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The Ultimate Virtual Setup For Job Seekers & Career Professionals (Prime Big Deal Day Edition)


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Hey, there!


So.... Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are October 8-9, and if you're anything like me, you're simultaneously excited about deals and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff you don't actually need.


Here's the thing: if you're job searching, career planning, or trying to look like you have your life together on Zoom calls (spoiler alert: none of us actually do), this is legitimately THE time to stock up on essentials without crying at your bank account afterward.


I've been doing this career coaching thing for six years now, and I've seen what actually makes a difference in job searches. So, I put together this guide of Prime Day deals for upgrading your virtual setup - stuff that's actually worth the money.


Quick heads up: The prices listed below are live from Prime Big Deal Days, but they may be subject to changes. To get the most accurate, up-to-date pricing, click the links. Also, I'm not getting paid by Amazon to tell you to buy things (okay, technically there are affiliate links here, but I'm only recommending stuff I genuinely think is helpful). If you buy something through my links, I might earn a small commission, but it doesn't cost you anything extra - I promise.



The "Please Look Professional on Camera" Virtual Setup

Let's be real... we're all doing virtual interviews, client calls, and team meetings, and there's nothing quite like the panic of realizing your lighting makes you look like you're being interrogated at the self-checkout register in Target.


Here's what works (because I've tried a lot of products):


Webcams (because your laptop camera is doing you dirty)

Quick note for my fellow Mac users: Most external webcams work seamlessly with Mac - just plug and play. No driver drama.


NexiGo N930AF Webcam with Microphone - 24% off Prime Big Deal $37.99

This is the one I recommend to most of my clients. It's plug-and-play (critical for those of us who don't want to mess with settings), crystal clear video, and it just works. No fuss, no drama, no "can you see me now?" moments.


NexiGo N680E 1080P Webcam with Ring Light - 20% off Prime Big Deal $39.99

I have a slightly older version of this webcam, and I have loved it for years! It's a simple, yet effective webcam with ring light, privacy cover, dual microphone, advanced auto-focus, and adjustable brightness. Works with Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc. for PC or Mac.



Lighting (the difference between "professional" and "did you just wake up?"

Okay, I'm going to be honest here... I've tried multiple lighting setups over the years because I'm extra like that. Here's what actually works:


Clip-On LED Light for Laptop - 20% off Prime Big Deal $17.58

This light guy clips right onto your laptop screen and is USB-powered. I use this all the time because it's portable, doesn't take up desk space, and I can adjust it depending on the time of day. Perfect for spontaneous Zoom calls when you don't have time to set up a whole production.


18" LED Ring Light with Stand- 24% off Prime Big Deal $75.99

Back in 2020, I bought an 18" ring light with adjustable color temperature (mine was a different brand - Inkeltech - but this one is basically the same thing). The adjustable color temperature is KEY, and the remote feature makes it so easy to use. I have to admit, I don't really use this one for calls anymore, but it is still very valuable for taking my own content photos or making videos.


Real talk: I resisted getting a ring light for a long time because I thought they were just for influencers. I was wrong. Ring lights are magic. Suddenly, you look professional, and like you didn't just roll out of bed 10 minutes prior. I use the clip-on light for everyday calls and the ring light for more important meetings, pictures, or videos.


LED Desk Light + Phone Holder 20% off Prime Big Deal $39.99

If ring lights feel too extra for you, a good adjustable desk lamp works too. Bonus, this one holds your phone so you can glance at important interview or meeting notes without being super obvious.



Screen Extenders (the real game changer)

I seriously don't know how I lived life prior to owning my laptop screen extenders.


Dual Portable Monitor Extender 30% off Prime Big Deal $279.99 from $399.99!)

Okay, this thing is

LIFE-CHANGING. I'm literally using mine right now as I write this post. It plugs right into your laptop and gives you 1-2 extra screens that travel with you. The screens can go on either side of your laptop and can change from horizontal to vertical views.


Real Talk: I have the dual-screen version, and honestly, I'd still recommend getting both screens if you can swing it. I tried finding a single extender that rotates vertically like mine does, but I couldn't find one that works as well. I typically only use one of the screens at a time, but I have the option to use two.


