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During these challenging times, many feel shocked and paralyzed as they struggle just to survive and provide the essentials for their family.  Those laid off may face unemployment after the sequestering is lifted. This is an excellent opportunity to contemplate and identify your skills, talents, and desires as you search for a new career path.

One thing for sure is that the new normal will be different with technology leading the way. Today, initial job interviews are usually conducted online. The importance of projecting your best self from your computer cannot be stressed enough. Your image speaks volumes before you utter a word.

This article provides 10 considerations to nail the interview online and start working again. The first half gives tips about your environment, while the second discusses appropriate attire. My best advice is to practice in front of the camera.  Zooming into how you look and sound online will make a huge difference in how you present yourself and increase the possibility of you getting the position.

• Create an environment that brings out the best of you. Make sure your surroundings are neat and tidy, devoid of any distracting piles and clutter.
• Check the position of your camera. Make sure it is at or above eye level for the most flattering view of your face. Remember to look directly at the camera. Eye contact is important.
• Consider the lighting. Placing a lamp in front of you works best. Avoid being back lit by a window behind you. This will tend to make your features invisible.
• Position yourself in a comfortable chair and lean slightly forward toward the camera. This conveys interest.
• An engaging expression is a must. Smile, nod, raise an eyebrow, and add a twinkle to your eyes.
• Proper grooming is the first step to presenting a polished image. Shower, shave, wash your hair, clean your nails etc. Ladies wear the right amount of make-up.  Accentuate your features so you’re not washed out. Be careful not to over do with too much which is distracting
• Style your hair so it’s neat and out of your face.
• Get fully dressed so you feel empowered. What you wear affects you as well as how others perceive you. You may have heard the story of a man being interviewed online and his laptop fell. He was dressed professionally above his waist but wore pajama bottoms below. All were shocked, and he wasn’t hired!
• Avoid wearing distracting patterns, especially checks and stripes that cameras will distort. Select a solid color top in a flattering color that conveys the message you want. Blue denotes being trustworthy. Black and red are power colors.  Avoid wearing yellow or brown. Those who wear yellow aren’t taken seriously. Brown conveys a submissive, passive personality.
• Accessories such be kept to a minimum. Anything that jingles or sparkles will be distracting. Select a statement necklace or smaller earrings.

At Image Up, we help professional women who feel they have nothing to wear that fits and flatters their body. They hire us to design a Signature Style that conveys confidence, competency and credibility both in person and online. If you’re seeking employment, a new position, or just ready to up-level your image, schedule a free 30 minute consultation on my calendar.

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