Candidate-FAQ

Joining the Teams Call

• The link: Your interview invitation (by email or calendar) contains a Teams link. Open it and select “Join now”. You can join as a guest, so a Microsoft account is not required.
• App or browser: You can use the Teams desktop app or join on the web. If you have time, install the app in advance, as it tends to give a steadier connection.
• Waiting to be admitted: As a guest you may wait in a lobby until the interviewer lets you in. Please stay on the page rather than leaving and rejoining.
• Pre-join screen: Before you enter the meeting, Teams shows a preview with camera and microphone controls. Check that both are switched on and working at this point.

Camera

• Height and distance: Place your laptop or webcam at about eye level and sit roughly an arm’s length away.
• Light: Face a window or a lamp. A bright light behind you will leave your face in shadow.
• Background: A plain wall or a tidy room is ideal. If that is not possible, the Teams “Blur” effect is better than a busy virtual background.
• Check the preview: Use the pre-join preview to make sure your face is clearly lit and in the middle of the frame.
• No built-in camera: An inexpensive USB webcam is perfectly adequate for an interview.

Headphones and Audio

• Headset: A wired headset with a microphone usually sounds much clearer than built-in laptop speakers and microphone, which tend to pick up echo.
• Bluetooth: Wireless headphones can lag or drop out. If you use them, charge them fully and keep a wired option nearby.
• Levels: In the device settings on the pre-join screen, speak and watch the microphone indicator to confirm that Teams can hear you, and test your speaker volume.
• Noise suppression: If you cannot find a completely quiet space, turn up noise suppression in the Teams audio settings.
• Quiet room: Close windows, silence notifications on your phone and computer, and let anyone at home know you will be on a call.

Connection and Environment

• Internet: A cable connection to your router is the most reliable. On Wi-Fi, sit near the router and ask others not to stream or download large files during your interview.
• Close other programs: Shut unneeded browser tabs and applications, especially anything using video or transferring files.
• Browser: If you join on the web, use an up-to-date version of a browser that Teams supports, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
• Permissions: Allow camera and microphone access when your browser or operating system asks. If you blocked it earlier, turn it back on in your privacy settings.
• Plan B: Keep the recruiter’s email address or phone number to hand, and keep the meeting link open so you can rejoin quickly if you drop out.

During the Interview

Teams cannot find my camera. What should I do?

Check that no other program or browser tab is using the camera, because usually only one application can use it at a time. Then refresh the page or restart Teams. If it still does not appear, try another supported browser or the desktop app.

Can I switch my camera off during the interview?

Please keep your camera on for the whole interview unless the interviewer suggests otherwise. If you need to step away for a moment, just tell them, either out loud or in the chat.

My audio keeps breaking up or echoing.

Switch to a wired headset if you can, move closer to your router, close other programs that use the microphone, and turn up noise suppression in Teams.

My video is freezing or lagging.

Turn your camera off for a few seconds and back on again, or ask if you can continue on audio for a moment. Stopping any downloads or streaming on your network usually helps.

What if my internet drops during the interview?

Rejoin using the same link as soon as you are back online. If you have the recruiter’s email or phone number, send a short message so they know you are reconnecting.

Can I use a blurred or virtual background?

A blurred background is fine. A real, tidy and well-lit background is still the best choice, because virtual backgrounds can flicker around your head and hands when you move.

Can I join from a mobile phone?

Use a laptop or desktop if you possibly can. If a phone is your only option, stand it securely at eye level rather than holding it, and keep it plugged in, as video calls use a lot of battery.

Code of honour

• I understand that any dishonesty during the assessment, such as cheating, copying someone else’s work, giving false information about my identity or using help that is not permitted, goes against the values of the hiring organisation and undermines a fair process.
• I confirm that the answers I give are my own work, and I will follow the hiring organisation’s rules on the use of external tools or resources.
• I understand that the hiring organisation may take steps to detect and prevent cheating, and that misconduct may lead to my application being withdrawn.
• I understand that sharing assessment content online or elsewhere is not permitted and may infringe copyright and intellectual property rights.

Quick Pre-Call Checklist

• Camera tested, at eye level, with good light on your face
• Headset connected and microphone level checked
• Quiet, tidy room with notifications turned off
• Stable internet (cable preferred), with unneeded apps and tabs closed
• Camera and microphone access allowed in your browser
• Recruiter’s phone number or email saved and to hand
• Joined the call 5–10 minutes before the start time