Due to the pandemic, video conferencing has become the main way to communicate and hold meetings that would typically be conducted in-person. To put it in perspective on just how big video conferencing has become, Zoom has surpassed 300 million daily Zoom meeting participants. That’s up 50% from the 200 million the company reported in early April, and a huge jump from the 10 million back in December 2019.
Spikes in COVID numbers means that almost all interviews are all being held virtually. While many things about an interview don’t change, there are some unique challenges and important factors to keep in mind during a virtual interview, including how to style your virtual interview space. This is the best way to style your virtual interview space.
When you go to prepare for a virtual interview, it’s important to prepare the physical space as well. Set yourself up in a private area away from other distractions or other people who might be at home with you, and ensure that you have neutral background. If you’re in a bedroom, make the bed, and ensure that everything is neat and tidy. Additionally, try to be near natural light so the interviewer gets a good visual of you. Because it’s harder to pick up on physical cues and body language, you facial expressions and tone of voice are very important. Be sure that you set up your video camera so the interviewer can clearly see and hear you with ease. If they have to focus too hard on trying to get a clear picture of your or have trouble hearing you, this could negatively impact their perception of you.
Dress the part
Being on a video call requires more focus than an in-person conversation. As humans, we need to work harder to process non-verbal cues like facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, and body language. This makes it essential to take every opportunity to present yourself in a positive light, including with what you wear. When considering what to wear for your virtual interview, keep the following in mind.
- Be conservative
- Don’t show too much skin
- Make sure your clothing is ironed and wrinkle free
- Don’t wear sunglasses or a hat
When participating in a virtual interview, you want to make sure that you are dressed appropriately. If you work in an industry or company that requires a certain dress code, stick to those rules for your interview. The easiest way to figure out what to wear to your virtual interview is to dress how you would if you were going into the office. If you wear a suit to work every day, wear a suit for your interview.
If your dress code is very casual, you can stick with casual clothing, however it’s important that you still appear put together and professional. If you work in a very casual environment or industry, think of wearing a simple button down shirt, or a wrinkle free basic t shirt. If you are going to opt for a t shirt, stick to white, black, navy or grey, and make sure that there are no graphics on it. Simple is always better.
Find a neutral background
When it comes to the best way to style your virtual interview, try and find a neutral background that won’t distract the viewer. You want to be the focus point, not the background. Simple walls with some art or plants behind you will work well, or if you have to do it in your bedroom, make sure that the room is clean and that the bed is made. With pandemic changes and many people working remotely, most interviewers will understand if you have to take the interview in a bedroom or another space along those lines, but do your best to present a clean and fairly neutral space so they focus on you and not your background.
If you’re not comfortable with the background you have, you can always blur out your background in Zoom or in Microsoft Teams.
Good lighting is key
Natural light is always best, but sun isn’t your friend. Natural lighting can be great, but it can also cast weird shadows if you’re in the direct sun. Try to position yourself so you’re in a well-lit area that isn’t in direct sunlight. If you can find a spot across from a window where light can stream in but isn’t hitting you directly, that will work best to light your virtual interview space properly.