Many firms and industries have changed their hiring processes as a result of technological improvements.
More hiring managers are turning to technology to pre-screen applications and conduct video interviews. It’s crucial to dress appropriately and prepare as if you’re being interviewed in person if you’re being questioned by Zoom or another video-based platform.
We’ll go through the best zoom Interview attire to wear and how to set up your backdrop and prepare for the interview.
Table of contents
What Does A Zoom Interview Entail?
A Zoom interview is a job interview that takes place using Zoom’s video conferencing technology. This platform has a number of handy features, including text-based chat, muting, screen sharing, and video recording. When a recruiting manager schedules a Zoom interview, they will provide you with a link to use on your computer or mobile device to join the conference.
The interview procedure will be identical to what you would encounter in a face-to-face meeting. Those conducting the interview will most likely ask you questions about your background and qualifications for the role in order to establish if you are a suitable fit.
Dressing appropriately and being prepared to be on camera are crucial steps to take in the process of preparing for this sort of interview because most interviewers use the video capabilities during Zoom interviews to communicate with you in a more intimate way.
What Should I Wear To A Zoom Interview?
When it comes to dressing for a Zoom interview, consider the company’s culture and what appears professional and appropriate to you. Although you’ll want to consider some additional guidelines to avoid blending into your background or appearing too wild when the video delays, the approach is comparable to dressing for an in-person interview. You should also think about the culture of the firm you’re looking to work for, as you may want to dress appropriately for the job.
If the hiring manager specifies a dress code ahead of time, follow their instructions. If not, conduct some research on the company’s culture and standard dress code to obtain a sense of how to dress for the interview. To make a good first impression on the recruiting manager, it is best to dress in professional business clothes.
Best Outfits For a Zoom Interview For Women
Dressing for an interview as a woman might be challenging… It doesn’t have to be, though! Your Zoom interview should go off without a hitch if you take the time to organize your outfit (following the guidelines below).
1. Clothing
The type of apparel you wear for your interview should mostly be determined by the company’s overall formality. Most businesses, on the other hand, will fall somewhere in the formal-casual spectrum.
With that in mind, consider the following suggestions:
Choose items that appear to be professional. When it comes to looking professional, women have a plethora of alternatives to select from. You may wear a dress, a blouse with khaki pants, a skirt with a button-down—the options are unlimited, so choose anything that makes you feel wonderful!
Aim for a simple appearance. The use of busy prints and patterns in your interview clothes should be avoided because they tend to distract the interviewer and detract from what you’re saying (i.e., the things that should matter). If you must include a pattern in your ensemble, keep it to one if at all possible.
Reduce the intensity of the color. Neutral hues like grays and off-whites are ideal for the ordinary Zoom interview. You’ll have considerably more freedom to experiment with color and personality with less formal companies, but be cautious while gathering proof. When in doubt, lower the volume.
Other Considerations
Make sure your accessories are appropriate for the formality of the workplace culture and consider which pieces will be featured in your virtual interview.
Here are a few pointers to help you achieve the perfect look:
- Keep the number of accessories to a bare minimum. Heavy, heavy jewelry can be distracting, so opt for light, basic jewelry instead. You could, for example, choose a necklace or bracelet with light charms.
- Simple and professional alternatives are best. These types of accessories are universally flattering, so they’ll go with any outfit.
- When it comes to makeup, the same rules apply. Avoid bright colors and heavy foundation if you want it to look natural. Just try to look as professional as possible!
SEE ALSO: What Not to Wear to an Interview: 10 Things To Avoid
Zoom Interview Attire for Male
Suitability and comfort are two factors that men must consider. The appropriateness requirement is simple—just make sure you dress maturely and professionally. Comfort is a little more difficult to define because everyone has their own definition.
However, keep these pointers in mind if you want to make a good first impression during your Zoom interview:
Clothing
Match the occasion’s formality. It’s critical that you match the level of formality that the interviewer expects. To assist you, below are some tips based on the formality of the company:
- Casual: Jeans or chino trousers with a sweater, t-shirt, or polo shirt.
- A colorful or patterned button-down coupled with neutral chino slacks for a business casual look.
- Dress in slacks and a button-down shirt with a tie for a business professional look. Don’t be afraid to use some color!
- A button-down shirt, tie, and two-piece suit are required for business formal. Stick to neutral tones as much as possible!
Other Considerations
While you have a lot of freedom in terms of how you dress, there is one factor you should keep in mind before your interview: hair length. Thankfully, our cultures are beginning to reject the notion that the length of your hair has anything to do with your ability to do a good job.
