What to wear for an online interview

[captainflash]

Hello! I have a big work interview coming up that now needs to take place remotely. This isn’t the norm in our industry at all and normally I’d buy myself a nice new frock for an interview so I’d feel fabulous!

Does anyone have any advice as to what works well on screen? I normally wear patterns and tend to suit more vibrant colours- red, royal blue or animal print of sorts! I’m just conscious of a print / pattern looking fuzzy or blurry on screen.

Does my make up need to be any different from what I’d normally do? I’m quite pale, blue eyes, 39, with short (not pixie- almost a bob now!) light brown hair with highlights.
I suit quite a bold lip to give me a bit of umph!

I’d really appreciate any advice. It’s for a big promotion (which I am capable of doing) - I’ve just never been interviewed in this way before.
Thanks!

No style advice here I’m afraid but could you do a dry run video call with a trusted friend and ask them to comment? Also they could take a screenshot and send to you to make sure you see what you look like on the call.

I had an online interview a few months ago (they were interviewing from the states).

Check the angle of your device to make sure you get your best side. Make sure nothing distracting is behind you.

I recorded myself on the device I was using to get an idea of what I looked like.

I'd recommend more make up than you'd usually wear (the camera /light can drain you), a bright non/patterned top, and a big smile!

Good luck

If you're going to be using your laptop for the interview, def do a practice on it recording yourself on the screen speaking and you can play it back and see how u look and sound

I said this on another thread so sorry for repetition but your lighting is key. It's the most important thing.

You should be lit in front of you but just behind the camera, with a bright but diffused light (like a lamp with a soft shade)
So the light goes behind your laptop. Could be natural light from a window too.

Avoid light behind you or shining from side. If you sit with your back to a window for example, it is very hard to see the detail of your face.

Pull the curtains if you have to sit like that.

Way more important that your outfit. So buy yourself something you love to give you confidence.

Honestly your laptop camera will probably not be powerful enough for make up to make a massive difference - it's not like a TV camera. Your regular make up with be fine.

Test your audio and visual set up first on a friend. Consider a headset if your inbuilt microphone is poor. It's important they can hear you clearly Lock the door so no one can walk in on your during the real thing.

Everything Mojo said.

Make sure you are at eye level with the camera so you can look directly at it.

Plain tops do look better than patterns which can go very odd. I find a simple navy or black v neck works well and doesn't distract the eye.

Strong makeup is good as long as you do it properly - a lip is great for bringing yourself to life.

Clear, tidy, plain background.

Ensure speaker and tech is all working before the call.

And good luck!

Read your post again - go for a bright plain colour with a v neck - that sounds much more you!

Plain shirt. Maybe a jacket over the top? And pyjama bottoms 🤣

Thank you for all the practical advice! I will gather some block colour options and ask a friend to evaluate.
The techie advice is really useful too.

I couldn’t wear my PJ bottoms! I wouldn’t feel ‘on it’. I’ll have heels on under my kitchen table. It’ll be very odd!

Have a dry run and check the background of the video. Make sure it looks neat and tidy, and there’s nothing embarrassing or messy in shot.