How to Look Your Best on Video Calls

Many professionals in specialty chemicals are working from home for the first time in their career because of the current global pandemic. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype have become integral tools as professionals adapt to working remotely. With so many more video-based meetings and calls, it’s good to know how to present yourself in these situations. Here are some tips to help you look your best on video calls.

Good Lighting

When on a video call, you want to make it easy for your coworkers to see you. You should hold the video call in a room that has a lot of natural light. Pick somewhere near a window. You want the light to be in front of you, not behind you. If it is behind you, it can create a stark glow and your face will be in shadow. Good lighting will make it so your colleagues will not have to strain their eyes to see you, while also giving your skin a healthy-looking glow. If you do not have a window with favorable lighting, you can use lamps as a substitute. You should position the lamps behind your computer and near your face.

Clothes

Generally, most people don’t wear the same clothes when they work at home as they would if they were working in a more public setting. During a video call, however, you want to dress to impress. You want to wear something professional but simple. Avoid bold colors and intricate patterns. Your coworkers will need to look at you for an extended period of time, so you want clothing that is easy on the eyes. You also want to avoid black and white because these two colors can look blurry on camera. Try a soft blue or beige instead.

Find the Right Camera Position

As you’re setting up for a call, think about what the other person on the call sees on their screen. If you sit too close to the camera, you may end up looking hazy or distorted. If you aren’t at eye level with the camera, the other person may be staring at your nose or chin. You especially want to avoid low angles. You want to make sure you and the other attendees can make eye contact with each other, which will help you carry out more meaningful conversations. Run a test first to see what angle your face is to the camera and that will help you determine whether to raise or lower your seat (or your computer).

Many professionals in specialty chemicals have had to start relying on video calls to stay productive during the quarantine. Paying attention to lighting, physical appearance, and camera angles can help make sure you make good impressions during video chats.

Are you looking for top talent in the Specialty Chemical, Plastics, or Animal Health industry?

Contact us to discuss how we can bring top leadership talent to your team. Boaz Partners is a premier executive search firm focused on the direct recruitment of executives and professionals for the specialty chemicals and plastics space. We are your partner, and our focus is on custom recruiting solutions.