I recently had a panel interview over Zoom where I was the only one with camera on.

68 Comments

1. Erin VegaMay 14,2023 at 11:30AM UTC

   When I have virtual meetings with clients, on the email invite I have enclosed that my camera will be off but shows my picture. I've had clients who stay on camera, I've also been on camera though I prefer to have just picture.

   I don't necessarily think that you asking this question was wrong but rather when you noticed that no one had them on just click yours off. Or prior to the meeting get the clarification. I know that when I first started doing virtual meetings that I would always wonder and think of some way to ask the others if it is going to be camera on or off meeting. I also think that the panel could have handled it differently. Yeah sure the majority of people during COVID-19 ended up working remotely which meant Zoom meetings so they are definitely used to it. However, some people may not know how these meetings go down.

2. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 9:15AM UTC

   This was an interview.

3. Wendy RobinsonMay 14,2023 at 12:23PM UTC

   To be honest I find it rude not to have your camera on. If we were in the office we’d be face to face. I think being an interview they should have had their cameras on because reading body language is just as an important communication tool as verbal. You are interviewing them too. If someone shares that they are not feeling well or have an excuse to not have a camera on. Of course I understand but my hr team and those I work with know my desires for cameras on and respect that. I’m sorry you experienced that situation it was perfectly acceptable and professional to ask.

4. Danina246May 14,2023 at 1:11PM UTC

   You definitely weren't wrong to ask. If someone schedules a Zoom meeting, I always assume it will be a video call. Otherwise, they can just make it a conference call or mention in the invite that it will be a voice call only and it is not a requirement to have cameras on. Their reaction to your question was rude and defensive and would be a red flag for me, especially if it's the first round with this specific group. A simple, "we are keeping our cameras off, you are welcome to do the same" would have sufficed.

5. Audrey KirschMay 14,2023 at 2:56PM UTC

   I would have turned off my camera to match their behavior but like others have said, it seems really rude to me to have a zoom interview with everyone with cameras off. The “ you’re one of those “ comment was disrespectful so if the interview was for a new job or position, it would be a hard pass for me. Things aren’t likely to get better.

6. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMay 14,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

   Yuck. Run, do not walk, away from this “opportunity.”

7. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 9:16AM UTC

   Agree

8. AnonymousMay 14,2023 at 11:40PM UTC

   It seems weird to ask the question in that way to be honest. You are trying to impress in an interview and some of that does mean being deferential to the panel. Did you expect them to say yes or to turn your own camera off? Is that how you genuinely worded the question?

9. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 9:13AM UTC

   Disagree. There was nothing "weird" about her questions. The panels' over the top responses were weird.

10. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 3:45PM UTC

    Absolutely disagree! This is a final job interview, not a weekly team catch up. No respect

11. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 11:57AM UTC

    Wow, you asked that? First, I get it. Second, the panel was so unprofessional I would have clicked "Leave Meeting" straight away. I actually think it was ok to ask, tone matters, but still brazen. They showed immediate disrespect to you, sorry about that experience. They opened themselves up to a bias you want to steer clear of. Camera's should be on, the want to be off camera can be for their meetings and not when you're searching for a new team member. That's just ridiculous.

12. Kristin BurnsMay 15,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    Asking if the meeting was camera-on or -off is a totally normal request when you enter the Zoom. Their response was very unprofessional and a sign that they may be challenging to work with later. How much better if they had said "We are Zoomed out! Can we all be camera-off today?" But I agree I would assume an interview would be camera-on as you are getting to know each other and would feel odd as the only person on camera—strange power dynamics of them seeing you but not vice-versa.

13. Maggie StoneMay 15,2023 at 2:21PM UTC

    Agree. A lot depends on the tone, but If they can’t even get it together enough to be cordial, polite, respectful,and professional during the interview: run.

14. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 1:52PM UTC

    Their reply is a complete red flag. I think it's a fair expectation that unless stated otherwise an interview would be conducted camera on. I typically have my camera off upon entering so I can match the interviewer but don't think there was anything wrong with you asking.

15. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 2:06PM UTC

    I don't think you did anything wrong and I wish I had asked that question during some of my interviews in my own company. The sad part is I have had 4 internal panel interviews. Only one interview did some of the participants turn on their cameras. I felt disrespected by those who chose not to actively participate in the interview process.

16. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 2:06PM UTC

    How rude of these people. Were you being interviewed and meeting the panel for the first time? If so, it's very unprofessional and rude for them to greet you this way. Even if they need a zoom camera break, choose to take it on another meeting, not an interview. Or have the camera on at the start for introductions, then say it's optional after that. Your question is completely normal. Their behaviour would make me not want to have them as colleagues.