However, there will always be those who believe that long hair is unprofessional. If you think it would be an issue at the company where you want to work, we propose having a haircut and then gradually growing it back out once you’ve got the job. If you do decide to keep it long, make sure it’s washed and styled in a neat manner. Also, once you’ve properly planned out your outfit, don’t forget about tiny aspects like laundry. Wrinkles can be seen on webcams, and they immediately detract from your polished appearance!
READ ALSO: How to Prepare for an Internship Interview
How To Set Up Your Background For A Zoom Interview
In addition to dressing appropriately for your Zoom interview, think about the background that will be visible in the video transmission. To make sure your backdrop is interview-ready, follow these steps:
1. Choose a neutral location
Because Zoom interviews are frequently conducted at home, you will be displaying a portion of your living space during the interview. Look for a neutral, professional-looking space, such as a home office or a kitchen table.
READ ALSO: Best Plus Size Interview Outfits for Women
2. Clean up your surroundings
Before your interview, make sure your area is clean and professional. Remove any clutter, anything that will appear in the video, and anything that could get in the way of your conversation with the hiring manager or recruiter.
3. Consider displaying one-of-a-kind items
If you have one-of-a-kind items in your house that reflect your personality or skill set, consider displaying them as part of the interview backdrop. If you’re applying for a job in the sports business, for example, displaying a framed jersey or a photo of yourself on the field could demonstrate your enthusiasm for the work. To demonstrate that you are a versatile, well-rounded person, you may also include a framed diploma, a musical instrument that you play, or evidence of your volunteer activities.
4. Adjust the lighting
By adjusting the lighting, you and your backdrop might appear more enticing to the recruiting manager. Consider the time of day the interview will be held and how natural illumination will affect the outcome. To produce a soft, warm tone in the space, you may need to close the blinds or drapes or bring in additional lamps.
Open the webcam on your computer or device before logging into Zoom to check the view from behind you. If anything on the screen seems unprofessional or is obstructing your vision, take anything out of the way or alter your seating position until you have the best view possible.
How To Prepare For A Zoom Interview
It’s possible that preparing for a Zoom interview differs from preparing for an in-person interview. Your facial expressions will be more prominent, and you will be the only person the interviewing committee sees. To prepare for your video interview, follow these guidelines:
1. Avoid bright colors or busy patterns
Keep your colors neutral so they don’t merge in with your surroundings. If the Zoom video buffers, a busy pattern can look wacky, and a white shirt on a light-skinned person against a white backdrop can be difficult to see.
2. Eliminate distractions
Examine your surroundings to see what can be causing a distraction during the Zoom call. A few modest wall hangings are good, but a full gallery wall or crowded bookshelf may be too distracting for people on the phone. Conducting the interview in a location with a closed-door reduces the chance of individuals or pets wandering into the frame and diverting your attention away from the interviewers.
3. Dress up
It is usually preferable to overdress for an interview than to underdress. Even if the company’s work environment is more informal, you can dress professionally without worrying about standing out because you will not be in close contact with that environment during a video interview. On video, a more professional wardrobe will make you appear more polished. It might also help you make a better first impression by demonstrating that you are interested in the position.
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4. Practice using Zoom
Before the interview, you should feel confident in your Zoom skills, so practice with friends or family to become comfortable with the features and how to use them to your advantage. When practicing, keep your gaze fixed on the camera rather than on the video feed on your computer screen.
5. Adjust your camera angle
Your device’s camera should be situated at eye level so that you can gaze into it directly and present a professional image. If you’re conducting the interview on a mobile device, try putting it on a stand or leaning it against something to keep it steady and at the proper angle.
6. Review commonly asked questions
During your Zoom interview, the hiring manager or recruiter will ask you questions just like they would in person, so examine popular questions in your sector and the position you are looking for to prepare for them. Consider how you would respond to some of these questions and how you can illustrate your skills and competence using examples from your job experience.
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7. Write down your own questions
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will usually ask if you have any questions, so write them down ahead of time. Because the interview process can be stressful, having your questions beforehand might help you avoid forgetting anything vital. This way, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and see if the job is a suitable fit for you.
8. Keep a copy of your resume within reach
The interviewer will most likely have your résumé in front of them and will likely ask questions based on it. Keep a printed copy nearby so you can refer to it throughout the interview if necessary.
Conclusion
All of these suggestions will ensure that YOU are the star of the show—or at least the center of the screen. So go ahead and dress with confidence and purpose, and remember that your loungewear will be waiting for you when you’re finished!
References
- Indeed.com – What To Wear for a Zoom Interview and How To Prepare
- 4daweek.io – What To Wear For A Zoom Interview
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