LOOK PROFESSIONAL ON-LINE
In today’s virtual world it is important to look like a professional and less like an amateur, no matter what field of work you are in. Your appearance matters in person and even more so during an on-line meeting. On-line people are limited in the number of ways they get to know and trust you.
Plus, you don’t want your boss to think that you are a sloth too lazy to get out of you PJ’s all day. Go on a virtual meeting in a Hawaii shirt with a bedhead and you will be judged. That fleeting and uninformed impression will have your competence called into question.
It pays to strategize about how to look professional during your online meetings. Just a bit of effort can lead to dramatically improved results.
- Look at The Camera When Talking: In the virtual world looking someone in the eye means looking into your camera. While this takes some practice, seasoned professionals who do a lot of web conference calls make it a point to look at their webcam when speaking or listening to a specific person on the call rather than looking at the speaker’s video image. While looking at someone’s image is perfectly natural (we do it in person), looking at your camera gives the impression that you’re looking directly at the person who is watching you. This creates a stronger connection and builds confidence in your abilities. Just make sure that your camera is at eye-level and we are not looking up your nostrils.
- Posture: Sit up straight, slightly forward, shoulders square to your camera and you will look in control and attentive. Positive body language will help those in your virtual meeting feel much more comfortable and positive about you. Dress professionally from the waist up. It will give you an extra boost of confidence and enhance your professional image.
- Dress for Success: One of the magical things about working remotely is the freedom to wear anything to work. It’s the dream. However, when you are in a virtual meeting your coworkers will be less than thrilled to see your wrinkled clothes and unkept hair. Dress professionally at least from the waist up. It will give you an extra boost of confidence and enhance your professional image.
DO
- Wear a collar but don’t wear a low cut top or sleeveless shirt.
- Avoid busy, repeating patterns or material with a sheen
- Stick to solid colors that work with your skin tone.
- Avoid reflective jewelry and jewelry with a jangle.
- Leave the hats and caps off because they are too casual.
- Mens Hair: A good cut covers the top halves of your ears. No comb-overs please. Make sure no stray hairs are sticking up. Keep beards and mustaches well-trimmed and off the lips. If bald check your camera for shine. A little clear powder will make a difference.
- Ladies Hair: Ladies, your hair acts like a good frame. It should flatter your face without drawing undue attention. Allow ¾-inch clearance from having hair around the eyes to avoid unwanted shadows. Also, a little volume is always good. If you color your hair, make sure it’s not a solid blob of color.
- Makeup: Ladies to come across best on camera, your makeup should be an understatement and your foundation should match your skin tone. Blend your makeup to avoid foundation lines. Choose a soft, natural eye shadow and blend it well. Select a lipstick shade that is similar to the color of the inside of your mouth. Don’t use gloss, bronzer or any make-up that has a shimmer effect.
- Glasses: Your glasses can create a distracting reflection from your computer screen. If possible, skip wearing the glasses.
Now that you are looking posh and professional for your next virtual meeting take a look at your virtual office and make sure it looks as good as you do. Go to: http://www.hanchey.com/virtual-office-look-like-pro/