Were you around when interviewing for a job was an all-day affair? If you had a current job and were interviewing for another, you typically had to take a half or full day of PTO in order to get dressed properly, commute to the interview location and then sit for an in-person interview. Thankfully, 82% of employers currently use virtual job interviews in some capacity so interviewing doesn’t have to feel like such a production. How you dress and conduct yourself are still just as important however so let’s break down the fundamentals.
What to Wear to a Virtual Interview
The general rule used to be that you wore a formal business suit to an interview, no matter what. That has changed a bit as workplace dress codes continue to trend more towards the casual side. As of 2022, the percentage of employers citing casual dress codes rose to 70%. While you don’t want to join a video interview in a hoodie, my general recommendation is to elevate your attire one level above the company dress code. You can typically determine the company dress code by checking the company website or even asking your main point of contact for the interview. Reviewing the company website and online social medial accounts such as LinkedIn can also help you get a sense of the company culture which can inspire what you choose to wear.
The chart below details what types of clothing are typically included in each dress code category. For example, if the company’s dress code is casual attire, this typically means that men and women alike could be wearing t-shirts and jeans. If you were to elevate your attire one level above “Casual Dress Code” you would pick clothing that has a checkmark in the “Business Casual” column. This might include a button-down shirt and dress pants for men and a blouse and skirt for women. For adults interviewing for full time roles, I would avoid polo shirts / golf shirts even though they fall into the “Business Casual” column. Reason being they are just a bit too casual for the vast majority of interview situations. Complete your outfit and wear pants to a Teams or Zoom job interview for a couple reasons: 1) You never know if you might need to stand up during the interview – perhaps a power cord comes undone, or you have an impromptu coughing fit and need to grab a class of water 2) Being fully dressed from head to toe is another way to put your best self forward and bring your A+ game.
For teenagers interviewing for a job at a restaurant, retail establishment or other part time work, polo shirts for boys can definitely work. This article goes into the best way for teenagers to dress for in-person or zoom meeting interviews.
Color Choices
Pick colors that compliment your skin tone. If you have a paler complexion, avoid whites or overly light colors that will wash you out. It is a good idea to avoid busy patterns and overly bright colors simply as they can serve as a distraction during the interview. You want the hiring manager to be laser focused on your credentials and interview answers. Neutral colors are generally a safe bet for all complexions as they are classic and have a professional look but at the end of the day, the best color is the color that makes you feel confident. Don’t overthink the nitty gritty details.
Accessories
Keep your accessories simple. For example, avoid any bracelets that jingle when you move your arms. I typically opt for small to medium sized earrings and a simple necklace. If you wear a smart watch, make sure it is set to silent mode so that it is not buzzing or dinging during the interview and of course, don’t pause to look for any messages during the actual interview. Hats are never ok, end of story.
Make-up
I personally love a full make look as I think it enhances my features, brings more color to my very fair complexion and creates a polished look. Even the high-definition cameras of today can make your complexion look washed out so I typically go extra heavy on blush to give my cheeks a rosy, healthy look. A make-up free, natural look is also perfectly acceptable if that aligns with your personal style and makes you feel most comfortable. If you don’t typically wear make-up but are looking to boost your overall look, I think most women can benefit from mascara, blush and a coat of lip gloss.
Pick a Smart Background
There are so many options for your video interview background.
Non-Virtual Background: If you choose to have a regular or “non virtual” background, pick a space in your house that has natural light and simple decor. If there is too much going on behind you, the potential employer could get distracted trying to read titles of books behind you or look at family portraits (raising my hand as this is me on calls with other people). I often see people who do remote work convert a second bedroom into an office and therefore have a bed in the background. If that is the case, I would blur the background but if that is not an option, make sure the bed is very neatly made. I was once interviewed by a company representative who had a bare mattress in the background and that just seemed kind of weird!
Virtual backgrounds: If you go this route, pick one that mimics a natural environment such as a basic office or simple room in a home. Avoid having the Eiffel tower, San Francisco bridge or laser beams as part of your virtual background as they can come across as silly or unprofessional. I think the best overall choice is applying a “blur” filter to your natural background.
Lighting
Good lighting is important as well. You generally don’t want to be seated right in front of a window as that can darken how you appear or create shadows. If you want to test how you will appear on camera, have a friend video you on their phone and then watch the video to check the lighting. You can always temporarily move a desk to get positioned in the best possible light and background. If you are seated in a space that is naturally darker, you can move a lamp or two to the space in front of you to create more illumination. Also, most video platforms have what are informally known as “beauty filters” where you can automatically or manually adjust the color and lighting filters. This is likely only an option if you are already familiar with the video platform and know how to quickly make those adjustments.
Camera Angle
#1 rule is to look directly into the screen that has your camera for the video call. If you work from home on a regular basis and have multiple screens, I cannot emphasize enough to look at the main screen with the camera. Strong eye contact and visible facial expressions is one of the top ways to connect with another person and you want the hiring manager to know you are laser focused on this opportunity and interview. Also make sure your face is fully in the camera frame by moving the computer or chair closer or further away.
Zero Disruptions in the Background
While it was cute in 2020 and 2021 to have kids, spouses, roommates or dogs wander into the background during Zoom calls, that is really not the case anymore in 2024. If you are working from home and especially interviewing remotely, ensure you are in a space where you will be alone for the entirety of the interview. You want to convey complete professionalism and also not get distracted during one of your answers if a cat happens to jump on your desk. This might involve doing the interview away from home in a space that meets all the criteria outlined above or, making sure you have the right childcare and/or pet care in place.
Sit Still
It is perfectly normal to have nervous energy during an interview – it happens to the best of us! Channel that energy into enthusiasm in your answers and avoid touching your hair or face during the interview. An idea is to keep your hands placed on the desk for the entire interview which may pose a challenge for the hand talkers among us. Also, keep your feet firmly placed on the ground to avoid swiveling in your chair.
Strong Internet
I have been on endless virtual meetings where participants have a glitchy internet connection. The result can be lags in communication transmittal, echos or a frozen screen all of which detract from your interview. Set yourself up for success by choosing a location that has a tried-and-true strong internet connection. If you live in an area with unreliable internet, alternate options include: 1) Doing the interview at a friend or family member’s house that has strong internet 2) Reserving a private room at your local library is a great option as they will typically have strong internet. Avoid public places such as a coffee shop where you can’t control the variables around you. Public places can get noisy and also distract you during your important interview.
Power Up / Power Down
Make sure your computer is fully charged. I like to have my power cord connected as well for extra piece of mind. Also, close out all tabs and programs other than the tab you need to connect to the meeting. If you receive pop up alerts from social media sites, email or messaging alerts, turn them off for the interview.
Speak Slowly
While checking all the boxes of the above criteria will set you up for interview success, your credentials and interview answers are ultimately the most important. Invest time into researching the company and practicing how to answer standard interview questions. Intentionally speaking slowly helps you better organize your thoughts and reduces the number of filler words used.
Good luck – you got this!!
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