I interviewed a woman via Skype with one of my out of state clients. When my video popped up, she said “WOW! You look like Godzilla!” (Swear.)
For the past 3 weeks, I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how being compared to a slobbery, atomic mutant reptile can possibly be a compliment… maybe I am bigger than life? Loud? Dry skin?
The more important concept to consider here is how an outburst like this might affect your customers. If she said this to an important client or a big donor, those potential clients might be unwilling to sign that contract that you are wanting them to sign. They might not want to do business with you. People have pulled their business away for a lot less than being called Godzilla.
Meanwhile, we will be looking for another candidate and I will be moisturizing heavily.
I’m sure you merely meant that on the video screen as person seems so large (filling the screen). Better things not to do are fidgeting, picking, pulling on body/face during the interviews. Best bet, hands in lap, wait for the other person to finish speaking. Skype is terrible is video feedback so I would not discount her outburst as being a bad potential employee, but rather the inexperience of using skype.
Dear Big Cat, thank you so much for your response, and you are right: Skype is a terrible format for getting feedback, and lots of us have trouble with technology. The concern I have is her outburst. Calling someone a name in any situation has the danger of being misinterpreted by the receiver. Thanks again for taking the time to comment, and I wish you all the best!
It means you are a force of nature. And I agree!