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Should I use a background during a zoom interview?

background Interview zoom
New answer on Oct 26, 2020
11 Answers
2.8 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 25, 2020

Dear PrepLounge community,

What's the better practice during a zoom MBB interview? Using a background or not?
If the it is the former, what background do you suggest?

Overview of answers

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Best answer
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 25, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Natural background please and nothing artificial i.e whereever you are. Hopefully not somewhere crazy :).

At best you could use a plain white background to create contrast if you happen to be in a not so well lit room.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 25, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

It depends on how your background looks at the moment.

If you have a rather neutral, white-ish, formal, then you can go it.

In any case, it´s not a big thing either, so don´t overthink it too much.

Hope it helps,

Clara

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Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 25, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

It really doesn't matter as long as in your real background there is nothing disturbing or too private.
Either keep it regular without background or blur it if you are not comfortable with it. But it doesn't matter at all for interviewers.

Hope this helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the upvote button below!

Robert

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Henning
Expert
replied on Oct 25, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Tbh, you're overthinking this! You're interviewers won't mind either way. Just one thing: If you should decide to use one, use one that is not distracting.

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Anonymous on Oct 25, 2020

I also would underly this. Funny pictures or a actual messy background does not leave a good impression on you

(edited)

Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 26, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi!

Sometimes it is better just to find an appropriate and minimalistic background for an interview.

But don't use a window for the background as it can brighten you.

I also strongly recommend you test the camera, background, and audio about 15 minutes before the interview. In case you have some issues you will be able to fix them in advance.

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All the best,

GB

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Mehdi
Expert
replied on Oct 26, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

Keep it simple, either you go without a background or you get a simple one (no flashy colors)!

I hope this helps!

Mehdi

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10
Ken
Expert
replied on Oct 26, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Do what is most comfortable for you. McKinsey consultants are having to think about the same choice when joining zoom meetings with clients. They will understand both choices!

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Anonymous replied on Oct 26, 2020

Hello

It depends on what your current background is.

You want the interviewer to focus on YOU, so of course, a white/ light background that does not distract the interviewer is what you need.

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9
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 26, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

I prefer no background. If going no background, you need to make sure there's nothing odd/distracting behind you. Beds, clothes, messiness, "interesting" photos/portraits (anything risque, political, etc) are all no-gos.

If you can't get yourself into a position where there is only a wall, window, etc. showing, then yes use a virtual backgorund...a very simple background is the best bet.

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 26, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I would avoid fake background images or messy backgrounds. Everything else should work well. A simple wall with nothing strange on it is always a good option.

Best,

Francesco

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 26, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

A nice formal background looks professional. Alternatively find a space that has an empty wall behind it so there are no distractions during the call

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