Drive by Friday

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Drive by Friday –

In the age of virtual meetings, we have all had those moments – the ones that make us laugh, cringe or turn red on camera. From unexpected pet appearances to the classic “oops, I thought I was muted.” Slip-ups in online meetings have become an endless source of bloopers and relatable mishaps. Whether it is an unplanned family cameo, or a wardrobe choice meant for a camera-off day, these moments remind us of the humorous, very human side of remote working.

As a recruiter, I cannot tell you the endless experiences and mishaps I have had with online meetings but here’s my top three:

A candidate is late for an early morning virtual meeting – take a guess on dress sense?

PJ’s and a bowl of cereal to interview for a corporate position. And the excuse - “I slept in”!

Ever considered checking the background behind your camera for virtual meetings?

In one particular meeting, a candidate had nude photography in the background of their home office—or bedroom, rather—and there is every likelihood it was of them and their partner. While it’s a personal choice, it may not be the best fit for a virtual meeting. It pays to set up a professional online background, or simply blur the background for a polished look.

Pets in the Spotlight – Guilty as charged! When my sound isn't muted and my dog suddenly starts barking at a bird or something else that’s caught their attention, it’s game over. I’ve met a lot of pets through virtual meetings, and they can sometimes be a welcome, entertaining distraction—depending on what they’re up to!

Here are some classic blooper moments and tips to stay "blooper-safe":

Nothing says "I work from home" quite like a cat strolling across your keyboard mid-presentation
Behind every muted mic is a barking dog just waiting to be heard
Reminder: Always check your background and your volume!
Every virtual meeting is just one unmuted moment away from a surprise family cameo
The art of remote meetings – looking professional… while your child waves from the background
Virtual meetings: where "Oops, I thought I was muted!" is the new "sorry, I’m late!"

It’s times like these that remind us to embrace the imperfections and laugh at the little surprises that come our way. From unplanned guest appearances to unexpected noises, these bloopers are a shared experience that brings us all a bit closer, even from a distance. So next time your pet jumps into your frame or you’re caught talking to yourself (again), remember – you’re not alone in the blooper hall of fame! Here’s to more laughs, more mute button mishaps, and more reminders that work, even online, doesn’t have to be too serious.

SHARE YOUR BLOOPER MOMENT IN THE COMMENTS SECTION