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In an age of remote and hybrid work, it is becoming increasingly common for interviews to happen virtually. Most of today’s business leaders, hiring managers, and recruitment companies find they can save a lot of time and effort by conducting interviews via video. 
 

As of January 2021, approximately 79% of companies conduct video interviews regularly. That is good news for many job candidates. It means you do not have to travel to distant locations to find an office or risk getting lost. Video interviews can sometimes feel less daunting than in-person interactions because you can do them from home. Unfortunately, working from home and interacting over video has also led to more people failing to dress to impress for their interviews.  

What You Wear Matters 

It’s easy to assume you can dress casually for an interview via video, particularly if your would-be employer knows you will be talking to them from home. However, it is important to remember what you wear still plays a significant part in making the right first impression on your would-be employer.  

A video interview is your first chance to make a lasting first impression on your hiring manager. Even if you are at home, your attire should be as professional as it would be if you were in person. Interestingly, some additional rules to consider when participating in video interviews exist. Specific colors and outfits can show up differently over video compared to if you are in person. 

What to Wear for a Video Interview: Colors 

The colors you wear for your video interview are essential for many reasons. Color psychology suggests that we associate certain colors with specific characteristics. For instance, white shows professionalism, security, and a well-organized nature. However, it can also make you look drained if you’re pale and sitting in a room without much color.  

Blue demonstrates confidence, trustworthiness, and a commitment to being a team player, while black conveys a sense of sophistication and leadership. Grey is often a good color for many people because it is associated with logic, independence, and analytical nature. 

Sticking to one primary color and an accompanying color, if possible (like gray and white), is best. For example, too many colors can draw attention away from you. Whereas, specific colors can also say the wrong thing about you. For instance, orange is said to be the worst color to wear in a job interview, and red is frequently associated with defiance and hostility. Consider which colors will blend into your background if you’re using a virtual background to hide the clutter in your home office or living room. You don’t want your torso to disappear.  

Golden Rules to Follow For Your Interview 

Outside of choosing the right colors, there are a few other things you’ll need to consider when dressing for your video interview. For instance: 
 

• Follow the company’s standard: Pay attention to what people from the interviewing company wear. What they wear provides insight into how formal you can dress. Dress up, but don’t go over the top when in doubt.  
   
• Know your webcam: Your webcam might pick up some colors better than others. It’s worth looking at how you appear on camera in different outfits before you choose one. In particular, avoid wearing too many patterns, as they can blur together and become distracting on camera.  
   

• Consider makeup carefully: You don’t have to wear makeup to a job interview. However, you should be careful if you do. Think about how the makeup will look on camera and whether it might come across as too much.  
   
• Keep accessories classy: Less is more with jewelry and accessories. If you tend to wear statement necklaces and earrings, skip them during your video interview. Flashy accessories can pick up glare from the screen and lighting around you. 
   
• Always be fully dressed: This might seem obvious advice, but you should always dress professionally for a job interview. You don’t want to be one of the next horror stories about someone who stood up in a meeting and showed their pajamas to the world.  

Remember To Be Comfortable 

Finally, you also want to feel comfortable and confident. If you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to let your confidence shine through in the interview. Additionally, feeling comfortable can be helpful in a nerve-wracking interview situation. The last thing you want is to be stressed about a tight-fitting shirt when you’re already nervous. 

Next time you get a video interview offer remember these tips and you’ll be on your