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CXO

Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

By N.F. Mendoza December 18, 2020, 4:30 PM PST

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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Modern open area

New year, new job? Here are 16 appropriate virtual backgrounds to use for job interviews or onboarding. Here’s what a couple experts we spoke to said:

“While Zoom backgrounds can be a fun way to express your creativity and personality, a neutral background is actually best, since part of the reason we get Zoom fatigue is because our eyes have to take in so much detail, said Kristen Hayward, head of people at Superhuman. 

“Using a virtual background is a surefire way to make the right first impression,” said Tim Sanders, vice president of customer insights at Upwork. Select “backgrounds that replicate an office environment. Simple backgrounds, like those that have a single texture or color scheme, will help you stand out, and a color that contrasts with your skin tone so you don’t fade into the background.” Sanders added, “topical [backgrounds] are a good way to show your personality. Avoid selecting busy backgrounds; it could be distracting.” Don’t use “a background with the prospective employer’s brand on it or futuristic, dystopian backgrounds that might produce negative or stressful emotions”

To download any of these images, see TechRepublic’s article The best virtual backgrounds to use on Zoom for your next business meeting.

SEE: Zoom 101: A guidebook for beginners and business pros (TechRepublic Premium)

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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Blurred office

Image: iStock/cofotoisme

Blurred office

Image: iStock/cofotoisme
zoom-denisik11.jpg
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Simple bookshelf above

Image: iStock/denisik11

Simple bookshelf above

Image: iStock/denisik11
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Blurred neutral room

Image: iStock/dragana991

Blurred neutral room

Image: iStock/dragana991
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Blurred holiday background

Image: iStock/Irina Shisterova

Blurred holiday background

Image: iStock/Irina Shisterova
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Shades of blue

Image: iStock/Iris Images

Shades of blue

Image: iStock/Iris Images
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Horizon Japanese print

Image: iStock/elinalee

Horizon Japanese print

Image: iStock/elinalee
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Blurred bookshelves with light wood

Image: iStock/larineb

Blurred bookshelves with light wood

Image: iStock/larineb
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Empty elegant room

Image: iStock/Lek 3D Photo

Empty elegant room

Image: iStock/Lek 3D Photo
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Window view, seating

Image: iStock/Mirror Image Studio

Window view, seating

Image: iStock/Mirror Image Studio
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Ocean impressions

Image: iStock/Mukk

Ocean impressions

Image: iStock/Mukk
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Winter cable sweater

Image: iStock/Polina Lebed

Winter cable sweater

Image: iStock/Polina Lebed
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Artsy, pale-colored background

Image: iStock/Takasuu

Artsy, pale-colored background

Image: iStock/Takasuu
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Streamlined living room

Image: iStock/Vanit Janthra

Streamlined living room

Image: iStock/Vanit Janthra
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Windowed, modern office

Image: iStock/vicnt

Windowed, modern office

Image: iStock/vicnt
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Photos: 16 of the most appropriate virtual backgrounds for job interviews and onboarding

Crisp, minimalist living room

Image: iStock/vinct

Crisp, minimalist living room

Image: iStock/vinct
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By N.F. Mendoza
N.F. Mendoza is based in Los Angeles. She has a BA in Broadcast Journalism and Cinema Critical Studies and a Master's of Professional Writing, both from USC. Nadine has more than 20 years experience as a journalist covering film, TV, entertainment, b
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