Dress (your background) professionally

We've always had to worry about our personal looks when preparing for job interviews. Should we wear a suit, a blouse, khaki pants, skirts, what jewelry, how should we do our hair, accessories, proper grooming, facial hair, smells, and so much more. However with the coronavirus pandemic, this has lessened some of these and heightened others. But there is an extra layer to consider now. That is your 'Background'.

So no I don't mean your background check (although that will matter eventually in some jobs or careers). Nor do I mean your heritage, culturally or genetically (that definitely shouldn't matter if the employer is following equal opportunity guidelines). What I mean is your surrounding settings or the background of the place you will sit for your interview. So now on top of everything you need to worry about you ALSO have to consider how your background looks when you are sitting down for an interview.

This introduces another dynamic layer to your interview so let us go over a few things to consider:

Spruce up your background.

Add some plants, books, some light décor. Something that expresses the professional side of you. Some of these items may become talking points. A famous painting, some books related to the industry which you love, perhaps they can see the skyline behind you. All of these work great. Don't be afraid to show a little bit of your personality in your décor. It adds to the interview when done right. However don't overdo it as you will make your space look cluttered and that is never a good thing, less is more in this aspect of the interview so embrace the minimalistic side of you.

Also avoid having your bed in the background. There is something about beds and interviews that is off-putting. It's just not a professional setting. Try to avoid your bed at all costs as the interviewer will sub-consciously start nit-picking you home.

Lighting is everything:

Ensure that your face is flush with light and avoid sharp or dark shadows. Think Mufasa vs. Scar (reference to Disney's The Lion King). Shadows can sometimes make a smile look grim and can highlight sharp bone structures which may make you look sinister. It is a good idea to do your interview in a room that is lit either naturally or synthetically with white lights. Sitting with natural light hitting your face is best but alternatively you can invest in some great lighting. Ring lights work great but can cause dark shadows behind you. This may make the setting look a bit mysterious. If you have a ring light ensure you also light the areas behind you as well.

Position the Camera:

Also try bringing your camera up to eye level. This helps the interviewer feel that you are speaking directly to them and not down to them. Lower your chair if it's too high or if you have to stack your laptop on top of some books please do so. This causes a more pleasant visual experience with the viewer. Even if they some selves are looking down, they'll feel like they are sitting with you eye to eye.

Create the illusion of direct eye contact

Make eye contact with the camera (as much as you can). This helps the interviewer feel more connected to you. Believe it or not most interviewers will chose the candidate they feel most connected to no matter the talent. At first it may be hard to stare or make glances at the little pin-hole in your laptop. Try practicing with friends or family members and get some feedback from them on what made them feel best. You'll get better at it with some practice.

Clean your room

The room you interview in should be spotless. If there are windows make sure the panes are super clear, spots on doors, walls, desks or some of the décor should be removed. Remove all dust. This will make you feel good and the interviewer may not say anything but they will definitely notice.

Bonus note: Also clean the little pinhole camera on your laptop with a microfiber. Sometimes grease or oil gets on it creating a fussy, blurry image on the other side of your video call.

These little bits of advice will definitely help when followed. Feel free to comment on some other pieces of advice you think interview candidates can follow.

Thanks,

Giovanny

Photo Credit: Photo credit: Image by Tumisu from Pixabay