[bgibbons]

Refusing to be on web cam without a compelling reason is a huge red flag by itself.

[eyelidlessness]

I very seldom feel inclined to refuse, but I even more seldom feel comfortable on camera. Which is to say in most circumstances I avoid being on camera when I can. I’ve been remote most of my career, nothing changed the last few years to introduce new stressors around this. I just don’t like being on video, or interacting with other people on video. It gives me a firm but unspecific sense of unease is unlikely to be “compelling” to anyone who doesn’t relate… so, huge red flag I guess? Not sure what you think it flags, but I’m glad you’re not requesting meetings with me.

[muppetman]

I think if you're introducing yourself to people who'd like to hire you and haven't met you, it is normal etiquette to appear on camera. There is still a level of body language conveyed, even if it's just your face.

I think we all get not wanting to be on camera for every meeting, but surely it makes sense to present yourself on camera for the initial interview if you're able?

[DiggyJohnson]

Sure, I relate: but would you comply if asked for webcam on for an interview for a remote position?

[gumby]

There have been good A/B studies showing significant changes in response rate to resumes with and without photos. How someone looks doesn't seem like it should be correlated with their ability to draw a picture or choose a search algorithm.

[DoneWithAllThat]

We’re not talking unconscious bias silliness here. We’re talking about literal fraud/misrepresentation and needing verification that someone is who they claim to be. Using our eyebulbs isn’t inherently problematic.

[kalupa]

I'm unsure if this is at all equivalent. I'm pretty sure I'd see someone in person before covid forced remote work (thankfully), physically, and that confirms the identity of who I'm talking to to a huge extent.

How you interact with someone is just as important, if not more important, than if they can choose the correct algorithm.

[cldellow]

This is true.

It's also true that Upwork has many, many people who will present themselves as a single individual. Instead, they are actually an agency and you will get a rotating cast of developers. This becomes apparent the fifth time you explain the same thing to your contractor, who is actually not the person you explained it to the fourth time, or the third time, or on and on and on.

Video verification helps you ensure that you are getting what you paid for, and that your time explaining the brief and iterating on their work isn't wasted.

[djohnston]

Refusing to show up on a webcam is undoubtedly correlated with liklihood of fraud and misrepresentation. I suppose "this is why we can't have nice things."

[celim307]

I adamantly am a camera off person but am shame to admit I do add my photo to resume, it really did make responses from companies night and day

[buscoquadnary]

I actually think I've benefited from the reverse. I have a very Asian sounding last name (spelled completely different though) despite being of Russian-Dutch-English descent.

I've noticed in the age of remote work some people seem suprised when they first see me. I am now wondering if I am benefiting from the opposite problem of people correlating me with Asian stereotypes?

[bergenty]

I worked a job for 3 years and never once turned on my camera. It worked out great. I even had my webcam off for my going away party.

[lelanthran]

> I worked a job for 3 years and never once turned on my camera. It worked out great. I even had my webcam off for my going away party.

But that's not quite the same as interviewing with the webcam off.

[heavyset_go]

I've worked with clients in the past who have never seen my face in video. Had years long relationships with some of them without ever having seen each other on webcam, and it worked out great on both of our ends.

[tluyben2]

I even have (ex)founding partners in million$ companies that were sold or still exist who I never saw or spoke to via voice. Only text chat. I also have and had many colleagues I never saw or voice spoke to. Works fine; no one cares on either side.

[IshKebab]

But would you have refused to talk to them on video once for verification purposes?