The Yellow Board

Zoom Interview?

Posted by CCC on 5/25/2022, 4:57 pm

Am I obligated to offer an interview slot to someone requesting to interview through Zoom? I honestly feel that you should show up in person if you are truly interested in the position. I understand if it is out of state, but everyone I am considering is in state.
Just curious as to what others feel about this matter and want to know if anyone has refused to conduct a zoom interview.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Applicant on 6/19/2022, 3:18 pm, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

I recently had to request for a zoom interview due to a teaching commitment I made prior teaching at a band camp. The interviews were planned to be completed in the next day, and I just couldn't leave my teaching obligation.
Would this put me as a step lower than other applicants?

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Applicant on 6/19/2022, 12:51 pm, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

I recently had to request for a zoom interview due to a teaching commitment I made prior teaching at a university band camp. The interviews were planned to be completed in the next day, and I just couldn't leave my teaching obligation.
Would this put me as a step lower than other applicants?

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Treble Chef on 5/31/2022, 1:09 pm, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

I am in a weekly zoom meeting that lasts half an hour and it goes by fast. The maximum meeting length with the free license is 40 minutes anyway. I think it’s worth half an hour to acquire a first impression and then take it from there.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Mr. Dude on 5/31/2022, 11:21 am, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

I did a facetime interview as a candidate in 2016 because I was out of state the day they wanted to do the interviews, and it was a positive experience all around for both sides, did not hurt my chances getting the job.

During Covid, we hired a candidate that interviewed over Zoom over one that interviewed in person. It was unanimous.

You do what's best for you, but with $4.00 gas, I would totally understand a zoom request for a first round interview. Second round, they should show up.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by me on 5/28/2022, 7:11 pm, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

If the requirement is an in person interview, then stick to your guns. What would happen if you hired someone who couldn't even meet the standard you set for an interview? I can understand an outbreak of Covid or something, but under normal conditions it is not unreasonable to expect a candidate to interview in the format that you have prescribed. If not, move on to the next candidate.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Percguy on 5/29/2022, 4:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Zoom Interview?"

There are an unprecedented number of jobs available right now. It's a buyers market not a sellers. Texas is a huge state, and it's not worth a 6-8 hour drive and hotel stay for a simple job interview. Sure, you can stick to your guns, but you also might be ignoring a great candidate.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by me on 5/30/2022, 3:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Zoom Interview?"

Lol. I'm not looking for an assistant. I just gave my opinion on the matter. In my opinion, "great candidates" demonstrate "great things" by doing what it takes to get a challenging situation to work. Inconveniences often pop up in the classroom. If someone can't work with their limitations to even go to an interview, then how will they work within possible limitations to overcome hurdles to teach kids? And yes, if I were looking for an assistant and there were some unusual circumstances, I would be willing to compromise to make the interview happen. What I WON'T do is accept an arrogant dismissive attitude simply because they don't "feel like" driving to my school. I also disagree about it being a "buyer's market." If so, how do you explain all the posts of teachers stressed about not being able to find a job?

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Interviewer on 5/28/2022, 11:26 am, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

I'm not hiring this year, but last year we offered all first round candidates the option of zoom or in person. Zoom interviews were easier on me, and many of the candidates preferred it. Finalist round, if they're reasonably local, maybe that would be different.

Outside of the education world, many companies (and even some schools) would pay the interviewee's travel expenses.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by 4add on 5/27/2022, 2:28 pm, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

In 2008-2009, I drove five hours south for an interview that seemed an awful lot like a formality before they hired the one they wanted.

That was in-state, required time off work, and took 12+ hours. I lost a day's pay and cost me more in gas than I made in a day.

That was 2009 and we didn't have many other options. It's different now.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Well... on 5/31/2022, 9:10 am, in reply to "Re: Zoom Interview?"

Not a contest I really want to win...but I can beat that.

I was living near Chicago at the time. A school near Houston *called me first* out of the blue, looking for a band director. Skype was an option, but the principal insisted on In Person.

The time they called me for an interview was 4:30 Friday afternoon. Principal wanted me there at 8:00 Monday morning. I had to book a flight, paying through the nose since it was a last minute booking, and a hotel, and a car. Flew down to Houston that weekend.

I walked into the school at 7:30 Monday morning. When I got to the principal's secretary, they informed me that they had already hired someone. Considering when they called me to interview, and when they wanted to do the interview, I'd like to know when they made the hire. I guess they did it while I was in flight.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Grace on 5/26/2022, 10:56 am, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

While you are not under any obligation, with the price of gas and how far they may be traveling, it may be their only way of making that interview work for them.

Put yourself in their shoes.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by Kramer on 5/26/2022, 8:35 am, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

Friendly reminder that "In-state" in Texas can still be a LONG way away for an interview. It's the same distance from Texarkana to El Paso as it from Texarkana to Chicago.

Good luck friend.

Re: Zoom Interview?

Posted by MS on 5/26/2022, 7:22 am, in reply to "Zoom Interview?"

Cost of traveling across the state. Current school/work responsibilities.

Is it that big of a deal to do a zoom interview? Current technology allows it and its easier on most people involved. Most businesses set up interviews this way.

If the candidate is the one than you can request a final "in-person" meeting if its really needed.

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