Why is asking you to turn on your video a red flag for you?

An applicant not wanting to turn on their video is a HUGE red flag, especially these days with all the scams going around.

I don't have video on my 'non-work' machines, and I usually get a 'work' laptop from the company...

a webcam is not exactly gonna break the bank, but I hate polluting my home machines with crap.

So I guess its not really a red flag to me, more of a nuisance

Ok just so you know you're coming across really difficult. Like you'll find objections about anything.

I think that if I'm considering any kind of business arrangement with someone, asking to see their face is a extremely minimal ask.

as I said, I have no problem with a webcam its just a nuisance to setup. If you think thats 'difficult' oh well. Its never been an issue yet, so I'm not gonna worry about it.

I just don't understand the insisting on video interviews and video calls. I would never want to do a video call with a prospective employee. A normal phone call has always been more than enough for me to get a feel for a person when I'm hiring. And if a recruiter can't get to know somebody by phone, then they're simply incompetent at their job of interviewing and hiring, which most of them frankly are.

If the job is super important, then the recruiter should manage to arrange a face-to-face interview with the candidate. To me video calls are a huge sign of immaturity.

Sorry, what? You hung up on an interviewer because they asked you to write an algorithm? And you think it's a red flag to ask you to turn on video? I think you need a reality check, honestly. I would say they are lucky not to hire you based on this.

FYI, these days, at many places, refusal to turn on video leads to a reasonable suspicion that you are a fake candidate or are trying to cheat on the interview, and thus an automatic no hire.

Not to mention, it's a simple filter which requires no more explanation.

Bear in mind that there are always plenty of candidates for any post. Any possible (legal) way of filtering that down to 3 is great.

Being able to say "wouldn't/ couldn't turn on video in meeting" is a great score for the person detailed with reducing the list.

(Sure, maybe today your webcam is broken or maybe you don't like the idea of a webcam being permanently attached, but making this your point of difference will seldom move you up the selection list.)

so you admit that you discriminate on appearance or personality

Absolutely.

Appearance is an important factor when dealing with customers. I consider it an important measure in an interview as well. I'm not prejudiced against any specific appearance but show me some effort, to match the respect you should be showing, in applying for the job.

Equally personality is important. You'd be working with other folk, for other folk, interacting with customers mangers, subordinates, peers and so on. Frankly if you're a dick you won't be a good fit with us.

On the other hand there are companies that love hiring trouble makers and misfits, so by all means you do you, and more power to you.

maybe you are a dick, but you don't realize it

and how would you cheat?

With the help of a human accomplice, google, and/or chatgpt. The most brazen and simplest way would be to get someone else to do the interview for you.

I have been on both sides and if someone doesn’t want to turn on the video and doesn’t want to even try discussing an algorithm in an interview then it is a 100% no go. In the eyes of the interviewer you are uncooperative, likely trying to cheat and they should expect similar conflicts in the future.

If you are good and don’t want to be interviewed then be a freelancer, it might be a better fit if you can somehow prove you are good without interviewing.

not sure why this is downvoted

I’m a reasonable interviewer, but if you refuse to do anything or answer questions, why should I hire you?

I wouldn’t hire someone who refused to do basic stuff in an interview