Are you scheduled for a job interview via Zoom? If so, congratulations! You’re one step closer to scoring your dream job. While the format of a Zoom interview is new to many people, there’s no need to worry. We have listed some essential tips for dressing for a Zoom interview in this blog, and you’ll be good to go!

Whether interviewing for a new position or applying for a promotion, dressing appropriately is important. In addition to looking professional, you want to stand out from the crowd. While some applicants might be wearing jeans and a T-shirt, others might be dressed in suits and ties.

Here are some tips to help you look professional during a virtual job interview.

1. Set up a distraction-free area

When you set up your video call, ensure there are no visual distractions around you. This includes items on the floor or walls, paintings or pictures on the wall, etc.

You want the interviewer to be focused on you and your responses, so eliminating visual distractions helps them do this. If you have kids running around, turn off the TV. If you have pets, put them outside. If you have friends over, invite them somewhere else.

If you don’t have a designated space for your Zoom meeting, consider bringing a whiteboard into another part of your house. This way, you won’t have to worry about moving furniture or anything else.

2. Set up good lighting

While it might seem like a given, having the right lighting is key to creating great photos. “If you are in a meeting where someone wants to see something really clearly, it’s important to have the light set correctly,” said Rosenfeld. “You want to make sure that the person sitting next to you is seeing what you saw in the photo.”

The same goes for interviews. If you’re being interviewed for a job, you’ll likely be asked about your experience and how well you’d fit into the organization. You want to look professional, even talking over video chat.

3. Groom, groom, groom

The term “grooming” is used in many different ways, but we’ll focus on how it relates to interviewing. When someone says they want to “prepare well,” they refer to preparing themselves physically and mentally for an interview. This includes taking care of their appearance because what you see is what you get.

“Make yourself look bright for the cameras so that when you’re viewed by people, you leave people with a positive impression,” said Rosenfield.

4. Don’t overdress

Unless company culture calls for a 3-piece black suit or ball gown every day, it doesn’t matter how much you dress up for interviews.

Interviewers know you are at home and not at an awards ceremony. They want to see your appearance without makeup, jewelry, and fancy clothes. So please don’t wear anything special unless it’s part of the interview process.

5. Keep contrast and color in mind

A great way to make sure you’re standing out during a job interview is to match the color of your eyes, says Lisa Rosenfeld, founder and CEO of TalentWorks. She recommends wearing something that fits your eye color, especially if you have dark eyes. “If you can repeat that on your body, whether it’s a top, a blouse, a shirt, or an appropriate piece of knitwear, that’s a wonderful opportunity to amplify the authenticity of a person.”

6. Do not integrate into your surroundings

Virtual backgrounds are great because they allow you to add a little something extra to your social media posts without having to spend much money. However, you still need to know a few things about creating effective ones.

The most common mistake we see is people blending into their background—and not just a little bit. They look like mistake we see is people blending into their background—and not just a little bit. They look like floating, headless bodies with missing limbs.

But what happens is that when your image gets darker, the background darkens, too, making it hard to tell where the person ends and the background begins. If this happens, your image looks blurry and unprofessional.

To avoid this problem, make sure you’re implementing the following tips:

1. Choose a light color palette.

2. Use bright colors.

3. Try different angles.

4. Add a focal point.

7. Pick a few favorites

If you are interviewing for multiple jobs, it might seem like a lot of work to go through everything you’ve ever worn. But having a collection of your best looks can help you feel confident during interviews. Try to pick a few of your favorite pieces, preferably ones that fit well, and wear them throughout the day. You don’t want to be wearing something uncomfortable or unflattering.

8. Wear pants

If you want to look good, dress appropriately for the position you are applying for. Don’t show off your yoga pants if you’re interviewing for a management role. Wear something appropriate for the position you are interviewing for.

Remember, you’ll always be seen by the person conducting the interview. They won’t care whether you’re wearing jeans or a skirt, but they might notice if you’ve forgotten to wear pants.

9. Your attire should be “culture-appropriate.”

You don’t want to stand out too much, but you also don’t want your outfits to blend into the background. A simple way to determine whether something fits the company culture is to talk to people there. Ask about the office environment, dress code, and how employees interact with each other.

Look at the company’s website and understand this particular organization’s values. Then, take note of the visual elements that make the place feel like home. Finally, see if you can find ways to incorporate some of those elements into your appearance. If you can, you’ve found a great cultural fit.

10. Do strive for comfort

If you’re looking for a comfortable interview suit, you’ll want to choose something that feels great against your skin. You don’t have to wear a full-on suit, but you want to ensure that whatever you select fits well.

The key here is finding one that feels like it’s been tailored specifically for you. A loose fit is ideal because it allows room for movement. Avoid anything too tight; you won’t be able to move around freely. Instead, opt for something that hugs your body without constricting.

11. Don’t get too comfortable

As we discussed above, interview attire should always be professional. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself while wearing it.

You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed, especially if you are interviewing someone who works hard every day. If you’re interviewing for a job where a casual dress code is appropriate, wear what makes you feel most comfortable.

But if you’re interviewing someone who expects you to be dressed up, think about how you present yourself.

12. Jewelry and accessories: Keep it simple

Jewelry is a great way for women to add some sparkle to their outfits without looking like they are trying too hard. However, choosing pieces that complement your style is important rather than overpowering you. For example, don’t go overboard with chunky earrings or a statement necklace. Instead, opt for something subtle that complements your outfit.

If you want to avoid wearing a lot of jewelry, consider adding a touch of sparkle around your collarbone or on your ears. A piece of costume jewelry can help polish up your appearance. You might even try pairing a pair of studded drop earrings with a simple tank top or blouse. If you feel comfortable doing so, you could experiment with a little glitter.

Why what you wear on Zoom matters

Your appearance matters, whether you’re interviewing over Skype, conducting a phone screen, or meeting face-to-face. Your outfit says something about you: how professional you are, what kind of personality you project, and what you value in yourself. Whether wearing a suit or jeans, dressing appropriately always makes a good impression.

When preparing for a job interview, consider what image you want to portray. Do you want to come across as polished and put together? Or do you prefer casual dressing and a laid-back vibe? Think about the type of environment you’ll be in, too. Don’t wear flip-flops or shorts if you’re expecting a formal sit-down interview.

Key Takeaway

If you’re feeling lost and uncertain about what to wear for your Zoom interview, don’t worry. You can dress up for an online job interview without putting too much stress on yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to get started on your Zoom job interview outfit.

And if you need more motivation to strive for the best, remember that looking good is just one part of the equation; feeling good is the other half.

We can help give you both a confidence boost and help you write an amazing resume. Good luck!