Online interviews have become increasingly popular over the past few years, especially with the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing what to wear for an online interview can be tricky, since you only appear from the waist or shoulders up on a video call. While qualifications and interview performance are most important, your appearance and wardrobe choices still matter. A key decision is choosing which color is best to wear for an online interview.
Why Color Matters for Online Interviews
While your skills and experience should be the main focus of any job interview, your clothing choices and overall appearance still influence the interviewer’s first impression of you. Studies show it only takes between 100-500 milliseconds for people to form an opinion.
Color psychology suggests certain colors elicit specific emotional responses. The colors you wear send subconscious signals about your personality and style. Whether interviewing in-person or online, your clothing color choices impact how the interviewers perceive you.
Since an online interview only shows your top half on camera, the color you wear up top is especially impactful. Choose flattering, professional colors that present you in the best possible light. Stay away from distracting colors or busy patterns that could take focus away from your interview responses.
Best Color Choices for Online Interviews
Here are the top recommended colors to wear for online interviews:
Navy Blue
Navy blue is a universally flattering color that conveys professionalism, trust, and confidence. It has positive associations with stability, wisdom, and calm. Navy blue comes across authoritative but not overly harsh or distracting on camera. Both men and women can’t go wrong wearing navy blue for an online interview. It’s a versatile neutral that pairs well with other interview-appropriate colors.
Gray
Similar to navy, gray is a neutral go-to shade that’s professional and subtle. It gives off a balanced, sophisticated vibe. Light grays read as more approachable, while charcoal grays convey authority. Gray suits and blazers complement most complexions. The color won’t distract from your face and responses on a video call interview.
White
A crisp white shirt or blouse looks clean and confident for online interviews. White reflects light and brightens your face on camera. It makes you appear focused, organized, and ready to take on a new job. Just be mindful of potential transparent materials showing under light-colored tops. White conveys simplicity and purity. But too stark white can also come across overly sterile, so blend with navy, gray, or accent colors.
Black
The most formal, authoritative color, black sends a powerful message. It displays that you take the interview seriously and are sophisticated. But, black can also come across somber or intense, so balance it out with a colorful accessory or warm tone blazer. Don’t go full black suit or you’ll fade into the background on camera. Black conveys confidence but not superiority.
Red
A red dress shirt, tie, or blazer demonstrates power, passion, and boldness. Red makes a striking statement for an online interview. It instantly captures attention. But too much bright red may be distracting. Muted reds like burgundy, crimson, or oxblood work better for interviews than fire engine red. Red injects vitality but use it strategically as an accent color.
Blue
Blue is another broadly favorable color for online interviews. It shows honesty, intelligence, and responsibility. Light to medium blues read as calm and stable on camera. Darker blues like navy convey more seriousness and authority. Blue offers versatility ranging from conservative to creative depending on the shade. Any hue from sky blue to cobalt communicates positive professionalism.
Colors to Avoid for Online Interviews
Stick to traditional, neutral, and low-saturation shades for online interviews. Avoid anything too bright, distracting, or unprofessional. Here are some colors to steer clear of:
– Neon colors – Too loud and informal
– Light pastels – Can look washed out on camera
– Bright prints – Distracting and busy on video
– Yellow/orange – Come across casual and youthful
– Pink – May read as overly feminine or frivolous
– Green – Gives off an earthy or laid-back vibe
– Brown – Drab and lacks vibrancy on screen
– Purple – Sophisticated but sometimes overly trendy
Of course black, gray, navy, and other dark neutrals could signal depressing or stern if worn head to toe. Brighten them up with a colorful accessory. Similarly, overly light colors can look strange and ghostly on video. Find the right balance of dark and light shades.
Additional Tips for Interview Color Choices
Beyond just your top, here are some other tips for determining color choices before an online interview:
- Consider complexion and hair color – Find colors that complement your skin tone and enhance your facial features
- Look at your full outfit palette – Tops and bottoms should make sense together, not clash radically
- Check the colors on camera – Preview your interview outfit and lighting to make sure colors translate well on video
- Add subtle patterns – Small checks, stripes, or solids break up solid blocks of color
- Don’t forget jewelry and makeup – Accents like earrings, ties, or lipstick provide extra pops of color
- Match your style – Choose interview colors that align with your personal brand
Conclusion
Your clothing color choices for online interviews do matter, even if subconsciously. Opt for traditional hues that convey professionalism, confidence, and credibility. Neutrals like navy, gray, black, and white can’t go wrong. Pops of color in moderation add visual interest. Stay away from anything distracting or casual. Test out potential interview outfits ahead of time on camera. Finding the most flattering, polished color combinations gives you an edge in the virtual interview setting.
| Best Colors for Online Interviews | Colors to Avoid for Online Interviews |
|---|---|
| Navy Blue | Neon Colors |
| Gray | Pastels |
| White | Bright Prints |
| Black | Yellow/Orange |
| Red (as accent) | Pink |
| Blue | Green |
