best zoom backgrounds for job interviews

Using this background conveys how prepared and professional you are when it comes to remote videoconferences. The safest approach is to simply have a neutral-colored, plain background, such as a simple wall behind you. However, unless you’re an interior designer or the objects behind you are directly relevant to the role you’re targeting, having objects in your background can distract or even elicit negative reactions.

You might think having a few personal items such as picture frames, decorations, or bookshelves in your background may add some visual interest to your video frame. Should I have objects in my background to convey my personality? All it takes is for you to move your arm quickly, and suddenly, that pile of dirty laundry behind you becomes momentarily visible, which is at its best distracting and at its worst embarrassing. In order to hear the other person, try using wired or wireless earbuds.įinally, the technology isn’t quite there. These mics enable the highest quality audio without obstructing your face like a handheld or stick mic. Instead, consider using an external lapel microphone you attach directly onto your clothing. And last, any extraneous sounds you make by touching your laptop or even writing on a notebook may also get picked up. Second, your voice will sound more distant. First, the quality of built-in mics tends to be worse than external mics. However, as the host of a podcast, I’ve found that my guests who use built-in computer mics often don’t come across as clear as others.

Is it okay to use my built-in laptop microphone?īuilt-in microphones on laptops keep getting better, and the resulting audio will likely be acceptable. Also, according to Kevin Parker, CEO of HireVue, one of the world’s largest virtual interviewing platforms, typing on a laptop or phone can too easily be mistaken for multitasking. Although incredibly convenient, typing notes directly on your laptop can be distracting because the clicking sounds will inevitably get picked up by your microphone.

Best zoom backgrounds for job interviews