What to Wear for a Zoom Interview: A Complete Guide



Remember when the world flipped like a pancake, all thanks to COVID? Gone were the days of squishing into subway cars, beating the queue at the coffee machine in the office kitchen, or jostling for the last free chair in a crowded meeting room. The hustle and bustle of office life seemingly vanished overnight. Instead, our lives were abruptly condensed into tiny pixelated squares on Zoom.

The most shocking part? With this new "normal" came an unexpected dress code. Business suits and polished shoes were tossed aside, replaced by half-up fashion where the top says "corporate chic," and the bottom screams "lazy Sunday.'' And this brings us to the truth: The line between formal office wear and cosy house clothes became as blurred as our virtual backgrounds! 

But here's the thing, even in a virtual setting, your attire sends a powerful message about your professionalism. Dressing appropriately demonstrates respect for your colleagues, the interviewer, and the company. Our advice? Ditch the "just-rolled-out-of-bed" PJs and throw-on blazer combo! Instead, opt for a professional-looking ensemble that'll make a positive impression and set the tone for your virtual tête-à-tête!

In this guide, we're going to dish out some killer tips to help you nail your Zoom interview look and set the stage right from the get-go.

Professional Dressing Tips for Zoom Interviews

Just because your interviewer can't smell your freshly brewed morning coffee or see the adorable cat trying to climb onto your keyboard, it doesn't mean you're off the hook when it comes to looking sharp. 

The first step to nailing your Zoom look? Research the company! Is it a laid-back tech startup with bean bag chairs and weekly jam sessions, or a buttoned-up corporate giant that practically breathes formality? You'd be surprised how much company culture can influence the expected dress code. If your dream job lies in the world of tech startups, you might want to opt for smart casual attire like our Fresia Dress. But if it's a corporate role you're eyeing, dust off that suit hanging in your closet. It's showtime!

Next, it's time to fixate on those fine details. Don't let wrinkles, stains, or ill-fitting clothes sabotage your interview. Give your attire a camera test, too, because your beloved shirt might not play nice with the lens or against the Zoom background you have chosen.

Lastly, think of your outfit as a visual representation of your role. Going for a creative gig? Let your ensemble show a glimpse of your creative genius. Aiming for a management spot? Dress like a boss! Remember, balance is key!

Unsure of how to style up? Here’s an expert round-up of tips for tops, bottoms, footwear, and more!

Tops

Think of your top as the star of your Zoom interview - because it's what the interviewer will see most. Don't reach for that tattered old tee - this is your chance to show off your professional yet chic taste! Whether it's a crisp shirt or a neat blouse, make sure it's in great condition and gives off a professional vibe.

While we're all for showing your personality through your choice of top, be wary of colours that could distract from your professional mojo. Opt for hues that complement your skin tone and subtly enhance your appearance without screaming for attention. You can also look for patterned ones like our Becka Top that will give you a pop of personality without being too loud.

Additionally, remember to reach for fabrics that are quiet, camera-friendly, and that keep you comfortable throughout your interview. You see, shiny and patterned fabrics can come off as dizzying on screen, and let's not even get started on how noisy some materials can be! 

Bottoms

Your choice of pants or skirt is as crucial as your top. Although it's tempting to wear your comfy PJs, opt for a more professional option, like a pair of tailored pants like our Jessica Pant or a smart skirt. Remember, dressing fully helps you get in the right mindset! Additionally, an ill-fitting or awkwardly long piece can hamper your comfort and affect your overall performance.

While it might not be visible, ensure your bottom matches your top. This keeps you prepared for unexpected incidents (like having to stand up during the interview) and helps you feel more confident and put together.

Footwear

Believe it or not, shoes play a part in how we carry ourselves - even in a virtual interview. So, swap out those comfy bunny slippers for something a tad more professional. Trust us - a comfortable yet formal pair of shoes can subtly boost your confidence and keep you grounded.

While your interviewer might not see them, you should still aim for coherence. So, ensure your shoes match the colour of your pants. For instance, if you're wearing a Gerry Pant in Black, opt for black-toned shoes.

Avoid click-clacking around your room in noisy heels or distracting footwear. Your focus should be on the conversation rather than managing your rebellious shoes. Go for footwear that's stylish, professional, silent and distraction-free.

If you're a high-heel lover, keep a few things in mind. Firstly, ensure you're comfortable with them. An interview isn't the time to break in your new heels. Secondly, pick a pair that's noiseless and won't have you tap-dancing during the interview.

