{"id":3077,"date":"2023-04-08T14:52:27","date_gmt":"2023-04-08T20:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.turnstyleconsign.com\/?p=3077"},"modified":"2024-12-02T10:27:31","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T16:27:31","slug":"look-good-while-video-conferencing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.turnstyleconsign.com\/blog\/look-good-while-video-conferencing\/","title":{"rendered":"Work Hybridly in Comfort & Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

Remember a few years ago when COVID-19 hit? You\u2019re welcome for bringing up those memories\u2026 Anyway, during a time when we were all scrambling to adapt to a new way of life, we had to make a lot of personal and professional changes. In the professional world, working from home meant having to master the <\/span>video conference<\/span><\/i>. And, oh, how there was trial and error.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you ever find yourself unmuted when you most definitely should have been muted? Or maybe you were muted the entire time you were giving a really good spiel. Or maybe your camera should have been turned off the moment your cat jumped onto your desk (down, Snowball!).<\/span><\/p>\n

These are all things we\u2019ve learned to master over the past several years (well, <\/span>most<\/span><\/i> of us have). But, as we\u2019ve grown comfortable \u2013 or perhaps too comfortable \u2013 with <\/span>videoconferencing<\/span> and working from home, maybe it\u2019s time we brush up on some <\/span>best practices<\/span>. We\u2019ll discuss ways to be at your <\/span>best<\/span> when <\/span>videoconferencing<\/span>, along with assembling a wardrobe that can accommodate the new norm for many of us \u2013 the hybrid work model. After all, you can\u2019t get away with the ol\u2019 wardrobe mullet (business on the top, party on the bottom) in the office. So, put those pants back on and let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

While working remotely, making a good impression is still important, even if everyone understands the challenges and peculiarities of working from home. Although you can get away with sweatpants or pajamas when clocking in (we like to think of this as easing into your day), by the time meetings start to roll around, it\u2019s important to present a more professional look. This can be a little tougher at home, especially because of factors like lighting, video quality, and backdrop. Here\u2019s a brief refresher on <\/span>videoconferencing best practices<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Forget About the Lighting<\/span><\/h2>\n

Good lighting is the foundation for looking your best on a video call. While natural light is key for productivity, it\u2019s also a flattering look for big meetings or interviews. Facing a window is your best option for natural lighting, allowing the daylight to give you a warm glow. If your screen seems a little too dark doing this, remember that you can easily adjust the brightness level. Try to avoid sitting with a window directly behind you, or your dark silhouette will have you mistaken for an anonymous witness. If natural light isn\u2019t an option for you, try positioning a lamp (with a lampshade) in front of you. Be sure the light isn\u2019t too warm or cold so colors aren\u2019t distorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

Check the Quality of Your Video & Background<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re in a video conference, nothing looks better than a crisp, clear video feed. It also makes your interactions seem a little more personable, without the constant pixelated reminder that you\u2019re looking into a screen. If your camera isn\u2019t doing you justice, consider replacing it! If buying or having your company provide a new computer isn\u2019t an option, there\u2019s always the option of picking up an affordable, high-quality external camera instead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike video quality, your background can be changed instantly. Believe it or not, your best practice for video conference backgrounds is to have something plain Jane (no offense to any Janes reading this). After all, <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> want to be the star of the show! Don\u2019t let people get distracted by your cluttered shelf, adorable sleeping pets, or elaborate artwork. Instead, find a bare wall that can serve as your background, or simply use a background blur or virtual background \u2013 readily available on Zoom, Google Meet, or any other video call platforms. But, be careful! Using a wild virtual background can be just as distracting as anything else.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dress for (Virtual and In-person) Success<\/span><\/h2>\n

In-person meetings or interviews generally have a different set of fashion rules than virtual ones. Bold or flashy outfits can be dazzling in real life, but in videoconferences, they often just serve as a distraction. While people can shift their attention around a physical meeting room, distracting colors, accessories, and patterns can become amplified in an online setting. Let your talent shine through and opt for simple but classy outfits. Of course, the focus should be on choosing the right tops, but if you want to get into a professional state of mind by wearing dressy pants or a skirt, go for it!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to video conference fashion, there\u2019s a great rule of thumb: Wear what you normally would to an in-person interview or meeting, with a few exceptions:<\/span><\/p>\n

What to avoid:<\/b><\/p>\n