Preparing for a virtual interview or a high-stakes sales call means thinking beyond answers and attire — your screen setup matters. Knowing how to flip a monitor helps you align your camera, keep notes discreet, and project confidence. This practical guide shows exactly how to flip a monitor, when to do it, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that break eye contact or reveal distracting notes.
What is how to flip a monitor and why does it matter in interviews
How to flip a monitor covers two related moves: physically rotating a display into portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation, and changing virtual orientation via screen-rotation settings. Both approaches let you place important reference material near the webcam line of sight, improve on-screen legibility, or make a second screen a private prompt area.
Why this matters: small visual cues — where your eyes move, whether notes are visible, and how tidy your frame looks — change how interviewers perceive you. Aligning your monitor so your notes sit just below or beside the camera helps simulate eye contact while giving you discreet prompts. For remote one-way interviews and live video interviews, these details are decisive for perceived professionalism and presence FlexJobs and HBS Online.
How to flip a monitor physically and virtually to improve camera alignment
Physical flip: Many modern monitors support VESA pivots that let you rotate the screen 90 degrees into portrait. Confirm your stand or arm supports rotation; some basic stands swivel only a bit, and cheaper monitors need a VESA mount adapter.
Virtual flip: On Windows, use Display Settings > Display orientation and choose Landscape, Portrait, Landscape (flipped), or Portrait (flipped). On macOS, rotation options appear in Displays when you hold Option while clicking Displays in System Preferences for some monitors; third-party apps may be needed for laptops without native rotation. Linux desktop environments also offer rotation controls in display settings or via xrandr.
Positioning tip: place the flipped monitor so the portion with your cues sits adjacent to the camera, not directly below it. That reduces the amount your eyes shift away from the webcam, preserving perceived eye contact.
How to flip a monitor with software tools and second-screen strategies
If you use a second monitor for notes, flip that display virtually and use a translucent notes app or always-on-top sticky note window to keep cues near the camera. Tools like Microsoft Sticky Notes, floating notepads, or transparent teleprompter apps let you keep bullet points visible without blocking the video feed. For one-way or asynchronous interviews, place questions or bullet cues on the flipped screen so you can glance with minimal movement FlexJobs.
Dual-monitor setup: make your primary screen the camera screen, and set the flipped monitor as a “cue” screen. In many video apps you can choose which display shows the participant gallery vs. your own feed. Keep the flipped screen for prompts and references only, and hide notifications to avoid accidental reveals.
How to flip a monitor step by step on Windows macOS and Linux
Windows: Right-click Desktop > Display settings > Select monitor > Display orientation > choose Portrait/Portrait (flipped) > Apply. If your GPU provides a quick-rotate shortcut, test carefully.
macOS: System Preferences > Displays. If rotation isn't visible, hold Option while clicking Displays or use a compatible display profile. Some Macs require third-party utilities for rotation or use in Clamshell mode.
Linux: Use your desktop display settings panel or xrandr in a terminal, e.g., xrandr --output HDMI-1 --rotate left to rotate physically by 90 degrees.
Physical rotation: loosen tilt/pivot points on a VESA-compatible stand, rotate, and then tighten. For laptops, consider a vertical external monitor or a laptop stand + external webcam to align camera and screen.
How to flip a monitor without breaking eye contact or appearing distracted
Place cue text as close to the webcam as possible on the flipped monitor. The smaller the eye shift, the better.
Paraphrase cues instead of reading them verbatim. This maintains natural cadence.
Practice speaking while glancing at the flipped monitor so the movement becomes subtle. Record a mock session and watch for unnatural gaze shifts HBS Online.
Eye contact is a top practical benefit of knowing how to flip a monitor. To preserve it:
If you use translucent note apps, reduce font size and transparency so text is a visual cue, not a distraction. Avoid large blocks of text that demand long reads.
What are common technical challenges when learning how to flip a monitor and how do you fix them
Driver or GPU limitations: outdated graphics drivers can remove rotation options. Update drivers or reinstall display adapters.
Unsupported hardware: some monitors or laptops don’t support rotation; use third-party apps or an external display that supports VESA.
App behavior: video conferencing software may freeze or relocate windows when you rotate a display. Test apps after rotation and sign back in if needed.
Reflections and camera angle: rotating a glossy monitor might introduce new reflections. Adjust lighting or matte filters and reposition the camera to reduce glare.
Keep a simple backup: printed bullet notes or a small index card near the camera prevents a setup hiccup from derailing your interview.
How to practice using a flipped monitor so your delivery stays natural
Do your eyes spend long moments off-camera?
Are notes readable without awkward neck movement?
Does background framing and lighting remain flattering with the new placement?
