/5G) 5–100+ Mbps Mobile-first, flexible Subject to congestion, data caps, signal variability
Mobile Hotspot Varies Quick fallback Limited battery, may be unstable indoors

Refer to low-data tactics in Interview Preparation South Africa: Low-Data Video Setups and Phone Interview Hacks for SA Candidates.

Device checklist — laptop, tablet or phone readiness

  • Primary device: prefer a laptop for video interviews (larger screen, better camera/webcam stability).
  • Secondary device: phone on silent but nearby with charger for a quick reconnection or WhatsApp call.
  • Camera:
    • Clean the lens.
    • Position camera at eye level (stack laptop on books if needed).
  • Settings:
    • Disable auto‑updates during interview window.
    • Set “Do not disturb” / Focus mode.
  • Power:
    • Plug into mains where possible; have a fully charged powerbank or car charger as backup.
  • Storage:
    • Clear temporary files to ensure device performance; check there’s enough free RAM and disk.

For budget home-setup tips, see Interview Preparation South Africa: Optimising Your Home Setup on a Budget for Virtual Interviews.

Platform-specific quick settings

Also review mobile-specific advice: Mobile-First Interview Tips: Passing Phone and WhatsApp Video Interviews in SA.

Backup plans and contingency steps

  • If power/internet fails:
    • Move to a secondary location with power/Wi‑Fi (friend, co‑working hub, coffee shop) — have this arranged in advance.
    • Switch to phone audio-only and ask to reconnect by phone/WhatsApp if video fails.
  • If interviewer can’t hear you or you’re dropped:
  • Keep important info handy:
    • Meeting link, dial-in number, recruiter contact number, and alternative device charged.

How to communicate technical issues (professional script)

  • Short, calm, courteous:
    • “Apologies — I’m experiencing temporary audio issues. I’m reconnecting now and will join by phone if needed. Please bear with me.”
  • Offer alternatives:
    • “If the video remains unstable, I’m happy to continue by phone and reschedule a video follow-up at your convenience.”

More examples and templates in How to Communicate Technical Issues Professionally During a South African Interview.

Final checklist (30 minutes before)

  • Camera and mic: test and unmute.
  • Internet: speed check, switch to ethernet/hotspot if needed.
  • Phone: silent, charged, and nearby.
  • Appearance and background: presentable, neutral.
  • Notes: have key points and questions visible but not distracting.
  • Take deep breaths — you’re ready.

For etiquette in mixed formats where some interviewers are in-person, see Hybrid Interview Etiquette: When Part of the Panel is Remote and Part In-Person in South Africa.

If you want, I can generate a printable one-page PDF checklist or a 10-minute mock-interview script tailored for WhatsApp video or Zoom in South Africa. Which would you prefer?