In today’s remote-first world, how you use tech says a lot about you. Whether you're freelancing, job hunting, or climbing the career ladder, small things make a big impression — especially through a screen.
The good news? You don’t need to buy anything fancy. You just need to use the tools you already have, better.
Here are 6 digital habits that’ll help you come across as more confident, organized, and professional — even when you’re wearing sweatpants.
1. Rename Your Devices and Accounts
Ever joined a Zoom call and seen someone labeled “iPhone 7” or “John’s MacBook”? It’s easy to overlook — but it looks sloppy.
🔧 Fix it:
Update your device names and profile info on Zoom, Google, Slack, etc. Include your full name, job title (if relevant), and a clear photo. It takes five minutes — and adds instant polish.
Update your device names and profile info on Zoom, Google, Slack, etc. Include your full name, job title (if relevant), and a clear photo. It takes five minutes — and adds instant polish.
2. Use a Real Email Signature
Still signing off with “Sent from my iPhone” or no signature at all?
🔧 Fix it:
Create a clean, simple signature with your name, title, and one or two links (website, LinkedIn). Avoid flashy colors or 5-line quotes — subtle is sharp.
Create a clean, simple signature with your name, title, and one or two links (website, LinkedIn). Avoid flashy colors or 5-line quotes — subtle is sharp.
3. Mute Notifications During Calls
Slack pings, email dings, and calendar alerts going off mid-meeting? It’s distracting — and can seem unprepared.
🔧 Fix it:
Before any important call, switch on Do Not Disturb. If you're screen-sharing, close out anything personal or unnecessary. Pro move: restart your device beforehand to avoid surprise updates.
Before any important call, switch on Do Not Disturb. If you're screen-sharing, close out anything personal or unnecessary. Pro move: restart your device beforehand to avoid surprise updates.
4. Use Proper Naming Conventions
“Final_Draft_v2_UPDATED_THIS_ONE” — sound familiar?
🔧 Fix it:
Name your files clearly and consistently. Include dates or short descriptors (e.g., Proposal_JohnsonTeam_2025-07.pdf). It helps collaborators, and shows you're organized.
Name your files clearly and consistently. Include dates or short descriptors (e.g., Proposal_JohnsonTeam_2025-07.pdf). It helps collaborators, and shows you're organized.
5. Keep Your Desktop Clean
A cluttered screen full of random screenshots and downloads doesn’t just slow down your computer — it leaves a bad impression during screen shares.
🔧 Fix it:
Move files into folders and clear your desktop weekly. Use a wallpaper that’s clean and minimal to make everything easier to read.
Move files into folders and clear your desktop weekly. Use a wallpaper that’s clean and minimal to make everything easier to read.
6. Check Your Camera and Lighting
You don’t need a fancy webcam, but poor lighting and camera angles can really throw people off. Bad framing makes you look less engaged — even when you’re not.
🔧 Fix it:
Place your webcam at eye level, face a window or desk lamp, and avoid dark backdrops. A little light = more connection.
Place your webcam at eye level, face a window or desk lamp, and avoid dark backdrops. A little light = more connection.
Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Presence
You don’t have to be a tech wizard to look professional. Just use what you already have — more mindfully.
The next time you log in for a call or send that email, let your setup speak for you:
“I’m focused, prepared, and I care about the details.”
“I’m focused, prepared, and I care about the details.”
Because in the remote world, how you show up digitally is how you show up.