Dress to Impress for that Remote Interview
The term “dress for the job you want” is a popular phrase used when referring to job interviews. However, when interviewing for a remote position, it is not the best idea to show up in your lounge clothes.
While perks of remote work include the ability to wear less formal clothes, you want to make sure you make a good first impression with your potential employer. By putting in the effort to look presentable for a remote job interview, you are doing just that.
Whether you are interviewing for a full-time position or an internship, you want to follow the same general guidelines with your attire. To present the best version of yourself, research the company’s dress code, avoid ripped or stained clothes and dress for the weather. Indeed has some additional tips and guidelines to follow.
During an interview, it is important to remember that you are not the only person taking time out of the day. The hiring manager or search committee has set aside time from their busy schedule to meet with you. You want to be respectful and gracious for that opportunity. The first step towards appearing respectful is dressing in a way that shows you respect the opportunity before you.
Dressing professionally allows you to exude confidence within the interview; you can showcase yourself as a professional. If you log onto a Zoom interview wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt while those interviewing you are wearing collared shirts and jackets, your confidence may dwindle, and they may lose confidence in you as well before you have even started talking.
If you were going in person to interview for a job, you would dress in a version of office attire like what you would expect to see the others wearing within the office. The same applies to remote interviews. Dress and prepare the same for a virtual interview as you would for an in-person one. If you’re unsure of what to wear, it’s better to be overdressed for that first impression than underdressed.
Remote interviews showcase the same skill sets as an in-person interview. Would you prepare your portfolio or questions any less for a remote interview than an in-person one? No, you wouldn’t. So why would you put less effort into your professional appearance?
Elizabeth Erne is a second-year master’s student at Ohio University where she is studying journalism with a focus on strategic communications. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations.
