Hair and Make-Up For Your Interview

When preparing for a video interview, remember the tricks that the camera can play. For instance, the camera magnifies everything, so frizzy hair will look doubly so. Accordingly, while some women like to frame their face with their hair, it’s generally preferable to pull their hair neatly away from their faces – especially since long bangs, for example, can cast an unwanted shadow. Keeping your hair in a ponytail or braid also the advantage of not tempting you to fiddle with it distractingly on camera. A small dash of hairspray might be useful to control flyaways – try rubbing the hairspray on your hands and running it through your hair so it doesn’t look too weighed down by the hair product. Similarly, men might be wise to forego a scruffy beard, which will look even scruffier on camera, or any facial hair for that matter (it grows back quickly anyway, right?) A smooth shave tends to make your skin color look better on camera, too. For those who can’t bear to part with the goatee or sideburns, at least trim them as short as possible so they look neat. Since the camera tends to put dark circles under one’s eyes, eye makeup should be light -- avoid heavy eyeliner at all costs, and don’t even think of fake lashes or anything that sparkles (other than your natural personality, of course). High-definition foundation can be helpful in creating a soft-focus effect – but it must be properly blended, as should your blush. Try to find a soft (not bright) colored lipstick. Glossy lips are distracting, as are bright red nails. Neutral colors are safer. As for teeth, make sure you have no so-called “antlers in the park” – i.e. spinach or other food clinging to your molars. That’s what toothbrushes are for. Of course, the real trick to preparing for an interview is to know in advance what the employer’s culture is like (just look at the company website), and to act accordingly. After all, your choice of hair and makeup will differ if you are applying for a position as a Wall Street paralegal or for a role in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Finally, here’s the really good news about preparing for on-camera interviews: you can wear any perfume or cologne you want!