How to Select the Right Attire for a Video Interview

By: Debra Wheatman

Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is president of Careers Done Write, a premier career-services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries. Debra may be contacted directly at debra@careersdonewrite.com. Visit her site at: careersdonewrite.com. Follow Debra on Twitter.

Choosing the right attire for a video interview should be straightforward enough (hard to go wrong with a conservative suit), but you can give yourself an edge by choosing the right accents and ensuring your look is aligned with your personal and professional brand. Below are three things to be aware of as you select the appropriate attire in preparation for an upcoming interview.

• Choose a look consistent to the role and position for which you are applying. If you are competing for a leadership or executive role, the choice should be pretty clear – a dark suit jacket and an understated tie for men and an elegant blouse for women will work in your favor.
• What is the nature of the call? If the video interview is for a particular job, a suit is a safe way to go. However, if the call is more networking-centric or maybe informational, perhaps something more casual would be appropriate. If the industry you are exploring is more casual in nature (startup tech/media/sales, etc.), you might consider slacks and a conservative blouse or button down shirt. A suit might be overkill in this situation. Likely, your interviewer will be dressed in a similarly casual outfit.
• For any video interview, you should aim to be memorable in some positive way. You can accomplish this by ensuring your answers and questions to the interviewer are clear and concise. You can also add a certain flair or accent piece to your outfit that will help you stand out. Guys – add an interesting pin to your lapel or a uniquely-colored handkerchief to your left front pocket; ladies – consider adding a bold (but tasteful) front jewelry piece or necklace to stand out.

Indeed, going conservative is always a safe bet for any video interview but thinking carefully about context and intent of the meeting can lead to an interesting attire choice to help differentiate you from the competition.