What to Wear for a Virtual Interview: Attire Tips & Examples

Why does wearing the right virtual interview attire matter?

Dressing appropriately for the virtual setting showcases your suitability for the role and demonstrates your ability to adapt to different work environments. Additionally, dressing thoughtfully can boost your confidence, helping you to present yourself with poise and credibility during the interview. 

Therefore, knowing what to wear for a virtual interview is essential for making a positive impact and increasing your chances of successfully landing a job offer. Video interview tips for candidates can greatly impact your confidence when preparing for virtual interviews, from choosing the right outfit to answering common video interview questions. Ultimately, it comes down to knowing how to show the interviewer your best self.

Is there a virtual interview dress code?

While there isn’t a strict virtual interview dress code, carefully considering what to wear for an online interview is crucial. Generally, you want to opt for professional attire that reflects the company culture and position while giving the interviewer an idea of who you are. 

The best rule to follow is to ensure your clothing is appropriate for the camera: avoid distractions and project confidence. Ultimately, the key is to dress appropriately and comfortably for the virtual setting to make a positive impression.

What to wear for a virtual interview? 8 practical tips to nail your video interview outfit

How to dress for a virtual interview is important as it directly influences the first impression you make on potential employers. Your attire communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity. Understanding what to wear for an online interview involves considering factors such as the company culture, industry norms, and the position you’re applying for. 

You may see queries such as “what to wear for a virtual interview as a female” or “what to wear for a virtual interview as a male” to find the perfect outfit and score your dream job. The truth is the idea of expecting candidates to fit into these gender stereotypes for attire for virtual interview is antiquated and highly biased. And looking for ideas of what to wear to virtual interview by skimming fashion ads may cause you to choose an outfit that hides your authentic personality.

Try these tips for what to wear to an online interview:

1. Dress from head to toe

Dressing from head to toe, even if only the upper half is visible, ensures you’re fully prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, like needing to stand up or adjusting your position. Additionally, wearing professional attire in full can psychologically enhance your confidence and mindset, positively impacting your performance. 

Layering allows flexibility to adapt to temperature changes, ensuring you remain comfortable and focused throughout the entirety of the interview. For example, if you become nervous and feel overheated, you can easily remove a cardigan to prevent feeling lightheaded and unfocused.

2. Dress to reflect professionalism and personality

Choose attire that reflects the company’s culture and the position you’re applying for. Avoid overly casual clothing like t-shirts or hoodies, even if the company culture is laid-back. 

Think of business casual attire as your baseline. This might include a clean, pressed button-down shirt (no tie) or blouse, a sweater or cardigan, a polo shirt or turtleneck paired with a nice pair of slacks, jeans, or a skirt. For senior-level positions, even if the culture is more relaxed with office attire, you may want to dress up your outfit by adding a jacket or dressier blouse.

3. Choose an outfit and shoes you’re comfortable wearing

Selecting an outfit and shoes that you’re comfortable wearing is essential for projecting confidence and maintaining focus during the video interview. Opt for clothing that allows you to sit comfortably and move naturally, avoiding anything restrictive, ill-fitting, or itchy. 

Comfortable shoes are equally important, even if they’re not visible on camera, as they contribute to your overall sense of comfort and composure. By prioritizing comfort, you’ll feel more relaxed and poised, enabling you to present your best self in your virtual interview.

4. Avoid colors, patterns, and accessories that are too flashy

For pre-recorded video interviews, wearing neutral colors like brown, grey, black, and white is an outdated tip. Instead, you should wear colors that reflect your personality and that you feel most comfortable in. In fact, recent studies have shown that the colors you prefer could have a direct correlation with personality traits. 

For example, wearing warm colors may be a great way to show off your enthusiastic and warm personality. In contrast, cool tones like light blue communicate a sense of stability and dependability to hiring managers and recruiters.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Lights, cameras, and computer monitors can make some colors and patterns harsh to look at, however. So, try to stick to solid colors (avoid neon) and subtle patterns to avoid distracting the interviewer. It’s best to steer clear of flashy accessories or jewelry that may create glare as well.

