<p>I’ve applied for an executive-level job in an industry notorious for age discrimination. I’ve just been informed that the first-screening interview will be via webcam. Each candidate will view pre-recorded questions and record and submit responses through their system. I obviously do not want to do the recording at my current office since my employer does not know I am looking. But the lighting in my home office (where my desktop computer is) is terrible. Has anyone dealt with a system like this? If I had my druthers, I’d find a place with professional lighting and a flatteringly placed webcam to record the interview, but I’m not sure such a place exists. I have a few days to complete the process. Any suggestions? It is a position that will require public speaking and media appearances and where a professional, polished presentation is very important. </p>
<p>A local club, hotel, college, high school, cable station, business center, conference center?</p>
<p>I looked online and found plenty of suggestions. It is amazing how this stuff works. Here is one article which seems helpful.</p>
<p><a href=“Webcam Job Interviews: How to Survive and Thrive”>Webcam Job Interviews: How to Survive and Thrive;
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I would actually consider paying a professional to get you in the right setting with proper mic, lighting etc. I have to believe this exists</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, I think you have discovered a new enterprise. Lots of companies that sell web cam interviewing software for companies but can’t find anyone yet that offers location, lighting, make up and professional mics for the person being interviewed.</p>
<p>Hmmmmmmm…</p>
<p>Sax, if it does not (#3), then someone has to make a business out of it! </p>
<p>Skype and Lync interviews are becoming more and more popular.</p>
<p>There are some consultants who offer coaching for video interviews, but the ones I know do not have great facilities for filming. </p>
<p>I have a solution for you! </p>
<p>There is a company called Regus which offers office space on a temporary basis, such as when someone needs to hold a meeting in another city. They have lots of offices and you can rent them by the day (I imagine you can rent them for a half-day). Their videoconferencing rooms might be well set up for good sound recording, good lights, etc. and I would imagine they would have technicians to help. </p>
<p>Thanks! I will check it out! The key will be if they have professional lighting; court reporting services offer similar services for depositions and the like but the lighting makes everyone look like criminals. I’ll report back.</p>
<p>I agree this is a good business opportunity. I will also call the career services office at my old alma mater tomorrow to see if they have any leads. </p>
<p>". But the lighting in my home office (where my desktop computer is) is terrible" - Maybe it is time to consider a new laptop. Or tablet - they work surprisingly well pretty well for skype. </p>
<p>If Regus doesn’t work out, another option is to call Focusvision - they are a company who simulcasts focus groups - and perhaps there is a focus group facility near you where you could rent the facilities. Or, call a focus group facility yourself and explain the situation. I don’t know if it’s feasible, but nothing to lose.</p>