Now, you might think that if you’re old enough to be attending job interviews, then you’re old enough to take a call on what to wear to an interview. However, dressing for interviews does require a bit of careful consideration if you are going to make the best possible first impression.
First of all, let me just start by saying that although job interviews are about finding the candidate who is best suited to the role in terms of skills, qualifications and experience, like it or not you will be judged on your appearance as well. While you don’t have to be the best-looking candidate in the running (unless of course you are trying to find work in an area such as modeling), it is absolutely vital that you turn up for your meeting looking smart, professional and appropriately dressed.
Although work attire has tended to become a bit more casual than it used to be years ago, it is always advisable to aim for a look which is slightly smarter than the average company employee is wearing when you attend an interview. So first and foremost, you need some sort of a benchmark and a sense for what is normal at the company/department you are interviewing with. If you’re not sure what the normal dress code is at the company you’ve applied to, then try to find time beforehand to take a drive or a walk past to check out what the other employees are wearing.
Other than that, here are a few essential tips to ensure that how you look sends all the right messages.
What To What To Wear To An Interview - Tips For Men
- Go for a suit or coordinating pants and jacket in a conservative color such as black, charcoal grey or navy. Stick to solid colors rather than opting for checks, stripes, herringbone patterns or the like.
- Choose a long-sleeved white shirt and a tie which is conservative both in terms of color and design. Avoid gimmicky ties with cartoon characters or anything that shows your allegiance to a particular group or association.
- Shoes should be smart, clean and well-polished (no open-toed sandals please!) and socks should be dark in color and should coordinate with your suit or pants.
- Belts and briefcases or portfolios should be in good condition.
- Any tattoos or piercings should be covered up or removed. If you get the job and others have tattoos and piercings on show, then is the time to ask whether this is acceptable. Do bear in mind your role, however. If you are regularly mixing with clients or customers whose professional culture is different from that of your own employer, you may be well-advised to keep them under wraps at all time in the workplace.
- Go easy with the aftershave.
- In terms of jewelry, stick to just a wedding ring if you wear one, or a single decorative ring, and don’t have any other jewelry on show.
- Make sure that your hair is neat and tidy and that your chosen style looks professional.
- Always ensure that your fingernails are clean and neatly trimmed.
What To What To Wear To An Interview - Tips For Women
In some ways, the greater choice that’s available in women’s wear makes it harder for them to get it right than for men. For women too though, conservative should be the watchword.
- Skirt or pants suits are both fine, as are coordinating skirts or pants and jackets. If you do decide to opt for a dress, then make sure it is very simply-styled and teamed up with a smart jacket.
- As with men’s suits, go for solid, conservative colors such as black, grey or navy. Bright colors or fancy patterns can be highly distracting.
- Choose a smart blouse or top of a coordinating or contrasting color. White is always safest.
- Always avoid anything which is tightly-fitted or revealing. Hemlines should be just above the knee at their shortest and necklines should never be low enough to expose the cleavage.
- Shoes should be smart and in good condition. While heels are perfectly acceptable, don’t go for anything too high or that would be better suited to a night club.
- Accessories such as belts, briefcases and purses should coordinate with your outfit and be in good condition.
- Keep jewelry to a minimum as again this can be distracting for the interviewer when your aim should be to keep him or her focused on what you are saying.
- Make sure that your hairstyle is both neat and professional-looking.
- Don’t go overboard with make-up and whatever make-up you do choose to wear, keep it natural-looking.
- If you wear perfume, stick to just a dab. Remember, your choice of scent may not coincide with the interviewer’s tastes and you don’t want to go triggering any allergies.
- Ensure that fingernails are clean and well-manicured. Try to avoid false nails that look like talons or brightly-colored nail polish.
Remember, appearance does matter when you attend job interviews but it’s not a fashion show. Stick with plain, simple, classic and conservative styles and you won’t go far wrong.
