Video Interviewing Dress Code

Video Interviewing dress code

With the high use off video for meetings such as Zoom and job interviews with software like FaceCruit Video Interviewing, what do you wear? What is the dress code for a video interview? Yet the debate over virtual meeting fashion is not yet won. Does the open shirt and jacket shirt still cut it? Does casual chic look unprofessional?

I believe we need to take away the stigma of the word video. Dress for the occasion like you would if you had a face to face environment. This makes the decision easy. You know what you would wear in work environment, for meetings on and off site, casual or formal, so apply those rules.

It is always better to overdressed than underdressed

My dad always said “It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.” Why? Because you can always change overdressed to make yourself more casual if need be. However is it always better to be overdressed than underdressed during video meetings. Although you might not feel like you are overdressed, always be present enough to notice if you are underdressed. Try to wear a complete outfit, even if people will not see the whole outfit. If you can, try not to go with the cheapest suit on the rack if you are attending your first meeting. Remember that dressing well has the psychological effect of making you feel better about yourself during a meeting. Overdressing is also a good way to show people how you would have presented yourself if they were meeting you in person which could be a huge bonus for you.

Things to Do during a Video Interview

1. Avoid White Clothing

If a white shirt is your go-to for a regular interview, you’re going to need to switch it up when you’re in front of a webcam. White can look overpowering on-screen and will wash you out – obstructing the view of your face. To ensure that your interviewer can clearly see your expression, opt for neutral tones like beige and camel, which are less distracting.

2. Add a Pop of Colour

With a regular interview, you’re usually told to avoid bright colours unless you’re interviewing for a creative role. However, with the personal interaction taken out of the process, a simple pop of colour can make a significant difference to your interview success. A bold colour will enhance your skin tone and make you stand out, instead of blending into the background with your regular black, grey or navy suit.

3. Wear Minimal Jewellery

Simple jewellery can enhance your outfit and dress up a simple blouse. However, big jewels and bright colour can be extremely distracting on camera. That said, be mindful of the noise that accessories make too – you don’t want to annoy your interviewer with clunky bracelets or earrings that make it hard for the hiring manager to hear what you’re saying.

4. Dress Up Your Bottom Half

Many candidates make a big mistake when they forget to dress their bottom half during a video interview process. For one, it’s been notoriously known that interviewers may ask candidates to stand up during a video call, and you don’t want to be caught out in your PJs now, do you?

Not only that but dressing in a power suit or dress can help boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. According to SUCCESS, wearing a red dress won’t only increase your confidence levels but will give others the impression that you are self-assured and assertive, too.

5. Wear Makeup to Highlight Your Features

Makeup is also a great confidence booster and can help highlight your best features on-camera. Naturally, webcams are unflattering and tend to wash us out; to give your skin a healthy and natural glow, wear a light foundation or CC cream, and use concealer to brighten the area underneath your eyes. If you’re on the oily side, consider using a blotting paper and some powder before you join your call – you don’t want any shine to distract your interviewer from what you are saying.

It’s essential to keep your makeup natural and neutral – as you would with a regular interview. Simply use mascara, brow pencil and bronzer enhance your features and make yourself look more presentable on camera.

6. Match the Occasion

Some people automatically assume that their interview attire should be more casual as they are interviewing from the comfort of their own home. However, they are mistaken! You should still dress as you would with an in-person interview. Let’s say you’re interviewing with a big law firm and know that their staff wear suits to work; then you need to ensure that follow the dress code and wear a suit during your virtual interview, too!

7. Try Your Outfit on Before the Big Day

As with any big event, you’ll need to try your outfit on before the big day. However, when it comes to video interviews, you should test your outfit on a call to see how it looks. A blouse or shirt may seem fine in the mirror, but when you’re sat in front of a camera, the light may be unflattering and could even highlight the fact that your shirt is see-through