Zoom has become a part of our daily lives. We use it for everything from “hanging out” with friends and family to work meetings. You might be hyper familiar with the software, but when it comes to interviews, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. After all, you really want that job, don’t you?
Whilst it might be completely appropriate to hang out in your PJs, a glass of wine in hand, to catch up with your mum and say hi to your childhood pet, your Zoom interview requires a bit more effort.
Making a good first impression during an interview is key, and a Zoom interview is no different. It might be happening through a screen, but your outfit is still an important part of your interview process. To take the guesswork out of the already stressful process of a Zoom interview, check out how to dress with these handy guidelines.
Colour and contrast are your friends
There is one word you should always keep in mind when planning a Zoom interview: contrast. Matching your outfit to the colour of your eyes is always a safe bet, so is matching your entire outfit to your make-up, hair and accessories (just like for an in-person interview).
Unlike an in-person interview though, you are in control of where your interview takes place. It might only be a screen-size view into your living room, but your Zoom background matters.
To avoid the disembodied head look, contrast your outfit with your background. If you’re a blonde with pale skin, a white shirt in front of a white wall might not be your best bet. It’s also important to note that there is such a thing as too much contrast, so don’t go overboard with this. Remember that the point of an interview is to stand out, but not so much that your interviewer is distracted and forgets to listen to what you have to say.
Patterns… not so much
Standing out might mean patterns to you, but to your screen, it’s shorthand for “let’s make everyone dizzy.” Avoiding busy patterns is the safest bet. Fuzzy calls, buffering issues, a sudden move… all things that aren’t the end of the world unless you’re wearing a busy pattern. The point of a Zoom interview is to leave a lasting impression. You don’t want that impression to be “slightly nauseous.”
Fit in remotely
You might be taking the call from home, but you still need to show that you’d fit in. It means actually doing some research and finding out what the culture of the company you’re interviewing for is like. Looking at the staff page might be helpful, as they usually include portraits of employees. Take your cues from these.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a Zoom interview is shorthand for “casual, chill at home vibes.” Think of what you’d wear if you had to go to an in-person interview. Take whatever that outfit is and check it for on-screen suitability. Take a selfie, open your webcam and test what you look like.
Inject personality with accessories
Considering your top half is all the interviewer is going to have to go on, grooming is a must. Make sure your haircut is neat and on point (even if it’s not at its best during the pandemic, make it tidy!) and makeup should be fresh and clean (add a bit more so it shows through the screen).
It might be worth injecting a bit of personality into your outfit with accessories. They are a fun and easy way to show who you are. Don’t go overboard though, we should still be able to see you.
Trousers are not optional
Your interviewer might not see your bottom half, but it doesn’t mean you should forego trousers.
Getting into interview mode is hard enough in normal circumstances, to write nothing of the virtual, COVID-19 times we are currently living in. Do yourself a favour and don’t make it harder to feel professional by not wearing some kind of trousers or skirts… Would you turn up to an in-person interview without covering your lower half? No? Don’t do it on Zoom either.
Sarah Kante
