8 Hacks to Crush Your Video Interview Look

Author: Tosh Lubek Published: 26th June 2024

Looking sharp and feeling confident on a video interview is key to making a great impression. Whether you’re aiming to land your dream job or establish yourself as an expert in your field, these tips will help you project professionalism and polish on camera.

1. Embrace Color Confidence

Not all colors are created equal for video interviews. Stick to neutral tones like pastels, blues, greens, grays, and beiges. These colors come across as professional and avoid being distracting. Avoid pure white and black for technical reasons – white can blow out under studio lights and black can appear too heavy. Opt for ivory or beige instead of white, and keep black accents minimal. Save bold neons for other occasions!

2. Fabric Matters

Ditch the busy patterns and opt for solid colors or larger patterns to avoid the dreaded moiré effect (that shimmering, wavy distortion). Fabric matters too! Cotton, linen, and satin wrinkle easily, while wools, synthetics, and cotton blends resist creases. Shiny fabrics and sequins are generally a no-go, unless the situation calls for extra sparkle.

3. Suit Up Strategically

For a polished look when standing, button up your suit jacket. However, when seated, unbuttoning the jacket conveys a more relaxed and approachable demeanor.

4. Accessorize Wisely

Jewelry can add personality, but be mindful that it can sparkle and distract under studio lights. Consider wearing contacts or glasses with anti-reflective coatings to avoid glare. Noisy jewelry like dangling necklaces or bracelets can be distracting both for you and the viewers. Avoid fidgeting with jewelry out of nervousness. Ditch the ID badge and lanyard – the focus should be on you and your message, not your credentials.

5. Stay Cool, Stay Collected

Studio environments can get warm, so ditch heavy suits that might make you perspire on camera. Feeling hot can also lead to fidgeting, which can be misconstrued as nervousness. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to keep you cool and comfortable.

6. Makeup Must-Knows

For lighter skin tones, consider using slightly darker makeup than usual to create definition under studio lights. If you normally shave, do a fresh shave before the interview, as stubble can be more prominent on high-definition footage. A light dusting of powder on the head for bald individuals can minimize shine from studio lights.

7. Subtle is the New Statement

If you wear makeup, a subtle approach is best for video interviews. Makeup can appear lighter on camera, so opt for slightly darker tones than usual and apply your makeup under good lighting conditions.

8. Confidence is Key

While these tips will help you look your best, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good, you’ll project that confidence and shine on camera.

Round up

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you should adapt them to your personal style and the specific interview situation. With a little preparation, you can ensure that you make a great impression on camera.