Your Background

What’s your background?

No, I don’t mean ethnicity, nationality, or “where you’re from.”

We’re in the age of Coronavirus, y’all! I mean, what’s your zoom/interview background? I know that zoom has some cool background functionality. I’m talking about when you can’t use that (i.e. my Mac doesn’t have enough processor power for it, lol), or you’re a news anchor/reporter, or being interviewed.

I was watching CNBC earlier today, and the usual host who always seems polished and professional was streaming from her home today instead. And of course, I couldn’t help but look at her surroundings. A very- 20 or 30-something standard run-of-the-mill apartment for someone who is probably super ambitious and doesn’t spend a lot of time on interior design. Nothing was bad about it per se, but watching her, suddenly she didn’t appear to be the powerhouse newscaster I normally saw her as. She seemed like a very typical 20 or 30-something young lady. Not a bad thing, but a different side to her I didn’t think about before with all the lights and cameras of a studio.

It seemed as though the timeline was as such: eek, virus! Stay at home directives! And she was like, “sh^&! I’d better throw a sophisticated backdrop together with what I have!”

Books, check.  Clock, check. Window, check. Decor item, check. Wall art, check.

Other people being interviewed I noticed, really like bookshelves (I can’t decide if the books are pre-chosen or selected or if it truly is business at usual).

A few have chosen outdoors. My favorite, is Shannon Bream from Fox, with a full setup (it’s working, Shannon!):

Anyway, of course I couldn’t help but think about this. Do we ever think about our backgrounds? I have a cute home office, so I feel somewhat prepared for impromptu interviews or zooms, however, for years I lived the single life in duplexes and apartments and rental houses… would I have been prepared then too?

This leads to another question, are we proud of our homes? Home is where we spend a lot of time. Whether we own or rent, are we happy and pleased with our spaces?

Perhaps this is the time to evaluate the environment that is meant to be our sanctuary. What can you do to create a space that makes you happy, feel safe, and proud (even if you are a renter?)? I firmly believe your space is so important to your overall energy, your happiness and your personal brand. Take a look around, and ask, “what would your background say in your interview?”