With hybrid working looking set to become the norm with workers dividing their time between office and homeworking, it looks as though video conferencing is here to stay.
Even if your commute is now simply walking downstairs from your bedroom or walking across your landing to start your day at work, you need to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best way to make a good first impression during any video meetings.
Find out how to look your best and come across professional in our guide to video conferencing etiquette.
How Should I Dress for a Video Conference?
If you don’t want to dress up every day when you’re working from home, you should still make sure you’re wearing clothes that put you in the right mindset for work and that make you look professional – particularly on your top half that will be seen on screen.
Making an effort with the way you’re dressed shows the other people on the call that you respect them and the time they’re giving up for the call.
If you usually work in an office with a smart dress code, it’s okay to dress one degree less smart than you usually would; for example, wear your usual smart shirt without a tie or perhaps a smart polo shirt with the buttons done up.
Try to stick to clothing that isn’t patterned, as this can strobe on a screen and be distracting on a call. Always bear in mind that you might have to stand up too, so make sure your bottom half looks presentable!
Taking the time to iron your clothes can also make a good impression, even over a screen.
Should I Shave Before a Video Conference?
Your face will be everyone’s main focus during a video conference – in much more focus than an in-person meeting, which makes it all the more important to make sure you have a well-groomed appearance.
Start simply by washing the sleep out of your eyes each morning and make sure your facial hair is either clean-shaven or well-groomed with no straggly hairs. Even if you just give your beard a quick tidy up with your King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer, this can make a big difference.