January 2025 – MoBroadband

As our families grow, change, and move and our circle of friends and family extends beyond our local community, staying connected can be challenging. Video calls can offer a personal touch that traditional phone calls and text messages lack. Our experiences during COVID have shown us face-to-face connection is a critical component to our personal well-being.

Key benefits of incorporating video calls into your personal life are:

Face-to-Face Interaction

Seeing facial expressions and body language help convey emotions more effectively, fostering a deeper connection.
Understanding non-verbal cues can enhance communication and reduce misunderstandings.

Bridging Distance

Video calls allow you to stay in touch with friends and family across the globe, making the world feel smaller.
Celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with loved ones, even when you can’t be physically present.

Convenience and Flexibility

You can connect with others anywhere and at any time, without the need for travel.
Coordinate calls when it is convenient for everyone, accommodating busy schedules and different time zones.

Enhanced Communication

Visual cues can help clarify conversations, making it easier to understand and be understood.
Video calls tend to be more engaging than voice calls. This is important when connecting with friends and family so everyone feels more connected and willing to engage in conversation.

Strengthening Relationships

Frequent video calls can help maintain and strengthen relationships, ensuring you stay updated and an important part of each other’s lives.
Video calls can help you provide and receive emotional support during challenging times, offering a comforting presence even from afar.

Learning and Sharing

Video calls can allow you to teach and learn new skills, such as cooking or crafting, through interactive video sessions.
You can also pass on and receive important skills and family history with others in your family.

Health and Well-being

Regular face-to-face interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting better mental health.
Video calls can be used to encourage each other to stay active and healthy by participating in virtual workouts or wellness activities together.

With the importance of staying connected to our wellbeing, what applications are available to connect us to our family and friends? You may already have these applications on your phone, tablet, or computer, and you will be surprised how many applications are free for personal use.

Below are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of some of the more popular video call applications.

Zoom – https://www.zoom.com/:

Advantages:
- Very user friendly and easy to set up and use. Can be used either via an app or through a web browser.
- Supports up to 100 participants in the free version.
- Features include screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and breakout rooms.

Disadvantages:
- Security Concerns. When calls are not password protected and\or limited to invitees, the application has faced issues with people joining meetings to disrupt them (Zoom-bombing) and there have been some issues regarding privacy.
- The free version has a time limit of 40 minutes per video call.
- Can use lots of resources, like battery, memory, and network connection, from your system.
- Requires signing up for an account.

Google Meet – https://workspace.google.com/products/meet/:

Advantages:
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace.
- Accessibility: Easy to join meetings via a web browser without additional software.
- Security: Strong security features, including encryption.
- The free version supports up to 100 people per video call.
Disadvantages:
- Fewer features compared to Zoom, such as no breakout rooms.
- A Google account is required to host meetings. A Google account gives you access to Google, Mail, and other Google Drive applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Microsoft Teams – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/teams-for-home :

Advantages:
- Excellent for collaboration with integrated chat, file sharing, and apps.
- Strong security and compliance features.
- Integrates well with Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Disadvantages:
- Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new users due to its many features.
- Resource Usage: Can be heavy on system resources.
- Learning Curve: Steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools.
- Requires a Microsoft Outlook Account (https://outlook.com). The free Outlook account gives you access to other Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) via web browser or mobile app.

Skype – https://www.skype.com/en/:

Advantages:
- Skype has been available for several years and is widely recognized.
- Supports group calls, screen sharing, and file sharing.
- Available on multiple platforms.
- Already installed on Windows computers.

Disadvantages:
- Interface has not been updated and most of Skypes features are now part of Microsoft Teams.
- Can be less reliable with occasional call quality issues.
- Less robust security features compared to newer platforms.
- Requires a Microsoft Account.

FaceTime – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/facetime/id1110145091:

Advantages:
- High-quality video and audio calls.
- Come Installed on Apple devices and integrates well with other Apple applications.
- Simple and intuitive interface.

Disadvantages:
- Only available on Apple devices. Non-Apple devices can only join FaceTime calls via web browser.
- Limited to 32 participants in group calls.
- Fewer features compared to other platforms.

There are also several chat applications that will allow you to make video calls. The two most common are available from Meta, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these popular applications.

Facebook Messenger – https://www.messenger.com/?_rdr%2F:

Advantages:
- Easy to connect with Facebook friends.
- Supports text, voice, video calls, and games.
- Available to download on all computers, tablets, and phones.

Disadvantages:
- Concerns over data privacy and security.
- The presence of ads can be intrusive.
- Can be heavy on system resources.

WhatsApp – https://www.whatsapp.com/

Advantages:
- The application is widely used and familiar to many.
- Supports text, voice, video calls, and group chats.
- Highly secure using end-to-end encryption for security.

