Is that remote interview invitation safe? Check the link before you join

Match the invitation to a conversation you recognise

The safest invitation is one you expected after applying or speaking with a verified recruiter. Check that the role, date, time zone, interviewer and employer match the conversation already in your records. An unexpected invite with vague job details deserves independent verification before you open any link or attachment.

Fake recruiters can use company logos, virtual interview language and professional-looking documents. The FTC advises candidates to inspect the sender's address and contact the company through a website or number known to be genuine when an offer or interview request is uncertain.

Protect the account used for interview invitations →Verify the employer outside the message →

Read the real destination before opening it

On desktop, inspect the destination without opening it; on mobile, use the available link preview or copy the address into a note without visiting it. Look for misspellings, extra words, misleading subdomains or a shortened URL that hides the final destination. A familiar meeting brand named in the message does not prove that the link goes there.

CISA's video-conferencing guidance advises users to verify meeting links sent by suspicious senders. If the employer says it uses a particular service, open that service through its official app or site and enter a verified meeting code there when possible rather than following an uncertain redirect.

• The sender's full email domain, not only the display name.
• The final meeting domain and any redirect or shortened link.
• A role title and interviewer that match the existing application.
• A date, time and time zone consistent with the agreed schedule.
• A verified fallback email or phone number if the link fails.

Join with the minimum access needed

A normal interview may need microphone or camera access. It should not need remote control of your device, your email password, a one-time code, screen sharing before the call begins or permission to install an unrelated support tool. Use a current browser or the official meeting app, and review the permission prompt rather than clicking through it automatically.

The UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends controls such as authenticated access, passcodes and waiting rooms for online meetings. Candidates do not configure the employer's meeting, but they can notice whether the invitation provides a coherent access route and can ask the recruiter to confirm unexpected software or permissions through a trusted channel.

Stop before installing remote-access software →Protect a personal device used for job search →

Clarify recording, AI tools and what is visible

Before discussing previous employers, clients or confidential work, check whether the meeting is being recorded, transcribed or analysed by an AI attendee. Ask what the recording is for, who can access it, how long it is kept and whether an alternative is available if the process creates a privacy or accessibility concern.

Prepare the physical screen as well: close personal tabs and notifications, remove confidential documents from view and share only the window required for a work sample. A blurred background can protect the room, but it does not hide notifications or files you choose to present.

Review AI interview privacy questions →Share work samples without exposing confidential material →

Use this remote interview link check

• Match the invitation to an application and recruiter you already verified.
• Inspect the sender and final meeting domain before opening the link.
• Confirm unexpected invites through the employer's official careers or HR route.
• Use an updated browser or the meeting provider's official application.
• Allow only the camera, microphone or screen access needed for the interview.
• Ask whether recording, transcription or an AI attendee is active.
• Keep a verified fallback contact and leave if the meeting changes into a payment or device-control request.

Check the role before investing more time →Browse current checked roles →