Hire Calling

Entrepreneur,  August, 2000  by Chris Penttila

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Ken Auer, 37, CEO of RoleModel Software Inc., a software company in Holly Springs, North Carolina, says that meeting someone via live video would be cheaper than flying the applicant out to interview, and could be useful if the person needs to do something that can't be done over the phone, like making a presentation on a white board. But Auer says he'll wait for the technology to improve. He adds that he'd never hire someone on the spot solely on the basis of an online video interview. "I'm not against [online interviewing]," he says, "but I'd need that face-to-face time before hiring, to let the person be around the others in the company beforehand."

GETTING STARTED

If you think streaming video might eventually work for your business, here's what you'll need to get started: Internet access, conferencing software, a microphone, speakers and a video camera. The good news is, most of the hardware necessary is fairly inexpensive. Video cameras for computer use cost as little as $50, and microphones are even cheaper. Buying a headset with a built-in microphone is a good investment, because that will eliminate audio distortions. And the faster your computer and Internet connection, the better your experience with digital video will be.

There are a bunch of software options out there, the most well-known being Microsoft's NetMeeting (which comes bundled with Windows) and White Pine Software's CU-SeeMe (available for both Mac and PC). But be aware of compatibility issues, because some programs only work when the other party uses certain types of software. So ask a sales rep what the person at the other end of the connection needs to have in order to conference with you.

If setting up your own system sounds like a hassle, there are other options. With visitalk.com, PC customers are assigned free personal communications numbers--essentially Internet phone numbers--which are listed in a directory on the site. Members can connect to others via streaming video, voice mail or e-mail using NetMeeting or CUSeeMe. "Videoconferencing is going to the Web," insists visitalk.com's Anne Price. "This is an option that small businesses didn't have before."

And finally, there are places that will set up your streaming-video meeting for you. Kinko's and Sprint have teamed up to provide packages with joint videoconferencing and streaming video--check out www.sprint.com/icc for details. But keep in mind that at least for now, this option tends to cost more than investing in your own system.

CYBERSUCCESS

If you decide to dive headlong into digital video either now or later, be aware that the technology itself requires some advance planning and that going live online will create a whole new dynamic. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the experience:

* Use TV-friendly interviewers. Make sure the people conducting the interviews are comfortable being on camera. Remember, they are representing your company, and you don't want them to look distracted or upset in front of potential employees, who may already be nervous. To help, give interviewers some practice in front of a video camera and have others offer constructive criticism.