Quick wins (do these first)
To get the best results from Cara’s transcription and summaries:
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Use a headset or dedicated microphone (avoid speakerphone)
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Make sure only one person speaks at a time
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Join from a quiet space with minimal background noise
These three things will have the biggest impact on quality.
What affects transcription quality
Cara’s accuracy depends on a few key factors:
Audio setup
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Speakerphones can reduce clarity
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A poor internet connection can cause dropped words
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Built-in laptop mics pick up more background noise
Best practice: use a headset where possible
Conversation flow
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People talking over each other (crosstalk)
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Very fast back-and-forth conversation
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Interruptions mid-answer
Best practice:
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Let candidates finish their answer
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Allow a short pause before the next question
Environment
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Background noise (offices, cafés, typing)
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Echo in large or empty rooms
Best practice: choose a quiet, enclosed space
If the transcript isn’t perfect
Transcription doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful.
If something looks off:
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Edit the summary directly to correct key points
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Focus on important insights, not every word
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Use your own notes to fill in any gaps
Tips for better AI summaries
To help Cara generate stronger summaries:
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Ask clear, focused questions
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Encourage structured answers (e.g. examples, outcomes)
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Avoid cutting candidates off mid-response
Complete answers = better summaries
Pre-interview checklist
Before your interview starts:
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Test your microphone and audio
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Use a headset if available
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Close unnecessary tabs/apps
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Join from a quiet space
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Open Cara a few minutes early
Important
Cara works best when the audio is clear, and the conversation flows naturally.
You don’t need perfect conditions, just avoid overlap and reduce noise where possible.