The Camera-On Advantage: A Recruiter's Observation
The Camera-On Advantage: A Recruiter's Observation
By Shrishty Sharma
Group HR Head & Talent Acquisition Specialist
What I've Noticed
As a recruiter conducting virtual interviews, I've observed something interesting: Candidates who keep their Cameras on consistently create stronger impressions. This isn't about judging anyone's Quality, candidature or setup—it's about the impact that simple choice makes.
Real Examples from Recent Interviews
Example 1: Marketing Associate Position
Priya (Camera On)
Simple setup, nothing fancy
I could see her enthusiasm, expressions, body language
Conversation felt natural and engaging
Result: Got the offer, now exceeding targets with same professionalism shown in interview
Rahul (Camera Off)
Similar Qualifications on paper
Cited internet issues
I was talking to a profile picture—couldn't gauge reactions or engagement
Felt one-sided, like an interrogation
Result: Didn't get selected
Example 2: Fin-tech Intern
Aditya (Camera On)
College student, basic room setup
I could see him thinking through problems, engaging and showing interest.
Watched the exact moment solutions clicked for him
Those micro-expressions revealed his analytical abilities
Result: Hired as intern, praises his professionalism and organization
What This Really Means
The Pattern:
Candidates who make the effort to be visible tend to carry that professionalism into everything
How you show up for interviews often reflects how you'll show up for work
It's not about equipment Quality—it's about intention and effort
What I'm Really Observing:
Professional in interviews = Usually professional in presentations, documentation, meetings
Attention to small details = Attention to work details
Being present on Camera = Being present in their role
Why Camera-Off Feels Different
What I Lose as a Recruiter:
Can't see genuine excitement vs going through motions
Miss micro-expressions during challenging questions
No visual feedback on engagement level
Harder to gauge cultural fit
Interview becomes one-dimensional
Difficult to advocate for the Candidate later
Important Clarifications
Let me be clear about what this isn't
Camera-off Candidates are bad professionals
Everyone must have their Camera on
You need fancy equipment or perfect backgrounds
What I'm actually observing
There's a real correlation between this choice and professional habits
It creates an impression, whether we acknowledge it or not
Small choices often reveal bigger patterns
Legitimate Reasons Exist:
Real technical issues
Privacy concerns
Personal situations
When communicated upfront, this shows professionalism too
What Concerns Me:
Candidates with capability who choose not to engage visually
Treating professional interviews casually
My Honest Advice
For Candidates:
Turn on your Camera if you can—it's one of the easiest ways to stand out
It's not about perfection; it's about presence
Shows you value the opportunity
Creates genuine connection with the interviewer
For Fellow Recruiters:
Notice the pattern but stay empathetic to circumstances
Camera-on Candidates often become stronger hires
Keep it as an observation, not a rigid rule
Use it as one factor among many
The Core Insight and my take on taking:
"How you do anything is how you do everything."
In virtual interviews, choosing to turn your Camera on shows:
You're willing to be present
You prepare for professional interactions
You value two-way communication
Small details matter to you
These same Qualities usually Translate into how Candidates approach their work, their teams, and their growth.
This isn't about creating Pressure or strict rules. It's about recognizing that in our virtual world, being visible is part of being engaged. The Candidates who understand this aren't just making a good first impression—they're showing a preview of their professional approach to everything.
The Virtual Work Reality
We're not hiring robots who can't communicate in a virtual environment. Even when we're working remotely, presence matters—it keeps things natural, organic, and Transparent.
Virtual recruiting doesn't mean choosing solitude. It means:
Adapting our communication style while maintaining connection
Being visible and engaged, not hidden behind screens
Creating the same openness we'd have in person
The WFH Advantage:
Work-from-Home is beneficial for everyone—Employees get flexibility, companies get access to wider talent
But it requires effort: Transparency, self-discipline, focus, and genuine presence
Those who embrace these Qualities thrive in remote environments
Those who treat remote work as an excuse for disengagement will struggle
The Simple Truth: If we can't be present and Transparent in a virtual interview, how will we handle work, virtual team meetings, client calls, or collaborative projects? Remote work is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of showing up—fully and authentically.
What's been your experience with this?
Shrishty Sharma | Group HR Head & TA Specialist | Passionate about finding and nurturing talent
Shrishty Sharma
Group Head HR/ Author
Asiatic International Corp
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