What you wear to an interview sets the tone for how you present yourself to your potential employer. Whether you are aware of it or not, the way you’re dressed creates a perception of you as a person before you have even opened your mouth and said a word. And dressing appropriately for an interview goes beyond just making yourself look professional; it also shows that you have a good understanding of the company’s culture. If you don’t dress the part, it may appear that you have scant regard for both the person interviewing you and the company they represent. That can be a fatal fail before the interview has even begun.
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Making a positive first impression begins with presenting a neat and professional appearance. You want the interviewer to pay attention to you and your abilities rather than the outlandish or sloppy outfit you’re wearing – however attractive you believe it to be. You need to dress in a way that shows you’re the kind of person the company would like you to represent in the future. The old saying that you can’t judge a book by its cover doesn’t hold much water here. However much you may feel that you should be evaluated on your skills and abilities rather than your outward appearance, like it or not, the interviewer judge you by your outward appearance.
Additionally, being dressed appropriately for the occasion demonstrates that you respect your potential employer and are ready to follow the rules of the company. Furthermore, the right look might improve your confidence and get you in a professional frame of mind. Your best performance might emerge when you feel at your most attractive.
This would depend on the type of job you’re applying for. Most job interviews fall into these three categories:
Whether you are a man or a woman, business formal is generally accepted as the appropriate clothing for interviews in most business settings. Here, both men and women should wear a smart business suit, preferably in a dark colour, coupled with a plain, light-coloured shirt or blouse.
Business casual outfits are acceptable if you’re applying for a position where casual dress is the norm. The goal is to give the impression of being smart and professional without being too laid back and underdressed. Women should wear a knee-length skirt or a pair of slacks with a plain light-coloured blouse. Another stylish option is a dress worn with a tailored jacket. Go with a handbag that complements your outfit. Men can wear chinos or smart trousers with a matching jacket and a collared button-up shirt. Avoid wearing jeans and collarless shirts.
Knowing what to wear when applying for a job at an informal company, such as a small start-up or fashion boutique, might be a little trickier. Try to find out beforehand what the staff are wearing to work. Remember that you still want to make a good impression, so avoid being too casual. Dark, fitted jeans or elegant trousers are acceptable. Ladies, avoid low-cut tops and opt for a well-fitting blouse. A cardigan for both men and women can also appear stylish without being overly formal.
Even if your interview takes place in a more casual setting, you shouldn’t dress as though you’re going to a Sunday barbeque with friends. Flip flops, sandals, trendy ripped jeans, shorts, tank tops, strapless tops, and athletic wear like track pants and running shoes are all unacceptable for a job interview. Avoid wild or vibrant designs, this can put off – and perhaps even startle – the interviewer. Save the loud or bulky jewellery for another time. If you have tattoos, cover them up if you’re applying for a job in a conservative company. You may be judged on your body art and not your skills (unless of course, you’re applying for a job at a tattoo parlour!). Don’t wear anything too revealing. That means paying attention to hemlines and necklines. Change if there is even the slightest possibility that something is overly low-cut, short, or tight.
You might not think that perfume and cologne belong on the “what not to wear” list, but even if you enjoy smelling good, wearing strong perfume or cologne can be a turn-off for the interviewer. Some people may find the fragrance offensive or overpowering, and your interviewer may very well be even allergic which will get your interview off to a bad start.
As already discussed, the acceptable dress code for an interview will vary, depending on the profession and the company, so there’s no real one-size-fits-all solution. However, when in doubt, remember that being overdressed is preferable to being overly casual. Here are some rule-of-thumb tips:
In general, you should dress in a suit with pants or a skirt. Simple, dark-coloured fabrics are recommended. Avoid anything that is bright, loud, lacey, low-cut, short, tight, or see-through. The suggested skirt length is knee-length. Wear a plain, light-coloured blouse with your suit. Makeup and nail polish should be subtle; neutral shades that match your skin tone are advised. Avoid having overly long nails or bright or unusual nail polish. Limit the jewellery you wear and only choose simple, unobtrusive pieces. Low-heeled, modest footwear is preferred. Avoid wearing excessively high-heeled shoes, or open-toed shoes. Simple court shoes are attractive and never go out of style.
When in doubt, a suit is always a good choice. This can either be a single-breasted dark suit, or a matching jacket and trousers. The outfit will include a white or light-coloured shirt, a tie, and matching socks. A conservative tie is best. In terms of shoes, a smart pair of traditional lace-up Oxfords should work well.
