tzellers's picture Submitted by tzellers on
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Career Management

First off, fantastic site!

I've made it past round 2 of phone interviews and have been asked to participate in a video conference (interview) with the CEO. I've listened to the very helpful podcast on this subject- it's how I found this site.

Now for the details; what mechanism should I use to manage the interview from my side? I've been involved with video conferences in the past (7 or 8 years ago) but that was with specialized equipment between corporate locations, not a single mortal armed with a laptop and webcam.

Are the "ADD" instant messaging programs, like AIM or Live Messenger acceptable?

Thanks,
Troy

Mark's picture
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Submitted by Mark on Tuesday November 7th, 2006 3:09 pm

Troy-

What are you asking? What technology to put on your laptop or PC to make this video interview possible? Surely the company would tell you.

And holy moly what would IMs have to do with a vid-interview?

Mark

indiana's picture
Submitted by indiana on Tuesday November 7th, 2006 3:15 pm

I'd be very wary of a recruitment process that is ALL conducted through non-face to face methods. There is so much that you cannot deduce about your interviewer from a webcam. I'd also question why the company cannot pay for your airfare to come and see them.

Mark's picture
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Submitted by Mark on Tuesday November 7th, 2006 3:40 pm

Indiana-

Well, I sure would disagree with you on both counts.

First, MANY companies do SERIOUS advance screening, using phone and video, before incurring costs (cash and opportunity) of travel for an interview.

Nothing has been said that the company "cannot" pay airfare - you're assuming facts not in evidence. When I develop recruiting systems for companies, we encourage "low impact upfront screening," followed by INTENSE interviewing on site... and very nice accommodations while there. It's MUCH more expensive in the near term, but MUCH cheaper in terms of total cost of hire (including retention discounts).

Mark

tzellers's picture
Submitted by tzellers on Tuesday November 7th, 2006 4:10 pm

Sorry Mark, I just got wind of activity to my post.

Well, being in a small company with NO video communications, I wasn't sure of how to help coordinate (i.e. locate) a proximate video conference provider from my end. I did some searching for keywords "video conference", but didn't come up with hits that advertised "come here and video interview".

So, while under the influence of antibiotics, I start thinking my option is a laptop and a webcam. What was the other choice? Break into Dish network and use Charlie's set-up?

So, I scanned thru the list of sister companies (of the company I am applying to) and noticed one within 30 miles. I contacted them and they were willing to be the surrogate.

The short answer to your questions, I was looking for someone to say "How about Kinko's you videoconferencing neophyte!"

So, I've since learned that certain Kinko's and virtual office providers (there's that keyword I was missing) provide these services.

Thanks,
Troy

jan_martin's picture
Submitted by jan_martin on Thursday July 8th, 2010 8:26 am

There are thousands of public video conference studios around the world which can be hired by the hour.  See www.eyenetwork.us.com for a comprehensive directory of locations.