Interview for your next job via webcam
Companies are looking to be cost-efficient while they search for new hires. That’s why webcam interviews are taking off. “You’re having social cues. You’re making eye contact. You’re laughing. You’re interacting with the person in the same way that you would face to-face,” said Meghan Cavanaugh, HR Manager for LaunchSquad.
Webcams are becoming a fast, cost-effective way to screen potential job candidates. “For people that don’t have a webcam, we actually will send them out a webcam with a return label so we’re not requiring them to go out and buy anything to do it,” said Zappos.com Recruiting Manager Christa Foley.
Merchandising assistant Kristin Colbert was hired at Zappos after her webcam interview. “I was a little nervous with the technology aspect of using a webcam for the interview,” said Colbert. Test your webcam before with Test my Cam.
If you’re nervous, here’s some advice from a company that trains people. Jeff Garber with 360jobinterview.com says practice with a friend and figure out the best camera position, lighting and background beforehand. “Make sure that the background is clear, uncluttered. Don’t have a messy bookcase in the background or a kitchen that is full of pots and pans,” said Garber.
Take care of any potential noise distractions. “From barking dogs to children running in and asking their parents if they could have an ice cream,” said Garber. And make sure to dress appropriately. “There was one case where someone had to stand up in the interview to reach for something off a bookshelf and believe it or not, all they had was boxers on,” said Garber.