AIBU?
Not to move computer for interview?
notyourmummy · 13/04/2021 06:59
More than happy to be told IABU because I'll do anything to increase chances of getting the job!
I have an interview via MS Teams and husband told me I have to move the PC because at the moment the background to the video call would be the front room, with a wall of children's drawings directly behind where I'll be sitting. The interview is for a 1:1 TA for a 3 year old and the Headteacher, who's leading the interview, knows I have children. I don't see this as a problem, they know they're interviewing me from home, and it's a few pictures of motorbikes, Trolls etc, nothing offensive. He says it's really unprofessional and the window/sofa would be a better background. Who's right?!!
Am I being unreasonable?
AIBUYou have one vote. All votes are anonymous.
FrankGrillosFloof · 13/04/2021 07:05
I think your background does impact your first impression as it gives information about you but the thing is, you can’t really predict how that person takes that information. The HT might like them or she might find them unprofessional.
I became interested in a job I really didn’t want because my interviewer had a top of the range bike behind her. I don’t even know if it was hers but rightly or wrongly, my respect for her went up a few notches when I saw it - I figured she had excellent taste or at the very least, lived with someone who did.
Either way, it’s your call, not your husband’s.
ChristinaYang10 · 13/04/2021 07:06
I always think, for things like this, just go with the safer bet. It probably wouldn’t be an issue, but if it’s easy to move then I would. I don’t agree with your husband that it’s really unprofessional though.
Or of course, just blur your background.
NoGoodPunsLeft · 13/04/2021 07:07
The window would be a terrible background because it will make your screen look real!y dark (done this myself) unless you shut the curtains. I'd keep it where it is but blur it. I either have a blank wall or my blurred kitchen for meetings etc even with my team, would definitely do the same for an interview
FreeFallingFree · 13/04/2021 07:24
I'd blur it if at all possible. Interviewers are not supposed to be influenced by whether you have children, so it could be seen as a bit manipulative, as though you've chosen that background deliberately to increase your chances. Like applying for a job at the Treasury with a picture of Sunak on the wall behind you. I jest, obviously, but we all make judgements.
Geamhradh · 13/04/2021 07:45
Definitely change it. Neutral wall, fine. Otherwise, no. I am often involved in recruiting from abroad, so have been using video calls for years. It absolutely does matter.
Check your lighting as well. If you're sitting with the light behind you, the interviewer might not be able to see you properly.
If I were interviewing (as I often do) for teaching staff for young learners, and saw a wall of children's drawings, I'd also probably assume (wrongly, I know, but still) that they'd been put there specially to impress me. It wouldn't.
timeisnotaline · 13/04/2021 07:49
I don’t care, I like personal touches and the way it says this is me, I don’t have a fake work persona. Whatever you do don’t sit back to the window with light coming in turning you into a silhouette. That just looks unprofessional! If you want to sit that way test it beforehand and draw curtains if needed.
Brownteddybear · 13/04/2021 07:59
Your DH is wrong! You cannot have a window behind you as you will look like you're on crime watch.
However a plain background with no distractions is better than a busy (messy?) one, particularly for an interview. They don't know you and first impressions count for a lot at this stage.
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