5. Be mindful of grooming and makeup

Maintain neat hair and subtle makeup. Your appearance should be clean, your hair should be combed neatly and fixed appropriately for a job interview, and your makeup should ideally highlight your natural features and not be heavy or distracting. Keep in mind that light and shadows from your camera can make your appearance look different than what you see in the mirror, so highly pigmented makeup may look bolder, and 5 o’clock shadow may look unclean rather than trendy.

6. Consider the background

Choose clothing that contrasts with your background to avoid blending in. This is especially important if you intend to use a green screen background. In this case, avoid wearing green clothing. Deliberately using color to balance the aesthetic energy of your interview space with your outfit can make you feel more confident during the interview and have a big impact on your interviewer. 

While we try not to be influenced by what we see instead of what we learn in an interview, both from the candidate’s and the hiring manager’s perspective, distractions in the environment and negative energy can influence the connections you make. Consider how your space complements or enhances the impression you want to make when choosing what to wear for a virtual interview.

7. Conduct a camera test

Test your outfit on camera beforehand to ensure it looks polished and professional. Conducting a camera test allows you to assess how your outfit appears on screen, ensuring it translates well in a virtual setting. This test also provides an opportunity to check for any potential issues such as glare, color distortion, or background distractions, allowing you to make necessary adjustments in your settings and setup. 

8. Put on a smile

Finally, remember that professionalism extends beyond clothing. Putting on a smile is key to projecting professionalism and approachability during a video interview. Beyond attire, maintaining good posture conveys confidence and engagement, while consistent eye contact with the camera lens creates a sense of connection with the interviewer. 

Exuding confidence through your demeanor and tone further reinforces your fit and enthusiasm for the role, leaving a positive and lasting impression on the interviewer. Remember, non-verbal cues play a significant role in communication, so ensuring a warm and confident demeanor complements your well-chosen attire, contributing to a successful virtual interview experience.

FAQs

How professional should you dress for a video interview?

For a video interview, aim to dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. Opt for business attire that conveys competence and respect for the opportunity. Avoid overly casual clothing and ensure your attire is neat, well-fitted, and appropriate for the industry and company culture. Knowing how to dress for a remote interview can give you a competitive advantage in today’s work environment.

What is the best color to wear for a virtual interview?

Traditionally, neutral colors like navy, gray, black, or white were considered ideal for virtual interviews as they appear professional and don’t distract from your message. However, they may not convey enough of your personality or may portray it in the wrong light. Feel free to wear colors, but avoid overly vibrant or flashy colors, patterns, or accessories that may be distracting on camera. Opting for solid tones ensures a polished and professional appearance.

What are the things to avoid when choosing your virtual job interview attire?

When choosing attire for what to wear for a virtual job interview, avoid overly casual clothing like t-shirts or hoodies. Steer clear of bright, distracting colors or flashy patterns. Additionally, avoid accessories that may create glare or distract from your message, such as large jewelry or reflective glasses. Opt for a professional, understated look instead.

Should I wear a tie to a virtual interview?

Wearing a tie to a virtual interview depends on the company culture and the position you’re applying for. Generally, wearing a tie can convey professionalism if the company has a formal culture or you’re interviewing for a managerial role or higher. Otherwise, a well-coordinated, business-appropriate outfit without a tie may suffice.

Should I keep my hair up or down for a video interview?

Whether to keep your hair up or down for a video interview depends on personal preference and what makes you feel most confident and professional. Just ensure it’s neat and well-groomed to present a polished appearance on camera, avoiding distracting hairstyles that may obstruct your face.

What to do if you’re uncertain of the company’s dress code?

If you are uncertain of the company’s dress code for a virtual interview, opt for conservative business attire to err on the side of professionalism. Choose colors that reflect your personality or play it safe with neutral or muted tones, and avoid overly casual or flashy clothing. It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, demonstrating respect for the opportunity.

Should you dress the same for an online interview as for an in-person one?

Yes, dress similarly for an online interview as you would for an in-person one, aiming for professional attire that aligns with the company culture and the level of the position. While the setting may differ, projecting professionalism through your appearance reinforces your commitment and respect for the opportunity. Deciding what to wear for a virtual interview requires the same considerations as meeting someone face-to-face.