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Zoom interview outfit

19 replies

TailEndCharlie · 18/02/2021 17:59

I have just got an interview next week that will be over Zoom / Teams.... (haven't done an interview in over a decade but that's not the point...) what do I wear? If lockdown pounds don't prevent me from fitting into my black suit I can do that but can I do a white ribbed t-shirt under that or should I go black dress or white blouse? Or will that wash out on camera? I am white, not thin and mid forties with my roots showing. Will have to wear glasses so I can see the screen. I haven't got a clue what the virtual interview rules are now!

OP posts:
ScrapThatThen · 18/02/2021 18:07

Navy blue or dark colours supposedly look best. Position a light or a light source in front of you if you can.

TailEndCharlie · 18/02/2021 18:24

oooh good tip.

OP posts:
domesticslattern · 18/02/2021 18:28

Do you have an interesting necklace or brooch? Something memorable which will stand out, whether on a jacket or a dress.

happytoday73 · 18/02/2021 18:29

Put laptop or camera higher.. So its level with you rather than looking up at you.. Its much kinder on my mid 40s, pale face....

PandoraP · 18/02/2021 18:34

I second dark colours. I wear navy on zoom and no pattern. If I wear red my face looks red. I am on zoom all day long and what I have realised is that only the really young look fine on zoom. Most people look shocking.

PandoraP · 18/02/2021 18:34

Oh and filter!!

Tronkmanton · 18/02/2021 18:43

If using Zoom there is a ‘touch up my appearance’ option and also more lighting I think which works wonders if the light is not good in the room. Good luck

MabelMoo23 · 18/02/2021 19:44

I’ve just done a load of zoom / team interviews

Wear bold colours, and a strong lipstick. I found I looked really washed out otherwise

I got a job so obviously did ok!

Good luck!

Peachypips78 · 18/02/2021 19:59

Navy. More flattering than black unless you have certain colouring. A thin scarf and plain but visible earrings. Good make up!

ForgiveMeFatherForIHaveGinned · 18/02/2021 20:06

I think it depends on your hair colour as well. I have really dark hair and I hate wearing black for video calls as I feel my hair just blends into my top and I end up looking like a floating head!

LtGreggs · 18/02/2021 22:11

Definitely get good lighting - put a table lamp just by the screen, which will give a warmish bright light back on to your face. Having the light to one side of the screen gives a more flattering looking than right straight on.

Raise the camera a bit, this looks more flattering and helps with an eye-contact feeling. Definitely make sure camera is not pointing down your cleavage (as per my client today!).

Dark plain top. I find a bit of lipstick helps make my face look more defined over the video.

If you want to make/refer to notes, put these in front of you do that you are glancing directly down to them, try and avoid reading anything to the side and giving a prolonged profile view.

Consider using a headset for much better audio quality for both you and them - this makes a massive difference compared to just using an open mic. I personally also think it looks quite professional - like you are taking the whole remote working seriously. Also keeps your hair tidy, alice-band style, if you are a bit lacking in lockdown haircut!

Try for a fairly neutral background, nothing too distracting. Don't have things like laundry in shot behind you :-) You can hide many things just by changing the camera position or zooming the shot in a bit!

Practise beforehand to ensure you are confident of audio & video.

I was a bit nervous about needing to do remote sales via Teams at start of original lockdown, so I've paid attention to looking professional, confident & friendly on video and that's what I've learnt. (Have also won my full year B2B sales target remotely too.)

chocolatorange · 18/02/2021 22:40

I agree with all the tips re raise laptop camera, lightening, plain coloured top etc. If you go on zoom on your own you can start a meeting and press record, then have a wee practice including sharing screen if you're going to need to etc. It's pretty painful playing it back but can give you some guidance.
Also feedback I had after a practice interview was that most people are less animated on zoom making it tiring and uninspiring for those interviewing. Practise smiling and moving a little, using hands etc if that's natural to you. Just try to get used to being yourself on zoom.

WhateverJohnnyMcNofriends · 18/02/2021 22:45

I did a zoom interview a couple of weeks ago. A lamp just behind my screen made a massive difference, especially in dim winter light.
I also made sure I had a plain, neutral background and I did a trial run on zoom with dh and tried on loads of different tops to see what looked best. I settled on emerald green as it brightened my skin and didn't blend in or clash with my background.

Good luck!

WhateverJohnnyMcNofriends · 18/02/2021 22:47

Oh and practice looking at the lens, not yourself or the person you're speaking to (on your screen) it feels unnatural but to them, you'll be looking directly at them.

donewithitalltodayandxmas · 18/02/2021 23:13

Lots of gpod tips all which I didn't do on my last zoom call

TailEndCharlie · 19/02/2021 10:48

OK have installed light and tried on my ancient black jacket which is a bit tight! But with a black dress on underneath should look suitably business like. Will do some practices when everyone is busy elsewhere.... no to rearrange the background!

OP posts:
ScrapThatThen · 19/02/2021 13:52

I would also be prepared for the technology going wrong - if you can't hear them or they can't hear you, pop a polite message in the chat box explaining that you are not on mute but having a technical issue. Try to have their telephone number on hand and offer to dial in if the network is not working. All of this happened in my zoom interview despite a pre run through to test the set up with their administrator, and I got the job. They were impressed I stayed calm but I am used to Teams call issues from my normal work!

ScrapThatThen · 19/02/2021 14:09

Sorry forgot this was in style and beauty Grin good luck

PresentingPercy · 19/02/2021 15:37

Black dress and black jacket? Are you a barrister or a funeral director? That is so dowdy! It’s not really business like at all. I would do as others have said. Navy. Or I think dark green or burgundy look good. Don’t bother with a jacket either. You are in your own home.

Personally I think a decent single colour dress with a necklace looks fine. Scarves are air hostess look. Or choose a decent blouse. Not a shirt. A blouse with a neat neckline. Massimo Dutti have brilliant work blouses.

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