Ah, the joys of remote work: you can roll out of bed, shuffle to your laptop, and technically be “at the office” in 37 seconds. But here’s the catch—just because you can attend a meeting in a dingy white T-shirt with hair that screams I lost a fight with my pillow, doesn’t mean you should.
Your appearance online still sends a message. And unless that message is “I’m auditioning for a zombie movie,” let’s tidy it up.
Step 1: The Shirt Matters
Yes, I know, pants are optional in Zoom World (no judgment—just don’t stand up). But what people do see is your top half. That old T-shirt from your college intramural team? Retire it. Opt for something clean, pressed, and not likely to make your coworkers wonder if you also live under a bridge.
Step 2: Hair Check
Bed head might be charming on toddlers and rock stars, but not so much in quarterly budget reviews. Run a comb or pic through it, splash some water or some product, maybe even brush it like you’ve met a mirror before. (Your webcam is not that mirror, by the way—it’s too late by then.)
Step 3: Lighting is Everything
Good lighting says “I’m professional.” Bad lighting says “I am broadcasting live from a cave.” Sit facing a window or put a lamp behind your screen. If all else fails, a $15 ring light from the internet will save you from looking like a ghost story narrator. I got mine from Amazon.
Step 4: Background Check (The Other Kind)
Your coworkers don’t need to see your pile of laundry, your unmade bed, or your roommate wandering by in boxers. Tidy up your space or use a virtual background that doesn’t scream “default Windows wallpaper.”
Step 5: Accessorize with Confidence
Headphones, glasses, even a decent mug of coffee can make you look composed. Bonus points if your mug says something like, “World’s Okayest Employee.”
Final Thoughts
Looking professional online isn’t about wearing a three-piece suit in your living room. It’s about sending a signal that you’re present, polished, and ready to contribute. And hey, if you nail the shirt, hair, lighting, and background—you can still wear pajama pants. (Just… don’t forget during screen shares when you get up for coffee.)
How to Look Professional Online (Without Wearing Pajama Pants… Probably)
Ah, the joys of remote work: you can roll out of bed, shuffle to your laptop, and technically be “at the office” in 37 seconds. But here’s the catch—just because you can attend a meeting in a dingy white T-shirt with hair that screams I lost a fight with my pillow, doesn’t mean you should.
Your appearance online still sends a message. And unless that message is “I’m auditioning for a zombie movie,” let’s tidy it up.
Step 1: The Shirt Matters
Yes, I know, pants are optional in Zoom World (no judgment—just don’t stand up). But what people do see is your top half. That old T-shirt from your college intramural team? Retire it. Opt for something clean, pressed, and not likely to make your coworkers wonder if you also live under a bridge.
Step 2: Hair Check
Bed head might be charming on toddlers and rock stars, but not so much in quarterly budget reviews. Run a comb through it, splash some water, maybe even brush it like you’ve met a mirror before. (Your webcam is not that mirror, by the way—it’s too late by then.)
Step 3: Lighting is Everything
Good lighting says “I’m professional.” Bad lighting says “I am broadcasting live from a cave.” Sit facing a window or put a lamp behind your screen. If all else fails, a $15 ring light from the internet will save you from looking like a ghost story narrator.
Step 4: Background Check (The Other Kind)
Your coworkers don’t need to see your pile of laundry, your unmade bed, or your roommate wandering by in boxers. Tidy up your space or use a virtual background that doesn’t scream “default Windows wallpaper.”
Step 5: Accessorize with Confidence
Headphones, glasses, even a decent mug of coffee can make you look composed. Bonus points if your mug says something like, “World’s Okayest Employee.”
Final Thoughts
Looking professional online isn’t about wearing a three-piece suit in your living room. It’s about sending a signal that you’re present, polished, and ready to contribute. And hey, if you nail the shirt, hair, lighting, and background—you can still wear pajama pants. (Just… don’t forget during screen shares when you get up for coffee.)
