Hire View tip needed where tf do I look?

I have seen some people make this sound like a make-or-break: if you don't look at your camera like you are speaking to a person eye-to-eye, that's a cross in the boss.

I hear others say that it's fine to look at yourself in the screen when you are talking (which feels more natural for me)

I just have a regular laptop so starting at the camera point blank can make me lose my train of thought, it just feels unatural vs looking at myself on the screen. 

It also looks less suspicious if I'm speaking to the screen and my notes are on the screen.

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the consensus is clear: you should look directly at the camera lens during a HireVue or video interview. Here's why and how to make it work:

  1. Why Look at the Camera?

    • Looking at the camera creates the impression of direct eye contact, which is crucial for building rapport and appearing engaged. If you look at yourself on the screen, it can come across as distracted or less confident.
  2. How to Make It Feel Natural:

    • Practice: Spend time practicing in front of the camera to get comfortable. Record yourself answering questions and review the footage to adjust your gaze.
    • Position Notes Strategically: Place your notes near the camera lens (e.g., on the wall behind your laptop or taped just above the screen). This way, your gaze stays close to the lens, and it won't look like you're reading off a script.
    • Set Up Your Screen: If you need to glance at yourself or your notes, keep it subtle and brief. Avoid darting your eyes around too much.
  3. Additional Tips:

    • Ensure your lighting is good and your background is clean or blurred for a professional appearance.
    • Practice concise, confident answers to common behavioral questions to minimize the need for notes.

Remember, while staring at the camera might feel unnatural at first, it’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

Sources: Altus Group Real Estate Valuation Analyst Video Interview, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/any-advice-on-how-not-to-bomb-a-coffee-chat-amid-covid-19?customgpt=1, J.P. Morgan 2019 IBD Video Interview, Guide to Hirevues, BAML First Round Video Interview

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

95% look at camera, 5% look at the timer so you don't run out. 

Hasn't failed me for BBs and the like. 

 
Most Helpful

Having reviewed easily 50+ candidates over the years, the main thing for me is: making sure you’re not looking at your notes - it’s way more obvious than you’d think and stands out so much vs others who don’t. If anything I valued candidates who went on a bit of a tangent / lost in thought as it came off as genuine rather than mechanically reading off the script.

Also please don’t say things like “that’s an interesting question” etc and spend 15s of the already small amount of time allocated rereading the question. Again this happens way too often that it needs to he said.

 

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