I had a video interview today and my first in over 4 years.

30 Comments

1. Susan RoblesMay 9,2023 at 7:35PM UTC

   I think it speaks poorly of their culture. If the role will be work from home, it might be ok. But you probably spent time and effort on your personal appearance and presentation for the interview and I would hope the company does the same.

   Good luck!

2. AnonymousMay 9,2023 at 7:55PM UTC

   Agree, it looks bad on them. I think it is important to meet face to face and I have never had a video interview where we weren't all on video. If no video isn't it a "phone" interview and I think it is poor taste to expect you to be on video and them to not reciprocate. That says a lot. An interview is a two way street - they are evaluating you but in turn you should evaluate them. The fact that they must think it is is only about them and what they think (otherwise they would have leveled the playing field) is a clear indication of the values and culture of the organization. I'd say go find a new company to interview with - I'd pass on this one.

3. AnonymousMay 9,2023 at 8:56PM UTC

   This is a remote role but I do think if interview is online then cameras should be working. I didn’t get to see the faces of who I would work with if hired to work.

4. Sarah HulickMay 11,2023 at 1:31PM UTC

   I agree

5. AnonymousMay 9,2023 at 8:54PM UTC

   I did prepare a lot for the interview. I also practiced some answers and such. I also joined in 15 mins prior to my interview time to make sure my camera, Audio was working. The manager didn’t mention how long she’s been with the organization and they were just asking a set revised questions. They didn’t even introduce what each did in the department.

6. misskelleypMay 10,2023 at 4:53PM UTC

   Ok, agree that wasn't a great experience for you. That's ok. You learned something about them. Now you get to make a decision on whether to go forward or not.

7. AnonymousMay 9,2023 at 7:42PM UTC

   Not having a camera on does not reflect on the culture. I usually let the manager etc. have their camera on to have communication. My system, for example, does not have a built in camera. I usually do not attach a camera unless requested. I chews into video bandwidth. Also, it can take focus away from the manager (don't want that to happen)

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 9,2023 at 9:39PM UTC

   Did they specifically request you be on camera? Did you inquire beforehand if it was a video interview or a TEAMS call with audio only?

9. AnonymousMay 9,2023 at 9:53PM UTC

   Yes they had sent me the whole invite with information. The information stated to have camera enabled and audio. I also tested the system day before the interview. This is what the invite stated plus it said live video interview.

   In addition, you will need a webcam, reliable internet connection, and a fully charged device.

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 10,2023 at 12:10AM UTC

    Some companies do this because they have had issues with fraud - someone does the interview but they're not the person who shows up to work the first day.

    Personally, after you had the introductions out of the way, I would have either asked do you mind if I turn off my camera or just did it. I hate being on camera.

11. AnonymousMay 10,2023 at 12:08PM UTC

    Before the pandemic this would have been a phone interview. Maybe their culture is that it is NOT necessary for every call to be a video call and that cameras off is the default.I agree with the poster who said that asking to turn the camera off after a few minutes (or just doing it, frankly) woild have been fine.

12. Gabriela Espinal AriasMay 11,2023 at 12:38PM UTC

    for intros, yeah would have been a phone call, but with a panel of interviewers it would definitely have been an in-person interview. For me it's tougher to connect for long drawn discussions and conversations if no one has their camera on. I feel like I'm talking to a void.

13. Susan Grant-SuttieMay 10,2023 at 2:24PM UTC

    You know better for next time - when taking another video interview, ask questions about how it will be conducted. Know that these people do not want to have their face attached to their job or company - should things go sideways. What do you think that means about the company? I would put this company on my second tier choice. Good luck.

14. misskelleypMay 10,2023 at 4:51PM UTC

    They could have had bandwidth issues, their kid could have been playing in the background... I wouldn't read too much into it. Just do your best and fingers crossed. If you get the job you can laugh and ask them what was up.

15. AnonymousMay 10,2023 at 6:43PM UTC

    Yes, I recently had this happen. However, they also told me that I could turn my camera off if I wanted. I didn't, since it was fine for me either way.

16. Brigette WildsMay 11,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

    I think for an interview that would be a bit off putting. If the job will be remote and seeing people is important to you, it may not be a good cultural fit for you. If they don’t use cameras for an interview my bet is they don’t use them much or at all.

17. GirlBossanova934974May 11,2023 at 1:07PM UTC

    Simply put, it looks bad! The manager and director are showing that they have poor people skills. Imagine how they are going to be to work with them. Missed meetings, haphazard communication etc..

18. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 1:11PM UTC

    This happened to me twice recently… I simply asked the interviewer in a playful tone… “Heyy is this a camera on meeting?” One said hers wasn’t working properly.. so I stated Heyy not a problem I will turn my off. Then the interview started. The other instance, she turned hers on and we both made a joke about working from home in our gym clothes. Heyy I would say for interviewing keep camera on, but do not be afraid to speak up!

19. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 1:11PM UTC

    I think some people are reading too much into this. Do you know if these people were wfh or in the office? Maybe they were on a desktop and don’t have a webcam. I have a laptop in a docking station and rarely take it out for video calls, because sometimes I want the info I need on my other monitor and don’t want to reconfigure everything. It’s really not a big deal.

