I’ll never forget the panic in my client Alex’s voice. He called me just a few hours before his first big video interview, blurting out, “What do I wear?!” He was a talented candidate—experienced, prepared, and polished. But the idea of navigating a virtual interview felt like uncharted territory. His usual professional attire seemed too formal for his living room, yet dressing down risked coming off as unprofessional. I reassured Alex that he wasn’t alone in feeling this way; these concerns are common in our new virtual reality. Together, we worked through a plan to ensure he presented himself with confidence, clarity, and the right touch of formality.
So, what should you wear to a video interview? Here are some essential tips that will help you make the best impression from behind the screen.
1. Dress Professionally (But Know Your Audience)
While video interviews often call for slightly less formal attire than in-person meetings, it’s best to err on the side of professional. For most industries, this means business casual or business professional attire. However, do some research—some tech companies, for example, lean toward a smart-casual dress code. When in doubt, consider the norms of the industry or ask your recruiter what’s expected.
2. Avoid Distracting Patterns or Colors
Solid, neutral colors typically work best for video interviews. Busy patterns, bold prints, and flashy colors can be distracting on screen and may not translate well through your webcam. Opt for blues, grays, and earth tones, as they tend to appear well on most screens. Alex, for example, decided on a crisp blue shirt, which popped nicely without overpowering the image.
3. Pay Attention to Lighting
Your clothing choice can be affected by the lighting of your interview space. Test your camera setup in advance to see how different fabrics and colors appear. Bright white shirts can reflect light too strongly, while darker colors can blend into the background if your space isn’t well-lit. Alex and I spent a few minutes adjusting his lighting to make sure he appeared clear and focused.
4. Prioritize Comfort and Fit
It’s tempting to dress up just from the waist up, but fully dressing in professional attire can actually boost your confidence and posture. Make sure what you wear fits comfortably to avoid fidgeting or adjusting your clothes during the conversation. When Alex chose a well-tailored blazer, he felt more grounded and composed.
5. Mind the Accessories
Less is more when it comes to accessories. Noisy jewelry, flashy watches, or any accessory that might catch light or create a glare should be avoided. Aim for a polished, simple look. Glasses can reflect glare, too—adjust your lighting or screen brightness to reduce reflections.
6. Grooming Matters
Just because it’s a video call doesn’t mean the basics of grooming fly out the window. Neat hair, tidy facial grooming, and a clean appearance all contribute to the impression you make. Alex took an extra ten minutes to freshen up, giving him a visible boost of confidence.
After our conversation, Alex aced his interview and felt proud of the effort he’d put into looking and feeling the part. By paying attention to your attire and considering these virtual-specific factors, you can present yourself with the confidence you need to shine on screen.