In the last Ad Grad post, I said virtual jobs may let you work at home in the comfort of your underwear. Interviewing is another story. Virtual interviews via computer camera are proving to be a viable solution for employers looking to cut the expenses of flying in candidates. Because it's still not a true face-to-face interview, you might be inclined to be a little lax about the process. It's important to handle the meeting as if they are still sitting across from you.

Let's say a potential employer turns on a camera and sees this:


I'm wearing a hoodie. Newspapers are strewn about. Even a beer sits just over my shoulder. Everything about this picture screams, "Let's invest thousands of dollars to relocate this man and have him work for me."

You may not be at the office, but you still dress to impress (at least from the waist up) .Get rid of all distractions. You don't want anything in the background that keeps them from looking at you. So send the kids to grandma's or to a friend's house and put the dog out of the room. You don't want them popping up on screen anytime during the discussion. Also, turn off the TV and music.


There's still something wrong with the "after" picture above – I'm not looking at the camera. If you just focus on the screen, it's like you're never making eye contact with the interviewer. It's ok to look at the screen when they are talking, but every time you respond, look directly into the camera, making cyber eye contact.


Much better.

And yes- I'm wearing pants.

For more information, take a look at "Preparing for a Cyber Job Interview."