Run rehearsals: record yourself in a mock interview using the same camera, mic, and flipped monitor arrangement. Check:
Simulate one-way interviews by recording answers to typical prompts and replaying them. One-way interview guides recommend testing recording-quality and format compatibility in advance to avoid surprises FlexJobs.
How to use a flipped monitor to manage distractions and maintain professionalism
Hide email and chat notifications on the flipped screen.
Use “Do Not Disturb” on your OS and meeting platforms.
Clear background clutter and keep a neutral, well-lit backdrop; these small details increase focus on you and lower visual distractions Employment Hero.
A flipped monitor becomes a tool for control:
If multiple applications are open, create a dedicated profile or virtual desktop that contains only the windows you need for the interview.
How to flip a monitor safely when device compatibility varies
Use an external monitor with a pivot stand.
Add a webcam that can be centered above an external monitor or clamped to a tripod.
If rotation isn’t possible, reposition the monitor physically and place notes on the bezel or a small easel beside the camera.
Not all machines behave the same. For laptops without rotation support:
For organizations with locked down machines, talk to IT ahead of time about permissions or request a temporary profile with display controls.
What quick checklist should you run before interview day when using a flipped monitor
Flip and position your monitor and test rotation.
Update display drivers and test video conferencing app behavior.
Open only the cue files you need and hide notifications.
Check camera framing and lighting with a short recording HBS Online.
Have a paper backup of key bullet points in case technology fails.
A practiced 10-minute setup check the day before saves time and reduces anxiety on interview day.
How to flip a monitor and use it in one-way and asynchronous interview formats
One-way interviews let you record answers to prompts without an interviewer present. In these formats, place the prompt or your cue list on the flipped monitor near the camera so you can glance without breaking flow. FlexJobs outlines good practices for preparing answers and testing recording settings for asynchronous interviews FlexJobs.
Also ensure file format and length match platform requirements and that your recording environment is quiet and distraction-free.
How to flip a monitor without revealing notes or undermining authenticity
Using short prompts and keywords.
Practicing transitions so answers flow from memory and cue.
Positioning cues to minimize downward gaze, which reads as disengagement.
Avoiding full scripts on-screen — interviewers can spot rote recitation.
The goal of flipping a monitor is subtle prompting, not reading verbatim. Maintain authenticity by:
How to flip a monitor and troubleshoot common display issues quickly
Stop and restart the video conferencing app.
Toggle display settings back and forth or reapply orientation.
Reconnect external monitors or switch displays in your OS.
If all else fails, switch to your backup plan: printed notes or a second device with your cues.
If rotation disappears mid-call, try these quick fixes:
How to flip a monitor to support sales calls and college interviews
Sales calls and college interviews share the need for concise, confident delivery. Use a flipped monitor to keep objection-handling bullets, data points, or campus-specific questions in reach. For college interviews, use it to discreetly reference talking points about programs, extracurriculars, or questions to ask — without breaking rapport.
How to flip a monitor while keeping your background and lighting interview-ready
Good lighting and a tidy background amplify the benefit of a flipped monitor. Position light facing you slightly above eye level and eliminate backlighting. Remove busy background items and check reflections on the flipped monitor that could distract the camera Employment Hero. Test with your actual webcam to catch surprises.
How to flip a monitor and what resources can help you learn more
Asynchronous interview prep and format tips FlexJobs.
Virtual interview lighting, framing, and practice tips HBS Online.
Practical advice on minimizing distractions and cleaning up your virtual presence Employment Hero.
Common monitor and interview Q&A to anticipate technical questions Indeed.
For platform-specific walk-throughs and demonstrations, the following resources are useful:
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With how to flip a monitor
Verve AI Interview Copilot can simulate interview scenarios to help you practice using a flipped monitor, and Verve AI Interview Copilot gives live feedback on eye contact and gaze during mock calls. Verve AI Interview Copilot also suggests optimal on-screen cue placement and helps you rehearse answers while maintaining natural delivery. Visit https://vervecopilot.com to try guided sessions and setup coaching.
What Are the Most Common Questions About how to flip a monitor
Q: How long does it take to flip a monitor and test it
A: Five to ten minutes is usually enough to rotate, adjust camera, and record a brief test
Q: Will flipping my monitor make me look like I am reading
A: Not if cues are short and placed near the camera; practice to keep glances quick and natural
Q: Can I flip a laptop screen without an external monitor
A: Some laptops support rotation via OS settings, but many require an external display for vertical use
Q: What if rotating the monitor causes app glitches
A: Restart the conferencing app, update drivers, or use your printed backup notes immediately
Final takeaway: mastering how to flip a monitor is an accessible technical skill that yields big returns in presence, eye contact, and professionalism. Test early, practice often, and keep a simple backup plan so technology never interrupts your moment to shine.
