What To Wear for a Zoom Interview (Plus How To Prepare)

As employers continue to conduct virtual interviews, it's important that you feel comfortable meeting with a hiring manager on video-sharing platforms, such as Zoom. Even if you're not interviewing in person, it's important to dress appropriately and prepare. Understanding how to dress to feel confident and professional can help you make a positive first impression on your prospective employer. In this article, we discuss what to wear for a Zoom interview and how to set up your backdrop so you feel confident and prepared.

What is a Zoom interview?

A Zoom interview is a meeting with a hiring manager or recruiter via the videoconferencing platform Zoom. This particular platform includes several useful tools, such as text-based chat, muting, screen sharing and video recording. When a hiring manager sets up a Zoom interview, they send you a link that you can use to access the meeting with your computer or mobile device. Related: 18 Tips for Succeeding During Your Zoom Interview

What to wear for a Zoom interview

Dressing for a Zoom interview involves looking at the company's culture and determining what looks professional and appropriate to you based on the employer's standards and expectations. The process shares some similarities to dressing for an in-person interview, although you may want to consider some additional tips to avoid blending into your background. It can also help the interviewer focus on your skills rather than your outfit. The culture of the company you're applying to work for is also something to consider, as you may want to dress to fit the role. If the hiring manager provides you with a dress code in advance, follow their guidance. If not, you can ask the interviewer or research the company's typical dress code online, defaulting to a more professional and conservative outfit. It's typically a good idea to dress in professional business attire to make a good first impression on the hiring manager. Here are some examples of what to wear during your Zoom interview:

Blouse or button-down top

Dressing in a button-down top or blouse is appropriate for a Zoom interview. You may want to wear a suit coat over the top to maintain a more professional appearance. However, if the company you're interviewing with is more casual, you may be able to forego the jacket.

Slacks or skirt

Although you may be seated during the interview with the camera view only showing your upper body, you may still want to wear appropriate slacks or a skirt. Dressing in professional attire on the top and bottom can make you feel more confident and professional, and it can help you focus on the questions being asked.

Footwear

It's up to you whether you want to wear shoes for a Zoom interview. Doing so may help you feel more professional, as going barefoot could be a distraction.

Accessories

Wear neutral accessories that don't distract from your professional appearance. A simple necklace or pair of earrings is typically appropriate. If you wear a business suit, you might want to put on a tie to look more professional.

How to set up your background for a Zoom interview

In addition to wearing the right outfit for your Zoom interview, it's important to also consider the background that shows in the video feed. Follow these steps to make sure your backdrop is interview-ready:

Choose a neutral area

People often conduct Zoom interviews from home, so you can expect it to show part of your living space during the interview. Try to find a neutral area that looks as professional as possible, such as a home office, a kitchen table or another area with a blank wall behind you. If you're unable to conduct your virtual interview at home, you may consider going to your local library or coworking space to see if they have a boardroom you could use. You may also consider having a backup space set up in case you need to move due to challenges like internet connectivity or outside noise.

Tidy up the space

Before your interview, make sure to tidy up the space around you so that your environment is clean and professional. Clear out any clutter, remove items that show up in the video and put away anything that could get in your way when you're trying to talk to the hiring manager or recruiter. It can also be beneficial to ensure the environment is as quiet as possible so you're not interrupted during your interview by items falling or moving. Related: Virtual Interview Guide

Consider showing unique elements

If you have unique elements in your home that reflect your personality or skill set, consider placing them around you as part of the backdrop for the interview if they're relevant to the role you want. For example, if you're interviewing for a position in the sports industry, placing a framed jersey or a photo of you on the field could showcase your interest in the role. You could also include your framed diploma, a musical instrument that you play or evidence of your volunteer work to show that you're a multifaceted, well-rounded person.

Set up the lighting

Adjusting the lighting can help you and your backdrop look more appealing to the hiring manager. Consider the time of day when the interview takes place and how the natural lighting applies. You may want to close the blinds or drapes or bring in additional lamps to create a soft, warm tone in the space. Often, it's helpful to face natural lighting, such as from a window, to create even light without shadows.

Test out the view

Before you log into Zoom, open the webcam on your computer or device to test the view behind you and familiarize yourself with the technology. If you notice anything that doesn't look professional or clutters the screen, move it out of the way or adjust your seating position until you have the right view. You may also use a simple, virtual background if you want to disguise the items or location behind you in the video and ensure your video window is free of distractions. You can also blur the background, but it's important to test this before to ensure that your face and body aren't blurred. Related: How To Use a Virtual Background in Zoom Interviews

How to prepare for a Zoom interview

Preparing for a Zoom interview may look different than preparing for an in-person interview. Use these tips to help you prepare for a video interview:

Avoid bright colors or busy patterns

Stick to neutral colors that don't blend in with your background. A busy pattern can look wild if the Zoom video buffers, while a white shirt on a person with a white backdrop may be difficult to see. Often, it's a good idea to contrast with your background. For example, if your background is light, opt for a black or navy shirt.

Eliminate distractions

Look around your space to determine what might be a distraction on the Zoom call. A few simple wall hangings are generally fine, while a full gallery wall or crowded bookshelf might be distracting for those on the call. Conducting the interview in a place with a closed door can also reduce the risk of people or pets walking through the frame and taking your attention away from the interviewer asking you questions. If you're using a mobile device, turn off notifications to prevent interruptions.

Practice using Zoom

It's important to feel confident in your Zoom skills before the interview begins, so practice interviewing with friends or family to get familiar with the features and how to use them to your advantage. Ensure you test your internet connection to verify that the program functions well in your chosen space. As you practice, make sure to look directly into the camera rather than focusing on the video feed on your computer screen. It's also beneficial to practice using the mute button so you can toggle it if unexpected noises occur during your meeting. Related: 16 Zoom Tips for a Productive Meeting

Ensure you're on time

It's important to show professionalism. Note that the link you get for your Zoom may be used for multiple meetings, so try not to enter too early. A couple of minutes early is fine, but leave if you arrive while another interview is finishing. You can also double-check the date and timezone before your interview to ensure you log on at the correct time.

Adjust your camera angle

Set the camera on your device at your eye level to make it easier to look into it directly and create a professional appearance. If you're using a mobile device for the interview, consider placing it on a stand or leaning it against something to keep it stable and set at the right angle.

Review commonly asked questions

Expect the hiring manager or recruiter to ask you questions during your Zoom interview just like they would if it were in person, so prepare for questions they might ask by reviewing common questions in your industry and the position you're applying for. Consider how you would answer some of these questions, and think about examples in your work experience that you can use to demonstrate your skills and expertise. Practice speaking clearly and avoid speaking too quickly, which is especially important when interviewing virtually, as audio may get interrupted or delayed. Related: 21 Tough Open-Ended Questions (And How To Answer Them)

Write down your own questions

An interviewer typically asks if you have questions at the end of the interview, so prepare those questions by writing them down before you meet with them. The interview process can be overwhelming, so having your questions prepared can help ensure you don't forget anything important. This can help you learn more about the company to make an informed decision and determine whether the position is a good fit for you.

Keep a copy of your resume within reach

The person conducting the interview likely has your resume in front of them and may ask questions based on the document. Keep a printed copy within easy reach so that you can reference it during the interview.