Dress for Success: Tips for Zoom Interview Attire Tips
It’s true that prepping to answer the many common types of interview questions is essential for any upcoming job interview. At the same time, it’s not the only consideration to help job candidates ace an interview.
Zoom interview attire is one of the most important components when it comes to making a solid first impression. Close to 26% of interviewers make their conclusions about a candidate’s suitability for a position within the first five minutes of an interview, with some even making their decision within the first minute. As such, it’s vital that a candidate’s Zoom interview attire is appropriate, since it’s the first thing an interviewer sees when the candidate walks into the room, online or offline.
What To Wear for a Zoom Interview
Contrary to what some might think, the best Zoom interview attire is similar to what one would wear to an in-person interview. The best approach in preparing your Zoom interview outfit is to dress depending on the company culture and industry. Your attire plays a crucial role in making a good first impression. Here are some tips to help you nail your Zoom interview attire.
Here are some tips to help you nail your Zoom interview attire.
1. Keep it Professional
Just because you're interviewing from home doesn't mean you should dress casually. Dressing professionally is still important for virtual interviews.
As Wyatt Carr, Recruiting Manager at Advantis Global, IT Staffing Agency, shares, “Some industries like finance or accounting look for more formal Zoom interview attire. Meanwhile, engineers and developers can go a more casual route. A good rule of thumb is to research what employees of the company wear in the office and replicate it with one level higher in formality to show you’re serious about the job.”
2. Pay Attention to Color and Patterns
Solid, neutral colors such as black, navy blue, or gray are a safe bet for virtual interviews. Avoid bright or distracting patterns that can be overwhelming on camera. You want the interviewer to focus on what you're saying, not your clothing.
3. Don't Forget About Grooming
Your attire is just one part of your overall appearance. Make sure your hair is neat and tidy, and your face is clean and presentable. Pay attention to details such as your nails and jewelry. It's also a good idea to keep makeup to a minimum.
4. Dress Appropriately for the Company Culture
While dressing professionally is important, it's also important to consider the company culture. If you're interviewing with a startup or a company with a more relaxed culture, you may be able to dress a bit more casually. Do some research on the company beforehand to get a sense of their culture and dress accordingly.
5. Test Your Outfit on Camera
Before your interview, it's a good idea to test your outfit on camera. This will give you a chance to see how you look and make any necessary adjustments. You want to make sure your clothing looks good on camera and doesn't blend in with your background.
Looking for more tips? Submit your resume to get connected with an Advantis Global recruiter to find job opportunities and receive interview coaching.
What Not To Wear for a Zoom Interview
Carr shares that when determining how to dress for Zoom interview attire, candidates should consider the camera and lighting they have set up. Their setup dictates the type of clothing that will look good on camera, as well as what might not.
1. Don't wear anything too casual
Just because you are not going into the office, doesn't mean you can dress too casually. Avoid wearing clothing such as hoodies, sweatpants, or gym clothes. These outfits can give the impression that you are not taking the interview seriously or that you are too relaxed. Dressing too casually can also give the impression that you are not prepared for the interview.
2. Avoid busy patterns and colors
Wearing clothing with busy patterns or colors can be distracting and make it difficult for the interviewer to focus on you. “It’s important to avoid wearing all white or black to a Zoom interview without testing the settings beforehand. Lighting changes from natural sunlight and hand gestures may cause the exposure to fluctuate and wash out or darken the camera view,” Carr continues, “If you’re using natural sunlight, conduct a safety test a few minutes before the interview for the most accuracy because clouds can be unpredictable compared to controlled artificial lighting.”
Many candidates might not consider the fact that connection and internet speeds can impact the way they look on camera as well. “Because Zoom meetings are very dependent on connection and internet speeds, avoid clothing with detailed or complicated patterns. Adding more for Zoom to buffer will pull more bandwidth and cause the video to be pixelated or freeze.”
It's also important to keep in mind that sometimes, the video may look fine on your end, but not on the other end. “If you’re wearing patterns, stick to simple designs.”
3. Steer clear of revealing or provocative clothing
Even though you may be in the comfort of your own home, it is still important to dress professionally. Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or provocative, such as low-cut tops or short skirts. These clothing items can be distracting and inappropriate for a job interview. Dressing inappropriately can also create an uncomfortable work environment.
4. Don't wear anything with offensive content
Avoid wearing clothing with any offensive content or graphics, such as profanity, political slogans, or inappropriate imagery. Even if it's just a small logo or design, it can reflect poorly on your judgment and professionalism.
5. Avoid too many accessories
While accessories can add a touch of personality to your outfit, it is best to keep them minimal for a job interview. Too many accessories can be distracting and take away from the focus on you. It is best to stick to simple and subtle jewelry, such as small earrings or a watch.
Quick Zoom Interview Attire Tips
Carr points out that, in today’s age where remote jobs and interviews are increasing in popularity, many people are taking it too casually and forgetting to wear formal lower-body attire, like dress slacks or skirts.
“Like the many videos surfacing the internet of popular figures unexpectedly needing to stand up during calls to reveal pajamas or lack of pants, you never know when that situation will arise for you during a Zoom interview. Even though your lower body will not be in frame, remember to still cover up.”
Professional Recruiters Support Your Job Search Efforts
If you’re seeking additional support to land your next job, choosing to work with a professional recruiter in your industry might be a good next step. At Advantis Global, our recruiters are available to support you in landing your next tech position with the goal of better pay, career advancement, and a higher-level job. We also have the ability to support our candidates throughout the recruiting and hiring process, including how to prep for an interview and selecting the perfect Zoom interview attire to make an excellent first impression.
Our team at Advantis Global works with a variety of companies, including Fortune 500s to startups, and specializes in the placing of skilled contracts and permanent tech talent. Submit your resume or browse jobs on our website to connect with one of our specialized tech recruiters.