    I’m curious- what do you think it says about company culture? Because I don’t see how it could be some sort of signal about it. To me, it could mean they are less formal - which I’d be fine with. I don’t see how this signals something bad.

20. AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 8:48PM UTC

    I don't understand it either. I'm extremely camera phobic and most people I work with don't turn cameras on in meetings (I work entirely with internal parties). But executive leadership has been trying to enforce cameras on for the entire org (>5000 employees). These are people we never see and who have no idea what we do, mind you, but it's just the latest in "one-size-fits-all" post-pandemic policy implemented for no good reason other than "culture." Combined with an across the board policy of forced in-office workdays, it really just smacks of distrust, invasion, and control.

    If you work with the public or external customers, or have another good job-related reason to need to have your camera on, then I think that's a reasonable requirement to put on people. I hate to do it, but I turn mine on if the majority of people in a meeting are people I don't know (which is rare). Otherwise, I say leave it to personal choice and don't be so quick to judge. For every person who craves that visual connection and thinks it's rude to leave the camera off, there's people like me who find them distracting, unnecessary, and anxiety-inducing.

21. CiaraMay 11,2023 at 1:28PM UTC

    Yes, It says a lot about the company culture. For an interview, the goal is to provide a space for a potential candidate to bring their talent to a workplace. When interviewers have had cameras off that can be a sign of a workplace that is toxic and not inclusive. To not create a space of belonging and mutual respect during an interview process is wild to me and doesn’t show good faith to what I’m sure the values or mission of the company are.

    I’m a Diversity Officer and HR Professional , I train and teach against h this. It’s a red flag and a big no no and is typically a part of a hiring manager training, so that won’t happen. If there was a camera issue or they had to be off camera for other purposes, one, it should have been named at the start of the interview to you, two, if that was the case, you should have been invited to turn yours off as well, and , three, if I was the hiring manager and my camera was not working , I would have tried to reschedule if possible or find a reasonable solution because of my own technology issues, but still would have named it at the start of an interview and explain why we wouldn’t typically do that.

    It can also create biases by the interviewers. Because they can see your expressions to questions and make assumptions , gender or gender identity , ethnicity, etc. but doesn’t allow you to have read on them. You’re only able to temperature check based on tone.

    If it happens again, you can ask. In a inquiry tone..” Hey just asking for clarity, will cameras be on for the interview? It would be great to see your faces, I just wasn’t sure.“ Their responses should tell you plenty.

22. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

    This is definitely a red flag if it's for a substantive job interview. There is much to be gleaned in interviews from non-verbal cues and facial expressions. The only way this would be okay is if it was strictly screening questions, for example, salary requirements, availability for the next interview, etc. Trust your instincts.

23. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 1:56PM UTC

    I don't think it's a bad thing. Makes the interview harder yes, but it tells me u will not be expected to have ur camera on for work meetings. This is my personal preference! ?

24. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 2:01PM UTC

    I think the problem here and with most posts on this site is ppl need to speak up. The question posted here should've been asked at the interview. Its not out of line.

    ANY input u get here is purely speculation.

    Speak up next time.

25. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 2:45PM UTC

    Agree! Whether it’s an interview or just a meeting, if I join and others don’t have their camera on I’ll simply ask “Are we using video today?” and then adjust accordingly. If the other two say their cameras aren’t working, they’re in the car, they aren’t doing video, or anything else then I simply say “Ok, I’ll turn mine off.” Easy. If someone were to say that I should leave mine on and they won’t, then I’ll ask why or start creating opinions from there.

26. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 3:18PM UTC

    I think it would have been appropriate to ask if cameras were to be used. And it would have been ideal if they told you to do so, or turned theirs on. Did you have previous meetings with HR or other team members on video?

    One other thing to consider: people have video fatigue. Some companies have decided that people don't have to use their video if they don't want. So many meetings have gone from just a conference call to a video call and for some people video is stressful and invasive (for example if they're WFH). Granted, in an interview to connect with these people visually would have appreciated, but I'm not sure it reflects on the culture. There is some great feedback here on how to handle this going forward. And good luck with your interviews!

27. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 4:48PM UTC

    Best is pre-interview to ask if it is a camera on or off interview. If I went into the interview not knowing in advance, I would default to off and ask if they will all turn them on. If the response is no then leave it off. It's too distracting and wizard of oz-ish to do it without seeing who you are speaking to especially if its a group interview. Next time leave it off, and focus on the content of the conversations vs how they all look or don't. I suggest you pull up all the interviewers LI profiles and then you can see whom you are speaking with.

28. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 5:13PM UTC

    Very rude, at a minimum

29. AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 3:37AM UTC

    This would be a red flag for me, the lack of cameras on the other side? I don’t know if I’d call it rude. But the way I look at it, virtual meetings are so impersonal to begin with, cameras off further depersonalizes it. I would just move on to the next, honestly!

30. Myra DykesMay 12,2023 at 9:01AM UTC

    Run!