17. Tricia BurroughsMay 15,2023 at 2:44PM UTC

    Panel interviewers should have their cameras on, they are meeting you for the first time, that should be the expectation set by the company. I understand wanting some time off from cameras, but interviews are unique situations. Then exclaiming "you are one of those", this company does not value DEIB. Run

18. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 3:25PM UTC

    Yikes. When it's not "my meeting", I mirror what others are doing regarding cameras on/off. If it is my meeting, I ask that people follow my lead. That you are an interview candidate and asked a clarifying question (and it's clear that you were clarifying, not leaning one way or the other), I'd worry about the work environment: do people always leap to conclusions about the intentions of their colleagues, assigning intent where there is none? To answer your question: no, you were not wrong. The lowest conflict option in this scenario would've been to proceed however you were most comfortable (camera on or off) and let one of the panelists direct you if they wanted a change.

19. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 3:41PM UTC

    Don’t walk, Run. This sounds like a miserable culture. This is not normal behavior. I could see them maybe not preferring cameras on, but if the candidate says something they should turn them on and smile and engage. If they’re treating a top candidate like this (you are a finalist if you made it to a panel), how respectful and helpful do you think they will be if you get the job?

20. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 4:36PM UTC

    It was the right move and generally speaking I would ask this BEFORE the interview of the recruiter or whomever set this up- don't wait until the day of. Especially in panel interviews when you are blind (cameras off) it's hard to really connect and address because you cannot see reactions to what you say in a group setting. 1-1 it's a bit easier but still wonky IMHO. I generally suggest to start by having your camera off when you log into the meeting and see if the group is on or off. If off, you stay off, if on then you go on. A good company will not leave it to you to figure this out yourself and will be sure of your comfort in the interview process. If folks don't want their cameras on then be sure to have their linkedin up on your computer in the background so that you know about them and can see who they are (if they have photos there) . Good luck in your interviews, and definitely give feedback on how you felt in the process if asked.

21. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 6:03PM UTC

    I feel that your question was honest as I did it before once.

    So before I found my current job I had several interviews and was told from the multiple managers at different corp. jobs that its 1 of the things they check if you are on camera. Not sure if they want to see your smile or make sure you look professional on calls! So I always made sure to ask if they can see me on the zoom call weather they were visible or not just to be on the safe side.

22. Jen FrischenMay 16,2023 at 12:42AM UTC

    Well what's the point of a Zoom panel interview if you're not going to have cameras on? Otherwise it's just a conference call. Also, what's up with that? They get to see you but you dint get to see them? Weird. I think I would not be proceeding with that "opportunity."

23. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 1:34AM UTC

    I just switch off my camera. I too have camera fatigue.

24. G MicheleMay 16,2023 at 2:10AM UTC

    Not at all wrong, a bit of a red flag for me especially for an interview. It was a very valid question.

25. BossladyCreighton.caMay 16,2023 at 12:25PM UTC

    Huge red flag!!!

26. Angela MostellerMay 16,2023 at 12:17PM UTC

    I would have laughed and said I don't have a preference or told them my preference and why but given them a choice. It was a totally valid question. It's awkward to be the only one on camera!

27. Amy GeffenMay 16,2023 at 12:18PM UTC

    If this was a job interview, I would say it is important to have cameras on. You want to see them as much as they want to see you.

28. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 12:24PM UTC

    Were you the candidate or on the interview panel? If you were the candidate, I wouldn't have asked the question like that. If I was the only one with camera on and I felt awkward, I'd have said something like, "Since everyone else has cameras off, does anyone mind if I turn mine off also?" Anyway, based on the reaction it sounds like a place where zoom burnout is high, which makes sense if this is a full time remote job.

29. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 12:46PM UTC

    There is never an excuse for this behavior. If witnessed members of my staff conduct themselves like this in an interview they would spoken to and excluded from future interviews. An interview is no place to vent frustration for burn-out.

30. TerryMay 16,2023 at 12:37PM UTC

    It's creepy. And, a lack of consideration for you. It speaks volumes and if you don't need to take that job--I'd pass because if this is how they treat you going into the job --it'll just get worse.

31. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 12:44PM UTC

    Wow. I hope you’re not still considering working for those people. They sound awful!

32. surfnwriteMay 16,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    It sounds to me like they misunderstood you. Sounds like you were kind of asking permission to turn your camera off and they thought you were encouraging them to turn your camera on?

33. Erica LanyonMay 16,2023 at 12:53PM UTC

    An interview is both them interviewing you AND you interviewing them. That's impossible if you can't see their face.

    That's a deal breaker ladies.

34. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 12:54PM UTC

    I’m in the minority here I’m sure, but I don’t understand “camera fatigue”. If you were in person would you have “face to face fatigue”? It’s not like you’re sitting there with an outstretched arm holding a camera. Do what you need to do, be on or be off - but that excuse has never made sense.

