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In the ‘old days’ of going to interviews, there was only one way – put on a suit. As the world has become more casual and after we transitioned to remote work, we’re not sure if the rules have changed. How do you know what to wear? Does being on a Zoom call mean you instantly can be more sloppy or casual? How does the type of role or business affect how you should dress for a Zoom or Teams interview?
While there isn’t one golden rule for dressing anymore, here are some general guidelines for remote interviews that are conducted online. You can use these ideas for any virtual meeting where you may have be a bit more formal, such as meetings with bosses or executives or giving presentations.
Guidelines for dressing for formal virtual meetings
- Dress for Success – It is still a job interview, so your appearance does matter. Aim for being professional and pay attention to your appearance. Be well groomed and preselect the clothes you will wear and try them on for fit ahead of time.
- Be professional yet comfortable – aim to look polished, yet don’t be so uncomfortable that you can’t answer the questions the interviewer asks you. Think about fabrics that retain their structure yet are breathable. Consider the season and how light or heavy you want the fabric to be so you are not too warm or too cold.
- Check your appearance on screen before you take the interview. You may look one way in your bathroom mirror and another way on computer. If possible at least a day before, check how you look on screen. Be sure to adjust lighting in your room and on your screen.
- Research how formal the industry your interview is in? Some tech jobs can be more casual while some jobs, such as legal or finance may be more formal.
- Consider the type of role you are taking. A principal of a school or CEO may need to be more formal in an interview, even if they work in a less formal field. For example if you are going to be an executive for a software company, even though software tends to be more casual, your role is more formal. A graphic designer may need to show more style than a software engineer. While there isn’t a hard and fast rule, you may just assess the scenario.
- Wear pants or a skirt on the bottom – Although you will be in front of a camera, and no one will see your bottoms, I still suggest wearing pants or at least good quality loungewear or nice jeans. A dress is fine too.
- Avoid being too casual – Even if you are working in a very casual setting or profession, I would still avoid being too casual, such as wearing a T-Shirt since this is an interview. If you are worried about looking too “stuffy” just a simple button down shirt, or cardigan and blouse, is always a nice look on screen.
- Think about how you want to be perceived? Do you want to appear more studious? Do you want to appear more businesslike? Relational? Friendly? Creative? For example, think about what a person who is more studious might wear versus someone more businesslike. Incorporate those elements into a look that works for you.
- Make sure your clothing is clean and pressed
- Keep things simple – avoid distractions like very loud or busy patterns or super bright colors (no hot pink). You want to look nice but for interviewers to focus on what you are saying and your lovely face. Not distracted by something on your clothing that stands out.
How to dress for a remote interview
If you want to be more formal
Maybe appropriate for: Law, Finance, formal professions, sales, executive or managerial roles, or any meeting type that calls for being more formal. Most job interviewees could easily fall into this category.
Wear: A jacket, a shell or shirt, black pants
A blazer on top of a sheath dress
A black jacket or blazer is a good staple to have in your closet an appropriate for most interviews. Pair it with a V-neck or round collar shell. See other color options here.
A sheath dress adds instant professionalism. Add a black jacket or cardigan to be more formal. Check out the different colors.
For an classy khaki work blazer – click here
If you want to be more casual, moderate, or aren’t sure
Maybe appropriate for: software, tech, or if you aren’t sure if you should be formal or more casual
Wear: A cardigan on top of a shell, blouse or shirt and tan/black pants
A well-fitted button down shirt with tan/black pants, a skirt, or jeans
A collared button down shirt in a nice color with elegant, simple jewelry is always polished. See the color choices here.
This tan color cardigan blazer keeps a moderate tone to your interview. The rounded collar of the lapel along with the color keeps it soft, yet is still sophisticated. Check out the other colors.
A short sleeve polished v neck blouse offers elegance yet stays a bit more moderate due to the short sleeves. Also great for when the weather heats up. Check out the colors here.
If you want to be more stylish or artistic
May be appropriate for : Artists, salon personnel, designers, retail sales
Pay attention to color, patterns and style. Add statement pieces, or traditional pieces with an artistic flair. Consider a pop of color.
A stylish suit in a light color gives off a designer or creative vibe. Perfect for stylists, designers, creators or any profession you may want to appear in trend. Still be modest by adding the shell inside. See the color options for the suit.
To make it more formal consider adding a blazer or cardigan on top.
A lavender blazer or other soft color adds a touch of lightness to a more formal, classic blazer. Create this look when you want to be formal yet have a softer look. Look for other vibrant colors.
For additional stylish selection of jackets – Click here
What’s most important is that you feel like yourself. If you are feeling like the blazer you are wearing is too uptight and doesn’t make you feel like you, change it. If you are dressed for a casual industry but you would feel better wearing a formal top, then go for it. The most important thing about the interview will be the expression on your face. You want to feel natural, comfortable, able to think and speak clearly and be joyful.
Dress to impress for any job interview including virtual ones. Alongside your preparation for what to say, make what to wear a priority. You’ll be surprised how presenting yourself well is a key factor for landing the job. May your interview lead to success and more comfort, leisure, and joy in your life.
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