Tech Check Guide for Respondents

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Learn how to conduct a seamless tech check for your interview. Our comprehensive guide covers recording tips, system requirements, troubleshooting methods, and scheduling live tech checks.

 

As a respondent, you will receive an ATC link directly from your recruiter or noreply@discuss.io - completing this step helps ensure smooth and seamless live interviews by testing the audio/video devices & Internet Connection.

Respondents must complete the tech check with the same setup that will be used to join the live interview (same computer, headset, and internet connection)

 

Recording Your Tech Check

  1. You will receive an email or the link from your recruiter. Clicking on the Tech Check (ATC) link will take you to our Video Response Page.
  2. From here, you should be able to record your video response and answer the video test question. Grant access if the website asks for camera and mic permission. It's essential to speak during the recording to ensure that your microphone is functioning correctly.
  3. If the session is set up for mobile screen sharing, there will be additional instructions to download the app to your phone and show it in the recording.
  4. Proceed by clicking the "Start" button to begin recording your short auto tech check clip.
  5. Once you are done with the test question, you can press the "Stop Recording Button". You will have the opportunity to playback the video and submit it or start over and re-record it until you are satisfied.
  • If you need help due to audio or video issues, you can click the "I need help!" button.
  • If successfully submitted, you will see a Thank You! message that ensures your video response has been completed.

 

If your interview requires Mobile Screenshare, you'll be required to download the Discuss app during the Tech Check.

You should complete your tech check for a mobile screen share interview from your desktop or laptop computer, using your computer's camera and microphone.

Learn more about Respondent Mobile Screensharing

 

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System Requirements

Before you access the tech check link, ensure you are using the latest version of Chrome (preferred), Firefox, Edge, or Safari If Chrome does not work for you, you can always switch to Firefox or Edge.

If you don't know what browser you are using, navigate to this website: https://www.whatsmybrowser.org/

You can copy the results link and send it to submit a request to our Helpdesk if you are having issues.

If you are below version 80 of any of these browsers, please follow these instructions for making updates:

Desktop or laptop 

All studies can be accessed through a Windows or Mac Desktop/Laptop. We don't support Linux Operating System.

Please ensure that you are completing our ATC with your device and one of the following supported browsers. 

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  • Google Chrome (latest release version)
  • Firefox (latest release version)
  • Edge (version 80 or newer)
  • Safari (version 13 or newer)

 

Phone or tablet 

You can complete your Tech Check with your mobile device or a tablet, only if those devices are allowed for the study. If not allowed, you will see an error message. If you can't record your ATC on mobile, you will need to try again on a computer with the requirements listed above. 

If mobile device is allowed, you can complete your ATC with Android or Apple devices and one of the following supported browsers.

 

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  • Chrome Mobile (latest release version)
  • Firefox (latest release version)
  • Safari (version 13 or newer)

 

Troubleshooting My Automatic Tech Check (ATC)

  • Enabling access to your devices
    • Completely close any other browsers or programs that may also be accessing the camera and microphone like Skype, Zoom, and Teams. If another program is open that is using your camera, the browser won't allow access to our site.
    • Record your video with wired headphones/earbuds with a microphone or use your computer mic -- remove Bluetooth headphones. Make sure they are disconnected close the page and open a fresh browser page with the link.
    • At the top of your browser in the address bar, you should find a webcam or a lock symbol. Click there to allow and/or select your microphone and camera. This should allow our site access.
    • Open an Incognito window in Chrome or an InPrivate window in Firefox/Edge and COPY then PASTE the link into the new browser.
    • Try again on a different browser. Chrome and Firefox are free and easy to download.
    • Restart your computer and access the link again.
    • If you are receiving a 404 error page, COPY then PASTE the link into the address bar rather than clicking on it from your email.
  • Improving your network speed
    • Remove any other devices on your wifi connection (phones, tablets, etc) to free up bandwidth.
    • Use a wired connection: If possible, connect your device to the internet via an Ethernet cable. This can provide a more stable and faster connection compared to Wi-Fi.
    • Close other applications and tabs: Having multiple applications and tabs open can slow down your device and reduce the available bandwidth for your video chat.
    • Limit background activity: If possible, avoid downloading large files, streaming videos, or performing other bandwidth-intensive activities while on a video chat.
    • Restart your router: Sometimes restarting your router can help to improve network speed and connectivity.
    • Reduce video quality: Consider lowering the video quality of your video chat, as higher quality requires more bandwidth.
    •  Run a pre-call test with our video API.

Having good network speed is only one aspect of a successful video chat. Other factors such as lighting, camera positioning, and audio quality can also impact the overall experience.

 

External Camera/Headset

Please note during the auto tech check you cannot select an external device. Your default camera and mic will be auto-selected. However, you can select a different camera/mic when you join your session. Go ahead and record your audio/video with your default selections.

If you have an external camera, it can be useful to:

 

  1. Ensure that any external cameras or microphones are disconnected or disabled for the duration of the tech check process.
  2. Please make sure any other browsers or apps like Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc. are completely closed to release your devices for use on our platform.
  3. Launch the tech check from within your browser by navigating and clicking on the link sent to you by your recruiter.
  4. When prompted, grant the browser access to your camera and microphone.
  5. Begin recording your video by clicking the appropriate button within the tech check interface.
  6. Speak into your integrated microphone to ensure that your audio is working properly.
  7. When finished, review the playback of your video to confirm that your camera is working properly.
  8. If your audio or video quality is poor, try adjusting your lighting or positioning yourself closer to your microphone.
  9. Once you have successfully completed the tech check, you can re-enable or reconnect any external cameras or microphones if necessary.
  • If you are still unable to complete the tech check successfully using your integrated camera and microphone, you can write to our help desk team by submitting a request to our team.

Microsoft Surface Users

Since the auto tech check does not allow you to select your camera position, you will only be allowed the backward-facing camera on your Surface. Just turn your device around to record your video. The live session does allow you to select your camera so this will not be an issue then. Your recruiter only needs to see that your camera works.

Chromebook Users

Some older Chromebooks do not allow an update of Chrome but it will tell you that you have the latest version. Use these instructions to test your browser and confirm the version number: How do I know what browser and OS I'm using?

If you do not meet the browser requirements, please switch to a Windows or Mac OS desktop computer to be able to complete your auto tech check.

Firewalls and Corporate IT Settings

If you experience issues with the tech check detecting your camera and microphone, it may be because you are behind a firewall or audio/video streaming has been disabled on your browser. If so, try logging off your VPN or finding a public network to get out from behind the firewall, restarting your browser, and trying the tech check again. Please check:

  • Are you using a work computer?

    • While your work computer may allow streaming on Teams and Zoom, our domain may not be accessible. Please switch to a personal device and a free and open network that allows streaming from Discuss.io.
  • Is there a firewall or VPN on?

Once you've completed all of these troubleshooting tips you can run a pre-call test with our video API.

If none of the above work then you simply may not meet the system requirements to use our platform. If you do not qualify, report back to your recruiter.

 

Schedule a Live Tech Check

If you have confirmed you meet system requirements and have tried all the troubleshooting tips but still can't complete your auto tech check, you can schedule a live tech check with one of our help desk technicians or our support team by submitting a request to our team.

 

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