Grooming tips For a virtual interview: Men’s edition

In light of the COVID19 pandemic, virtual interviews have become the new norm. Whether it’s your very first virtual interview or you have been a part of one before, one thing of paramount importance is that you must be well-groomed for it.

A lot of people believe that appearance doesn’t hold much importance in an interview being conducted through a video conference but the reality is quite the opposite. How you present yourself on a virtual call has a big impact on whether or not a second interview will be requested.

The first impression you create on the interviewer is visual and later you get the opportunity to amaze them with your words and knowledge. Studies show that you only have 10 seconds to nail your digital first impression.

Is it not crucial then to present yourself in the best possible light from the very beginning of the interview? So here some of the most important points that men must keep in mind to look well-groomed in a virtual interview:

• Look sharp:

For interviews, it’s best to avoid an untrimmed beard or stubble look as you don't want to come across like you forgot to shave. A clean shaven look is highly recommended as it makes you look sharp and smart. It compliments a formal appearance and shows that you have put in the effort to look good.

Pick a good men's razor set from a reliable shaving brand like Bolin Webb that makes it easy to get a smooth and close shave. Make sure the razorblade you use is sharp to avoid any unwanted last-minute cuts or nicks on your face as they may make you look unpleasant. 

• Dress to impress:

Always dress as you would for an in-person interview. This means wearing the right pants as well as opposed to the usual practice of wearing only formal clothes from the waist up since your lower half won’t be visible in a virtual interview.

Your shirt, pants, tie, and blazer should all be clean and well ironed to give a wrinkle-free look. It’s best to stick to formal colors and avoid very bright colors. When you dress well, it makes you feel confident and that reflects in the way you talk to the interviewer.

• Good hair care:

Your hair care needs to be top notch as it adds to your overall look. Maintaining a clean hairstyle is easy and makes you feel well groomed. Whether you have short hair or long, never overlook styling your hair well before you start the interview.

Oily or disheveled looking hair is very off-putting. Always shampoo your hair well on the day of the interview. Be it a corporate job interview or an artistic one - ensure your hair is as well-kept as your outfit to leave a lasting impression.

• Display good body language:

Your body language speaks volumes in a virtual interview. Whether you’re nervous or scared or being cocky, it will all reflect in the way you present yourselves. Ensure that you are sitting upright with your back straight throughout the meeting as slouching makes you look bored.

Your tone of voice becomes very important in a virtual setup which means you should be very conscious of how you speak. Monitor your tone and pace of speaking as you don’t want to speak so slow that your recruiter gets bored, nor so hastily that they can’t keep up. 

Conclusion:

Having a careless attitude when interviewing digitally through a computer screen is very detrimental to your chances of getting selected. Use these tips to come across as sharp, well-prepared, well-groomed, and confident.