Why you need this for job searching:

  • Screen 1: job posting open

  • Screen 2: your tailored resume and cover letter

  • Laptop Screen: email or LinkedIn

No more constantly switching tabs and losing your place


Dell 24" Monitor - 23% off Prime Big Deal $84.98

If you work primarily at your desk, you might be better off with just adding another monitor. I have one just like this stationed at my desk for when I decide to actually work from my office, instead of being a nomad.



Audio (because "can you hear me?" gets old fast)

Apple AirPods 34% off Prime Big Deal $119.00 from $179.00)

I've had AirPods for years. They're not the fanciest, but they work seamlessly with Mac, the audio is clear, and I don't have to think about them. Sometimes, simple is best.


Beats Studio Pro x 6% off Prime Big Deal $169.99

These are my over-the-ears go-to headphones. Great sound quality, noise canceling when I need to focus, and they're comfortable for long wear (important when you're on back-to-back calls all day).


Real Talk: I have hard ears (weird, I know), and I have to rotate between in-the-ear and over-the-ear headphones throughout the day. I rotate between my AirPods and Beats Studios constantly, I could not pick one above the other (so don't make me!)


The sale on the Beats Studio headphones is honestly not that great. I can only vouch for the quality of Beats, since I own them, but here are different brand deals you can check out:


When I use headphones: Writing, deep work, client calls when my kids are home, listening to audiobooks, or basically anytime I need to pretend I'm in a quiet office instead of... wherever I actually am.


Mom Tip: wear the over-the-ears headphones to minimize your chances of the kiddos or husband interrupting you; it's much easier for them to see you have headphones in when they're big and over your head.


USB Conference Speaker 23% off Prime Big Deal $52.24

This might be overkill for some people, but if you're doing a lot of virtual presentations, thinking about creating content (LinkedIn videos, podcasts, webinars), or just want to sound like a professional human, this is the investment piece. Your voice will sound like butter. Professional, articulate butter.



Laptop Stands & Accessories

Adjustable Laptop Stand 20% off Prime Big Deal $23.00

This will give you a better camera angle (no one wants to look up your nose). Plus, your neck will thank you - hunching over your laptop for 8 hours a day is not a smart move.


Laptop Cooling Pad 41% off Prime Big Deal $23.79

I have never used one of these myself, but if your laptop runs hot during long video calls (cough, older MacBooks, cough), this seems like a smart move.


Portable Charger Power Bank 33% off Prime Big Deal $89.99

Every job seeker and professional who works on the go should always be extra prepared with charging options. Nothing is worse than your laptop dying right before an important virtual meeting.



My "Actually Look Professional on Video" Setups:

Budget-Friendly Starter Pack ($62 during Prime Days)


Jenna's Suggested "Worth The Investment" Setup ($267-$512)

  • Webcam + ring light ($38.99)

  • Dual screen extender OR extra monitor ($84.98-$279.99)

  • AirPods and/or Beats Studio Pro ($119.99-$169.99)

  • Laptop stand ($23)



beyond shopping: the real career game-changer

Okay, so I just spent 1,442 words telling you to buy stuff for Prime Big Deal Days. And yes, having a good webcam, lighting, and professional setup matters, especially when you're interviewing virtually or meeting with clients.


But here's the thing I tell every client: tools alone won't land you the job.


You still need:

  • A resume that actually showcases your value (not just a list of job duties)

  • Interview skills that go beyond memorizing answers

  • A personal brand that makes you stand out

  • A job search strategy that doesn't involve throwing resumes into the well and wishing


If you need help with the actual career stuff - the strategy, the positioning, the "how do I stand out in a sea of qualified candidates" part - that's literally what I do.


I can help with:


Prime Day deals are great. But investing in yourself and your career strategy? That's the real game-changer.



What are YOU shopping for this Prime Day?

Drop a comment below and let me know what's on your list!


P.S. Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more career tips, job search strategies, and the occasional behind-the-scenes chaos of running a business with two kids.

 
 
 

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