Video interviews require a thoughtful approach to presentation, translating the conventions of in-person meetings into a digital format. Your clothing choices are an important part of non-verbal communication, signaling professionalism and respect for the opportunity. The camera can distort colors, patterns, and fit, making careful attire selection crucial. A polished appearance helps establish a confident demeanor and ensures the focus remains on your qualifications.
Determining the Level of Formality
Selecting the appropriate level of formality begins with research into the company’s culture and industry standards. Candidates should look for clues on the company website, such as the “About Us” section or employee photos on platforms like LinkedIn. Dress codes vary dramatically; finance and law typically expect more formal attire than tech startups or creative agencies. The tone of the interview communication may also suggest a relaxed or formal environment.
A reliable strategy involves dressing one level higher than the expected day-to-day attire of the position. If the company is business casual, opt for a business professional look to demonstrate seriousness about the role. This approach conveys competence and respect for the interviewer’s time. When in doubt, it is safer to lean toward a more conservative and polished presentation.
Optimizing for the Camera: Colors and Patterns
Selecting colors that translate well on camera is a technical consideration unique to video interviews. Solid, mid-range colors perform best, providing contrast against most backgrounds without causing visual distractions. Deep jewel tones, such as navy blue, forest green, burgundy, and sapphire, are universally flattering and project confidence. Choose a color that contrasts with your background so you do not visually blend into the setting.
Certain colors should be avoided because they negatively affect the camera’s exposure and image quality. Pure white tends to “blow out” on screen, reflecting too much light and distracting the viewer from your face. Pure black can appear flat and absorb too much light, losing visual detail. Busy patterns, such as thin pinstripes, tight checks, or herringbone, should be eliminated completely due to the moiré effect. This phenomenon causes the pattern to create an unsettling, wavy distortion on screen, which is distracting to the interviewer.
Specific Recommendations for Attire
Garments selected for a video interview should be clean, pressed, and well-fitted to convey meticulous preparation.
For men, a well-fitted, long-sleeve button-down shirt in a solid color like light blue or crisp white is an excellent foundation. Adding a blazer or suit jacket, even if only the lapels are visible, immediately elevates the look and signals formality for corporate or senior roles. If a tie is worn, it should feature a solid color or a simple, conservative pattern to avoid the moiré effect.
For women, professional tops and blouses should feature a structured neckline, such as a collared shirt, a crew neck, or a modest V-neck. A blazer or cardigan layered over the top adds polish and structure that frames the face well on camera. Tops should be high enough to avoid revealing cleavage when leaning forward and should feature sleeves, avoiding garments like spaghetti straps or overly sheer fabric. All clothing should be comfortable enough to sit in for an extended period, preventing fidgeting during the interview.
It is important to be professionally dressed from head to toe, including the lower half of your body. Wearing tailored trousers or a skirt, even if out of frame, helps mentally prepare the interviewee and fosters a sense of confidence and professionalism. Dressing completely also prevents embarrassment should you need to unexpectedly stand up or adjust your camera during the call.
Polishing the Look: Grooming and Accessories
Grooming details are magnified by the camera, so attention should be paid to elements that frame the face. Hair should be neat and styled away from the face, ensuring it does not become a distraction. Makeup should be minimal and focused on a matte finish to counteract shine or glare caused by lighting. A natural look prevents the face from appearing overly reflective or oily under the camera lens.
Accessories should be minimal and silent to avoid creating audio or visual distractions. Jewelry, particularly necklaces and earrings, must be selected carefully to ensure they do not clang or rustle against a microphone during movement. If you wear glasses, lenses with an anti-reflective coating are beneficial, as this finish reduces harsh glare from computer screens and ambient light sources. If anti-glare lenses are not an option, adjusting light sources to a 10 and 2 o’clock position, rather than directly facing the camera, can minimize reflections.
What to Avoid: The Common Pitfalls
Several clothing and styling choices can unintentionally undermine a professional visual presentation on camera. Avoid wearing garments that feature prominent logos, brand names, or distracting slogans, as these draw the viewer’s eye away from your message. Clothing made from overly shiny or reflective fabrics, such as silk, satin, or highly polished leather, is problematic. These materials can create bright spots and glare under lighting, potentially making the fabric look cheap or the image appear distorted.
Candidates should also steer clear of any clothing that is overly tight, ill-fitting, or revealing, as this is distracting and unprofessional. Garments that are sloppy, wrinkled, or visibly stained signal a lack of preparation. Finally, avoid wearing any article of clothing that you have not tested on camera beforehand, as what looks acceptable in person can appear completely different once filtered through a webcam.