Ah the zoom call. Often awkward, sometimes riddled with technology flaws, it’s all we have, and we need to make the best of it.

We like to think of it as being “on air” like a newscaster, and remind people that first impressions matter.

I’m happy to see that the high-end pajama tops that were being marketed a year ago as appropriate for ‘work from home’ are now on sale. However, I was horrified to read recently that there’s a Japanese company trying to make a suit pajama combination where the ‘suit’ is just chest up.

You’re at home working, you are not in bed watching Netflix.

We recommend, as we always do, a polished look for Zoom interviews. Put some thought into the color combination between the wall behind you and your clothing so you don’t fade away. And enough with the cat filters and crazy backgrounds, that is so 2020.

Unless you are interviewing for a government job, don’t wear a suit and tie.
Collared shirt, jacket if you’d like, is more than adequate, overdressed really. You are at home. But not in bed!

Lighting is super important, many of us have the ring light now optimized for video conferencing, but most people can cobble together lighting to make you look decent.

My dentist was telling me about her son doing Zoom interviews to get into medical school. Initially his lighting was off and he looked three times his age. Not that that’s a bad thing but I don’t think that was the look he was going for.

Audio is equally important.

The backwards baseball cap, mumbling, walking around with your mobile phone capturing your neck and chin while you’re making lunch….you may be able to get away with that for your work meetings but please don’t try that for interviews. #bestfootforward