What to wear for a Zoom interview: tips and examples

As video interviews continue to be popular, they bring new challenges, including what to wear. On Zoom and similar platforms, various factors can affect an employer’s perception of you—from the formality of your attire to the colors you wear. We’ve got some pointers on what to wear for a Zoom interview so you can look your best and impress an employer with what matters most: your qualifications.

How should you dress for a Zoom interview?

When you interview with a potential employer in person, you want to present yourself professionally. You should have the same goal for a Zoom interview. However, there are a few differences to keep in mind when dressing for a virtual meeting.

During a Zoom interview, the employer’s focus will be on what they can see on-screen. You need to consider how the colors, textures, and patterns you wear will appear on camera. You should also think about how other factors, such as the lighting or background, may impact the message you’re sending to an employer.

For a Zoom interview, you should aim to strike a balance between professional and camera-ready. Preparing your outfit in advance can help you ace the dress code and appear polished.

What to wear for a Zoom job interview

When you receive an employer’s invite for a virtual interview, check to see if they’ve included information about the dress code. Many hiring managers will share this information with applicants before an interview.

If the interviewer didn’t provide a dress code, do some research to learn about the company culture. Does the business portray a formal tone or have a casual atmosphere? You can also look on the company’s website or social media pages to find pictures of employees. Take note of what they’re wearing to work.

If you can’t get a sense of the company’s dress code, plan to wear professional business attire. Aim for one of these dress codes:

• Business casual. This option is common for most virtual interview settings. It includes slacks, khakis, button-down shirts, blouses, and blazers.

• Business professional. This type of attire includes suits, ties, pencil skirts, trousers, and tailored blazers. It’s more formal, which makes it a good choice if you’re applying for a high-level position or if you work in a traditional industry, such as law.

What colors to wear for a Zoom interview

The colors you wear take on increased importance during a Zoom interview. The setting, lighting, and background can all influence how colors appear on camera, so pay careful attention to those factors when choosing your interview outfit.

Neutral colors, such as tan, grey, navy blue, and dark green, are usually a good choice for virtual interviews. These colors make you appear professional and keep the interviewer focused on what you’re saying. Busy patterns and bright, bold colors can distract the employer from your qualifications.

Here are some other tips for choosing what color to wear for a Zoom interview:

• Think about contrast. Make sure the colors you’re wearing don’t match the video background. For example, if you're sitting in front of a white wall, wear a dark shirt to keep yourself in focus.

• Avoid flesh tones. Similarly, don’t wear colors that match your skin tone. For example, a fair-skinned person wearing a beige top can appear washed out on screen.

• Stay away from black and white. These colors can affect a camera’s balance, so avoid wearing all black or all white.

• Experiment before the interview. Go through your closet and put together a few outfit options. Record yourself wearing those outfits and compare the videos to find out what colors work best.

• Wear what makes you feel confident. More than anything else, the color you wear should make you feel confident. When you feel confident, you’re more likely to impress the interviewer with your skills and knowledge.

What not to wear in a Zoom interview

While every company is different, there are a few guidelines you should follow for what not to wear during a virtual interview. In general, avoid these items of clothing:

• T-shirts with graphics, logos, or cartoons. Graphic T-shirts can appear unprofessional. Stick with a solid shirt, blouse, or button-down.

• Shirts with controversial messaging. Don’t wear shirts with divisive messages, which can detract from your qualifications.

• Neon colors or shiny fabrics. Neon colors can appear harsh on camera, while shiny fabrics can be distracting. Wear muted tones instead.

• Hoodies, sweatshirts, or athletic wear. Even if an employer allows a casual dress code, these clothes are too informal for an interview.

• Flashy jewelry. It’s fine to accessorize, but keep it to a minimum. Flashy jewelry can be overpowering in an interview setting.

How to choose a Zoom background

When you’re invited to an in-person interview, you have no control over the setting. But in a Zoom interview, you can choose the background in which you appear. It’s an important decision that can influence what you wear for a Zoom interview.

For example, if you’re sitting in a light and airy space, you may choose to wear jewel tones to stand out. On the other hand, if you’re logging in from a home office with a colorful background, you can wear neutral tones for contrast.

Most importantly, you want to make sure your video background doesn’t take away from the interviewer’s focus, which is you. Follow these tips to choose the right setting for your Zoom interview:

Adjust the light

Good lighting complements your attire and makes you look professional. You don’t want the light behind you to be overly bright, since it can cause shadows. If there’s not enough light, however, you might look like you’re sitting in darkness.

Use these tips to make sure you have proper lighting for your Zoom interview:

• Place lights strategically. Position a bright light, such as a lamp, at a 45-degree angle in front of you to create an optimal glow.

• Sit in front of a window. If you can, sit facing a large window. This set-up will cast a natural light when you’re on screen.

• Buy a ring light. A ring light attaches to your device to create a soft light and minimize shadows. It might be worth purchasing one if you have multiple video interviews or meetings.

• Switch to LED lights. Regular light bulbs can sometimes create yellow tones, which may clash with what you’re wearing. Try using LED lights to achieve the correct brightness.

• Consider your glasses. If you wear glasses, perform a lighting test beforehand to make sure there’s no glare coming off your lenses.

Consider the angle

You should appear in the center of the camera frame during your virtual interview. Adjust the height of your chair or the angle of your camera to make sure you’re positioned correctly.

Also, pay attention to your posture during the interview. If you slouch while you sit, your clothing may appear disheveled or wrinkled. Sit up straight with your shoulders back to show off your attire and convey a confident, professional image.

Make a no-distraction zone

Before the interview, clean the space and remove objects that can divert an employer’s attention. Create a minimalistic space with clean lines. While it’s fine to show some personality, keep it to a minimum. For example, having an entire collection of figurines in your Zoom background may overwhelm the interviewer.

Now that you know what to wear for your Zoom interview, take some time to prepare what you’ll say. Use career.io’s Interview Prep tool to answer sample questions and get helpful feedback to impress an employer!

Key takeaways

1. You should wear the same professional attire for a Zoom interview as you would for an in-person meeting. However, you should pay extra attention to the colors and patterns you wear on camera.

2. Wear colors that contrast with your background and look flattering on screen.

3. Stay away from casual attire, harsh colors, or bold accessories that can detract from your qualifications.

4. Consider your setting, including the lighting and background, to make sure you appear polished and professional.