Zooming in Style: The Art of Professional Video Conferencing

Zoom and Teams meetings are prevalent in my career these days. Choosing a remote job is a luxury that adds tremendously to the work-life balance. However, if you know me let’s just say - I’m fashion forward. I once had a colleague ask me “Why do you dress up for meetings?” My answer was, “Credibility is important to me.” I didn’t tell him I used to work for an organization that said they valued work-life balance, but when the opportunity came where they could demonstrate that concept to their employees? All we heard were crickets. So bottom line? I am appreciative.

Here are 3 vital practices I implement for maintaining professionalism during virtual meetings.

First, choosing an appropriate background can make all the difference between looking like a seasoned pro or someone broadcasting live from a frat party. Trust me, no one wants to see your laundry pile or that questionable poster from your college days. Treat your background like your office, clean and composed. I used the blurred background with the company logo. I hate distracting backgrounds like the tropical beach setting. I’m not thinking about vacation during a meeting, I’m thinking about getting out of the meeting with tasks clearly stated.

Secondly, dressing appropriately shows that you take your job seriously, even when I have sweatpants and Crocs below the camera frame. Just don’t stand up without turning off your camera.

Remember, just because you're at home doesn't mean you should show off your PJs.

And lastly, maintaining a professional demeanor during video calls can set you apart from the crowd. Sure, it's tempting to make funny faces or crack jokes, but remember that you're still representing your organization. Virtual meetings usually devolve into casual, especially at the end. Keep it light, professional, and most of all brief - brevity is your friend.

In today's ever-evolving telework environment, professionalism is a valuable skill that can help you stand out among the sea of virtual faces. So, take every opportunity to show off your best self and make a lasting impression. After all, you never know who's looking to promote you.