Disadvantages:
- Because the application is owned by Meta, who also owns Facebook, there are concerns about possible privacy issues via information sharing between applications.
- Can consume a lot of data for video calls which may be of concern for those with data caps on their phone data subscriptions or home internet.
- Fewer customization options compared to other apps.

Video calls are an essential tool for maintaining personal connections in our increasingly digital world. By using one of the many video call or video chat applications, you can enhance your relationships, stay connected with loved ones, and enjoy the many benefits of face-to-face communication, no matter the distance. Choose the application that best suits your needs. Below are links that can help in making your decision. Happy video calling!

Helpful Links:

Microsoft Teams for Personal Use– https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/teams-for-home

Preparing for a Successful Online Interview

In our last blog, “Successfully Searching for a Job Online,” we discussed how to get noticed and land a job that fits in your career path. In this article we will discuss how to clinch the deal with an online interview.

With the rise of remote work and global teams, online job interviews have become a staple in the hiring process. Preparing for an online interview requires attention to detail not only in your responses but also in the technical and environmental aspects of your setup. Let’s take a look at how to prepare before, the day of, and after the online interview.

Before the interview

Technical Setup and Environment

Test Your Technology
Before the day of the interview, ensure that your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working properly. Conduct a trial run with a friend or family member to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Make sure you are using the same video conferencing software you will use during the interview to become familiar with the system.
Use earbuds or a good speaker and microphone setup. Avoid using a bulky headset. A headset with microphone will distract the interviewer and they will not easily see your facial expressions. Earbuds help you to look more professional.
Make sure your laptop camera or external camera is at a height that allows you to look straight into the camera and not down at the camera. Consider purchasing a laptop stand if using the built-in camera.
Consider a LED light used for video and social media if lighting is an issue. This will allow you to adjust lighting to give you the best appearance during the interview.
Run operating system updates and application updates the day before the interview to avoid the system asking for a restart or automatically restarting during your interview.
Choose the Right Location
Find a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. The background should be neutral and professional; avoid clutter and distracting elements.
If you have pets, plan to put them in a carrier or kennel for the duration of the interview or ask a friend to watch them.
Consider using a virtual background. If you can’t find a space that looks professional, but is quiet and well lit, an appropriate virtual background can be useful.

Preparation and Practice

Research the Company
Understanding the company’s culture, mission, and recent news can provide valuable context for your interview responses and questions. You did this research during the job search and reviewing it before the interview will help you develop questions to ask as part of your interview.
Review the Job Description
As you did during your job search, match your skills and experiences with the requirements and responsibilities listed in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you’re a good fit for the role. You may also have questions you’ll want to ask about the position.
Practice Common Interview Questions
As you practice with your friend or colleague to test the video conference software, have them ask some of the typical questions you might be asked during an interview. Prepare answers for these questions and practice delivering them. This will help you speak confidently and concisely during the interview.
Dress for Success
Even though you’re not meeting in person, it’s important to dress professionally from head to toe. This not only affects how you’re perceived but also how you feel and perform during the interview. You will be surprised at the difference it will make.

Day of the Interview

Be Early
Log in to the interview platform a few minutes early to address any last-minute technical issues and to show punctuality. Rember the adage (paraphrased), “If you’re early, you’re on-time, if you’re on time, you’re late, and if you’re late, you won’t get the job.”
Communicate Effectively
Maintain eye contact by looking at the webcam, listen actively, and ensure your body language is open and professional.
Paraphrase and repeat information back to the interviewers when asking questions, so they know you are listening.
Take Notes
Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down notes or questions that come to mind during the conversation.
Keep a copy of your resume and cover letter available.
You can refer to it as necessary during your interview. This can be particularly helpful when asked about specific details that you highlighted when applying for the position.

Ask Relevant Questions
Asking questions about the company and the position beyond salary and benefits to let the interviewers know your interest is not only about the position, but how you can be a member of their team. Ask questions about on the job training, advancement opportunities, support for continuing education outside of work, or questions related to the work culture. Ask if there are ways to share leave with coworkers or if there are certain charities or events the company sponsors that employees can volunteer to work with.

Post-Interview

Follow Up
Send a thank you email to the interviewer, reiterating your interest in the position and reflecting on any key points discussed during the interview.
Send the thank you on the same day but take time to reflect on the interview to make sure that you emphasize how you fit in the position and with the company.

By following these steps to prepare the technology and yourself ahead of your interview, you will help to guarantee yourself a successful interview. Remember, preparation is key to success, and in the virtual world, the details can make all the difference. Good luck!

For more information:

16 Tips for Successful Online Video Interviews | Indeed.com