Forceite, Inc. In Line With iPhone 4's Face-Time to Open Up Live On-Site Interviewing for Those Seeking Software Developer Work and Biotech Work

Online, June 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - In a new age of business where companies strive to cut costs and improve efficiency, live webcam interviewing offers a solution which addresses both of these issues effectively by saving time and money. Even though Forceite, Inc. specializes in employment services for those seeking software developer work and biotech work, their efforts to eliminate the inefficiencies of prescreening and interviewing may encourage other companies in unrelated fields to follow suit. With the growing popularity of video chat, the evolution of communication technologies, and the increase of broadband and mobile broadband speeds, it is only a matter of time until "face-time" becomes the standard for both our consumer and professional lives. This means new skills must be learned and knowledge must be acquired in order to stay current with the changing business climate.

A candidate should treat a webcam interview as seriously as an in-person interview, while also being aware of the apparent differences. Here are some must-read tips on how to interview successfully via webcam:

Eye contact is different - you must look at the camera, not their face, in order to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. It is best to watch their face on screen when they are speaking, but when you are speaking, you should be making eye contact with the camera. A great tactic to use in order to feel comfortable doing this is actually placing a picture of the interviewer or a friend just behind the camera

Avoid leaning in to talk - sit at a comfortable distance from the camera and microphone source so you are "framed" appropriately and can be heard clearly. A general rule-of-thumb for distance is to make sure the top three buttons on your shirt are visible

Wear a plain shirt, but not white - we naturally notice white areas on a screen first, but you want your interviewer to be drawn to your teeth and eyes, not to your shirt. Avoid wearing patterns that may draw the interviewer's attention away from your face

Optimize lighting quality - make sure your lighting source is in front of your face behind the camera to avoid appearing dark

Use negative body language while facing your screen - angle your knees 45 degrees from your direct position to the screen while making sure your upper body is facing forward. This is a professional photography tip that will help you to avoid being plush with your background

Maintain good posture - sit up straight and make sure not to slouch or recline in your chair as you will appear uninterested and overconfident... yes, even on camera

Be aware of your background - clean up the room or at least make sure your visible back drop is clean. Avoid a plain white background, as the camera will emphasize it more than you. Try to create a "warm" background using wooden furniture (books/bookcases may be a plus)

Make sure there will be no interruptions - give others you live with or near a heads up shortly before the interview so they do not forget. It may also be necessary to tape a piece of paper to your door that reads, "CURRENTLY INTERVIEWING, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB"

Practice with a friend - tell them to observe your facial expressions, color, voice, and body language, as these all may appear different or duller on webcam. Get their honest opinion and adjust accordingly until you both feel that you will make an optimal impression in both your technical and professional presence. This will also help you to be more natural and much more confident in front of the camera. This is especially important if you are new to using a webcam

Test your setup - ask the employer what software they typically use to conduct web interviews, since it's preferable to practice with the same software. Use free screen capture software to record yourself

Given the fierce level of competition in the current job market, it's important to remember that the little things can make or break how well you fare on an interview. Employers who are well versed in conducting web interviews may pick up on these subtleties (consciously or subconsciously), which ultimately may detract from your overall performance. Since webcams allow for a high volume of interviews, the preparation tactics discussed above will help you stand out from the crowd. Always make a good impression!