Making a good first impression on a job interview is very important. Perception matters, and what you wear can set the tone of an interview. Most employers prefer that you wear something business casual. Others don’t have a preference. Some are very particular. What you wear can differ from company to company.
But what about a video job interview? How does this change what you wear on the interview? Some may assume it’s okay to be more casual. Here we’ll clear up any confusion about what you should wear on your next video job interview.
dress as you would for an in-person interview
It’s tempting to dress down for a video job interview. You are in the comfort of your own home. And, right now, you know your interviewer is also likely interviewing you from their home because of COVID-19. Resist the temptation to be too casual.
Follow the golden rule for video job interviews – dress as you would for an in-person interview. You want to be just as formal from head to toe. Don’t skimp on your attire. Dressing formally can not only make you feel good, it can help you get into the right frame of mind before the interview.
how do you know what to wear?
What you wear for a video job interview can change based on the company you are interviewing with. Some companies will provide you with information regarding attire as part of communications to set up the interview. If the information is not readily available, take some time to research the company culture. Check out the company website and social media channels to get an idea of what is acceptable. If you are not sure, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, even on a video job interview.
clothing preparation tips
choose your outfit in advance
Choose your outfit well in advance. This will give you time to compare your options, and if required, pick up anything you need from the store. Perhaps your favorite job interview clothes have a stain you need dry cleaned, your shirt no longer fits well, or you need to replace a garment. It’s much better to realize this well in advance rather than the day of the interview.
prepare your clothing the day before
Wash, iron, and prepare your clothing the day before. This allows you to focus more on interview preparation the day of the interview.
see what it looks like on camera
How an outfit appears in person can vary from how it looks on camera. Do a dry run and see how your attire looks in the lighting and location where you will do the interview.
avoid too much jewelry or makeup
Less is more. Avoid wearing too much jewelry or makeup. It can be a distraction for you or the interviewer.
don’t be too flashy
Choose an outfit that is work appropriate. You are not trying to make a fashion statement. Now is not the time to make a bold tie statement or choose a trendy blouse.
don’t wear something dated
You also don’t want to wear something dull, worn out, or dated. Wear something that is appropriate for 2020.
wear pants!
We’ve all seen those video job interview bloopers of professionals wearing business attire on top and not on the bottom. You never know when you may need to adjust your seating position, stand up, or change the camera angle. Save yourself the potential embarrassment and wear a complete outfit.
Preparing for a video job interview is very similar to a traditional job interview. You need to put the same time and effort into your outfit to make a good first impression. Choose your attire wisely!