35. Harley RaptorMay 16,2023 at 1:03PM UTC

    I get exhausted in both, but it's different in zoom. You have all these eyes looking at the camera which appears to be eye contact with you by everyone in attendance, which doesn't occur in in person meetings (not everyone is always looking at you the entire time), you can see yourself in zoom meetings which you generally don't during in person meeting, you're forced to remain in one very small spot (where the camera shows) where you can't move much - during in person meetings you could get up, stand to speak, or utilize other visual cues. It requires you to focus only on a person's face which is generally quite boring TBH, and lastly and sort of related, you lose nonverbal communication which is a huge part of our communication as humans, in order to provide any nonverbal responses (nodding heads, for example) you have to exaggerate it or do responses that don't come as natural - plus having to try and stay focused on just a face speaking is really tough. A lot of those things are only things in virtual meetings which leads to the fatigue you don't get during in person meetings. I'm also an introvert so that both impact me similarly in that regard.

36. Milissa JacobsMay 16,2023 at 12:55PM UTC

    Without cameras, can't you do it on the phone? I agree that they misunderstood you. But they should have hyperawareness during interviews and it sounds as if they were simply going through the motions.

37. Sarah BordersMay 16,2023 at 12:55PM UTC

    You were not wrong to ask, and it’s a good thing you did. It sounds like this is a company that 1) has LOTS of meetings, and 2) may not be very trusting of its employees.

38. Lpro65May 16,2023 at 12:57PM UTC

    Agree with those saying this is a deal breaker. Not showing up on camera while you have to is, quite frankly, obnoxious on their part. Thank goodness they gave you a clue as to what to expect from them now rather than later.

39. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 12:59PM UTC

    I would run

40. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 1:02PM UTC

    As I get more experience, corporate culture becomes more and more important. If culture is important to you then I would take this as a red (not yellow) flag and move on to other opportunities.

41. Heather McMay 16,2023 at 1:05PM UTC

    Not wrong. If this is important to you, then definitely consider it a red flag against them. In my experience, this is indicative of a bigger issue. And I find it infuriating that people would do something like this in an interview. Good luck.

42. Harley RaptorMay 16,2023 at 1:07PM UTC

    I don't think it was an issue that people had their cameras off, honestly I would have just turned my camera off too. (I actually enter meetings with my camera off to see if others have theirs on and I need to do the same). However, I'd be a bit concerned with their response to your question, which I don't think was an issue. Maybe a different phrasing would have given a different response but IDK. I'm not sure the tone they used, but the fact they dragged it out sounds like behavior I wouldn't want to deal with. I don't mind sarcasm or saying things in jest but you gotta know when to stop and when it's appropriate. IDK. I would decline any further interviews or offer, but that's my perspective.

43. Shelley MunroMay 16,2023 at 1:15PM UTC

    I agree with everyone here: this is a big red flag and I’d move on to other opportunities. What has me the most concerned is one of them saying “So you’re one of those people” to an interviewee. ‘Those people’ are apparently the type who have never been properly trained on interview etiquette!

    Let me add one more thing: Zoom/Teams interview meetings carry an expectation of cameras being on. If they didn’t want them on they should have included a little sentence on the invite saying: “Informal, you don’t need to have your camera on!” Very unprofessional, all the way around.

44. Explorer828398May 16,2023 at 1:18PM UTC

    All virtual interviews should be cameras "on". I would feel very uncomfortable overall and tell them to shove it...LOL!!!

45. Heather BinghamMay 16,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

    I think they were playing with you, which is very childish in my view. I agree with others who suggest you tell them you're not interested. You don't play silly games in interviews, unless you play silly games in the course of the working day.

46. Angela CarrollMay 16,2023 at 1:42PM UTC

    The interview is for both parties. If this is how they behave during one, consider their actions during work.

47. lilahgaelMay 16,2023 at 1:54PM UTC

    No, you were not wrong. It is standard business practice to have all cameras on during interviews over Zoom and an interview panel should know that. If they had ‘camera fatigue,’ it was on them to change the interview from a Zoom interview to a conference call or reach out to you beforehand to let you know cameras would be off. Let me ask you a question - If this were an in person interview, how would you perceive an organization who interviewed you in room where they can see you but you can't see them? What they did is the same thing. That wasn't just unprofessional, it was creepy and weird.

48. GirlBossanova201475May 16,2023 at 1:56PM UTC

    No you were not wrong. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. The company culture has to be a good fit for you as well. They should've had their cameras on.

49. EMILY KIKUE FRANKMay 16,2023 at 2:02PM UTC

    You were in the right and I would consider this a red flag. They should have shown you the courtesy of having their cameras on.

