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Look Your Best
A few simple adjustments make a big difference. Follow these steps to ensure a professional appearance for your interview.
Quick Checklist
Camera Height
Your camera should be at eye level or slightly above. This creates a natural, flattering angle.
Camera at eye level
Camera at eye level - professional and natural
Camera too low
Camera too low - unflattering angle
Quick Tip
Place a few books under your laptop to raise the camera to eye level.
Distance & Framing
Position yourself so your head and shoulders are visible, with some space above your head.
Proper framing
Good framing - chest to above head visible, with headroom
Too close
Too close - face fills the entire frame
Quick Tip
Leave about a hand's width of space between the top of your head and the top of the frame.
Lighting
Light should come from in front of you, not behind. Avoid sitting with a window behind you.
Front-lit
Light from the front - face is clearly visible
Backlit
Backlit - face appears dark, silhouette effect
Quick Tips
- Face a window for natural light, or place a lamp in front of you
- If you have a window behind you, close the blinds
- A lamp pointed at the ceiling creates soft, even light
Background
Choose a clean, uncluttered background. Avoid bright windows or distracting elements.
Clean background
Clean background - neat and professional
Cluttered/window
Cluttered or bright window - distracting
Quick Tips
- A plain wall or bookshelf works well
- Avoid windows directly behind you
- Virtual backgrounds are acceptable but can look artificial
Device Setup
How you position your device affects camera angle and stability.
Laptop elevated / Phone landscape
Laptop on books, or phone in landscape orientation
Phone portrait / Laptop flat
Phone in portrait mode or laptop flat on desk
Device Tips
- Laptop: Place on a stack of books to raise the webcam
- Phone: Always use landscape orientation, use a stand or prop it securely
- Tablet: Landscape orientation, on a stand
App Settings
A few settings adjustments help ensure the best video quality.
Zoom
| HD Video | Settings → Video → Check "HD" |
| Camera | Settings → Video → Select your camera from dropdown |
Microsoft Teams
| Camera | Click profile picture → Settings → Devices → Select camera |
| Audio | Settings → Devices → Make a test call |
Important: Disable Automatic Camera Zoom
Modern devices have a feature that automatically zooms and follows your face. This must be turned off for broadcast interviews.
macOS Sonoma or later
| Center Stage | During a video call, click the green camera icon in the menu bar (top right) → Turn off Center Stage |
macOS Ventura or earlier
| Center Stage | Click Control Center (top right) → Video Effects → Turn off Center Stage |
iOS (iPhone 17 / iPhone 17 Air and newer)
| Center Stage | Settings → FaceTime → Turn off Center Stage |
| During a call | Swipe down from top right corner to open Control Center → Video Effects → Turn off Center Stage |
iPadOS (iPad)
| Center Stage | Settings → FaceTime → Turn off Center Stage |
| During a call | Swipe down from top right corner to open Control Center → Video Effects → Turn off Center Stage |
Windows 11 (Copilot+ PCs only)
| Auto Framing | Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Camera → Select your camera → Turn off Automatic Framing |
| Eye Contact | Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Camera → Select your camera → Turn off Eye Contact |
| Quick access | During a call, click the camera icon in the system tray to access these settings |
Before You Join
- Test your camera and microphone
- Close unnecessary applications
- Use a wired internet connection if possible
- Join a few minutes early to check your setup