Prior to COVID-19, most job interviews were done in person. But due to the global pandemic, many things are now being conducted virtually—including the really important interview you have next week.
While you are confident that you have the skills necessary to do this job, you want to look and feel your best for the Zoom interview. You know from experience that when your hair and makeup are spot on and you are well-rested and have practiced ahead of time, your self-confidence will be higher and you are more likely to be successful.
With this in mind, the following tips will have you spruced up and ready to impress everyone during the upcoming interview:
Wear What You’d Wear in Person
Yes, it may be tempting to put on a crisp button-down blouse and blazer paired with your comfy fleece jammie bottoms. But resist this urge and instead wear exactly what you would during a face-to-face interview, right down to the shoes and makeup. Being professionally dressed from head to toe will help you get into the right mindset for the interview, and it will prevent any potentially embarrassing computer camera gaffes that allow your future boss to see your pajama bottoms. Go shopping in your closet well ahead of the interview to make sure you have something that will work and if necessary, head to the mall for some socially-distanced shopping to get a new outfit. Since your face will be the most visible feature, consider an eyelash serum that will give the appearance of fuller, longer, darker-looking lashes and brows. This can help draw attention to your eyes and give you an air of confidence that would otherwise be lost online.
Create a Complementary Background “Set”
Once you decide what to wear for your virtual interview, it’s time to create a backdrop for the call that will complement the colors you chose. Make the background as simple as you can, so you remain the focal point. This could mean removing a few distracting pieces from the shelves or nudging some furniture out of the camera’s view. Set up the call from your home office or whichever area looks the most “businesslike” and is also nice and quiet. If possible, sit close to a natural source of light and be sure any furniture that is visible behind you is clean and organized.
Do a Test Run in Front of the Screen
Watching yourself talk on video can be a bit jolting. You might learn you have some quirks, such as talking out of the side of your mouth or constantly licking your lips. Before the big day, sit down in front of your screen and find the right lighting and most flattering angles. Practice a bit with a friend or do your own mock interview to help you feel comfortable and confident with the image you’re portraying. Ultimately you want to show your skills (you’re qualified!) and your personality (you’ll fit into the company’s culture!) but to do so will depend on leaving a good lasting impression. Don’t let your quirky body language or an unflattering angle distract from that.
You’ve Got This!
Like anything in life, a little advanced preparation will go a long way in terms of getting ready for a successful virtual job interview. By dressing professionally, using extra care on your appearance, and carefully creating your backdrop, you will get that needed extra boost in your self-confidence that will help you nail the interview and land the job.