50. Lisa Schellenberger SheaMay 16,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

    Not wrong and weird that they didn't want you to enjoy the same.

51. Kim RaperMay 16,2023 at 2:19PM UTC

    WOW - I would run not walk away from that one. That was very disrespectful to you.

52. Erin BeemerMay 16,2023 at 2:56PM UTC

    RUN. AWAY.

53. CarmenMay 16,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

    It was unprofessional of the panelists not to have their cameras on during a panel interview of a potential new employee. Interviewing is a two-way street and if I were the candidate, I'd think twice about working at the organization.

54. AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 3:40PM UTC

    Great question and you handled that professionally, sadly the organization did not! I have only once had my camera off for an interview and it was 3 of us interviewing the only time that worked was when I was driving. I jumped on and introduced myself but then said I was turning off my camera until I was able to stop as it was distracting. I totally get camera fatigue but they should have taken that into consideration when planning meetings.

55. Rebecca MillikenMay 16,2023 at 4:50PM UTC

    It's one thing if you're having a weekly zoom meeting with coworkers or some other type of deal where you know the people it's ok to have cameras off. But I think an interview with someone is much different. To me it's just rude to have video shut off.

56. KellyW43May 16,2023 at 4:59PM UTC

    You were not wrong in asking. They were wrong for having the cameras off. This is an interview, they should be showing their faces. Lately, it's been people not wanting to be seen on camera, partially because they have relaxed and haven't made themselves camera ready.

    It sucks.

    I had an interview with a company where the lady didn't turn on her camera. It's so unprofessional. Also made me rethink if I wanted to work with the company or not.

57. Melanie SMay 16,2023 at 5:21PM UTC

    I'm in agreement with everyone here that you were not wrong to ask, and while I do totally get camera fatigue, actually yelling at you is extremely rude. And putting you in a situation where they see you and you don't get to see them is extremely odd and I can only imagine how awful that felt. They did you a massive favour in showing you this early how toxic they are. Best of luck in your search.

58. Kristen C.May 16,2023 at 7:53PM UTC

    Amen! Its soooo awkward they kept their cameras off DURING AN INTERVIEW?? But even more so that they claimed they needed a "camera break" ... idk if this is somewhat of your dream job but this feels like a red flag.. I would move (run) on and keep your search open.

59. Elle HeitMay 16,2023 at 11:00PM UTC

    Rude - plain and simple. I would have shut my camera off and told them I understand completely.

60. Crystal HowellMay 17,2023 at 1:17AM UTC

    They were in there pj's, lol.

    You were not wrong, do you really want to work there with that outburst? So unprofessional.

61. Joanna PoeMay 17,2023 at 3:06AM UTC

    Wow, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. While camera/Zoom fatigue IS a thing, it's rude to ask someone to an interview and then expect them to do it into a black box. You were not wrong to ask, and they were so wrong in making you stare at yourself and not be able to see their reactions. May you find a better place than that!

62. Brenda AlvaradoMay 17,2023 at 1:26PM UTC

    Unbelievable how a simple question can bring such rudeness. This is an environement with professionals too. Regardless of camera fatigue, what ever happened to common curtesy and basic manners.

63. Kimberly McMay 17,2023 at 4:22PM UTC

    You’re not wrong, and the panel were unprofessional for their response AND for letting it go on and on. I would have admonished my team if they did that to anyone. What a horrid first impression they made. Ugh. I’m sorry this happened to you.

64. CStiggerMay 17,2023 at 8:22PM UTC

    Red flag

65. Michelle AnsbachMay 17,2023 at 9:40PM UTC

    Do not take the job if it's offered. You're better than this.

66. Liz MilneMay 22,2023 at 1:06AM UTC

    Maybe they are tired of an 'always-on' camera policy, but you had no way at all of knowing that. They were rude, you did nothing wrong at all by simply asking...

67. Annetta MosesMay 22,2023 at 5:37AM UTC

    It was appropriate for you to ask if cameras should be on or off. After all, if there was no camera, it could have been a conference call and not a zoom call. I think it would have been appropriate for the panelist to say cameras are optional. Consider withdrawing from the application process. I don't think you want to work for this company.

68. RaeJune 4,2023 at 9:05PM UTC

    No, some of these employers act weird when it comes to online interviewing. They want you to have the camera on (so they can see what you look like) but they don't want you to see what they look like. I think it's truly unprofessional. Sometimes when I notice people who don't have their cameras on I say something is wrong with mine lol. Honestly employers shouldn't need to know about what an canidate looks like; it should only matter on job skills/experience. I think of it as the same question being asked on applications... what nationality are you. it's uncalled for.