Makeup and Hair

Yes, these, too, play an essential role in your overall presentation and confidence during a Zoom interview. Here's what to keep in mind:

Keeping Your Makeup Natural

Go for the natural, minimalistic look. A light foundation, a smidge of mascara, and a dab of neutral lip colour keeps it professional. Remember, your credentials are the star, not your makeup!

Choosing a Hairstyle

A neat, professional hairstyle that complements your facial structure is key. Be it a slick ponytail, a chic bob, or stylishly arranged natural curls, ensure it doesn't distract from the conversation.

Being Mindful of Accessories

Statement earrings or flashy headbands might not be your best pick for a Zoom interview. Opt for subtle accessories like a simple stud pearl or a gold c-hoop that blends well with your overall look.

Expert Tip: Unsure if blazers are too much? Consider wearing knits like our Drew Knit! They're comfortable, yet they can also come off as professional, making them a good combo with your simple hair and makeup!

Jewellery and Accessories

Just like your clothes, your jewellery should subtly accentuate your professional image without becoming the centre of attention. Small, classic pieces like a delicate necklace, stud earrings, or a sleek watch can add the right touch of sophistication. Remember, while you might love your chunky statement necklace or oversized hoop earrings, they might not be the best choice for a Zoom interview.

Also, steer clear of those that make noise or can be distracting. That lovely charm bracelet or those jingling earrings? They might be music to your ears, but they could be a noisy distraction for your interviewer. The same goes for accessories that reflect light or move a lot.

When you’re in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to choose one statement piece and keep everything else simple and understated. And once all is set, don’t forget to do a video check to see if everything works. 

Other Considerations

• Dressing for the Camera Angle: Choose clothes that look good from the waist up. Remember, this is primarily visible on camera during a Zoom interview.
• Creating a Professional Background: Ensure your background is neat and distraction-free. A plain, clean backdrop is often best.
• Checking Your Outfit Before the Interview: Do a trial run to ensure your outfit looks professional on camera. Use this time to adjust lighting, camera angle, and background.
• Avoiding Wardrobe Malfunctions: Make sure your clothes fit well and are comfortable to avoid any potential wardrobe mishaps. Double-check for any stray threads, missing buttons, or stains.

By considering these factors, you can ensure you're fully prepared for your virtual job interview and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer.

Dos and Don'ts for Zoom Interviews

In the world of virtual job interviews, the devil truly is in the details. It's not just about your answers to tricky interview questions anymore. Everything from your outfit to your background, even how your jewellery clinks when you move, can make or break your chances of landing that job. So, getting the basics and common blunders right is crucial!

Dos for a Zoom Interview:

• Do dress professionally from head to toe. 
• Do choose muted colours and simple patterns for your attire to maintain a professional look.
• Do check your tech setup, including camera, microphone, and internet connection before the interview.
• Do create a clean and distraction-free background.
• Do practise good posture. Sit up straight and look directly into the camera when speaking.

Don'ts for a Zoom Interview:

• Don't wear noisy jewellery or accessories that can distract you or the interviewer.
• Don't ignore the bottom part of your outfit. You never know when you might have to stand up.
• Don't have a busy or unprofessional background that could distract the interviewer.
• Don't keep your phone unmuted. Silence all potential interruptions before the interview starts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s true that your home office is now your stage, it doesn’t mean it’s the time for casual ‘fits all the time! If you want to get your dream job and impress your employers, the best thing to do is to dress to match the aspirations of the role you're after! As a wrap-up, here are some things you must watch out for…

• Treating Zoom interviews like a PJ party - Remember, just because you're cosy at home doesn't mean your interview isn't as serious as the traditional ones.
• Sparkling brighter than a chandelier - A couple of understated pieces will do the trick without distracting your interviewer from your shining skills and experiences.
• Serving ceiling views instead of interview vibes - Position your camera at eye level to ensure you're the focus, not the artwork or your ceiling. 
• Introducing your interviewer to your laundry pile - A cluttered background can be more distracting than you think and might send the wrong message about your organisational skills.
• Using your Zoom interview as a beauty vlog audition - While it can be tempting to showcase your makeup skills, it's best to keep your look simple and natural so that it won’t draw the focus away from the insightful points you're making.

And there we have our comprehensive guide to nailing your next Zoom interview! As we learned here, your approach to dressing for a virtual job interview could make or break the deal. Although simple, your outfit, makeup, and accessories all contribute to creating a powerful first impression! It reflects your professionalism, attention to detail, and, most importantly, your respect for the opportunity.

As we always say here at Freez, your attire speaks volumes before you utter a single word! And it's safe to say that professional attire is the language that resonates with every employer, irrespective of the industry or the mode of interview. So go ahead and check out your wardrobe to see what works, or shop your new favourites here at Freez!