How to Dress for an Interview?
19 Oct 2023
You have a lot of professional experience, are hardworking and friendly, and know how to make yourself comfortable during a conversation. You have studied the social media accounts of the company's employees, you know who the accountant was drinking with at the bar on Friday night, and you've found a hidden insider about the company. You are sure that you are perfect for the position because of your professionalism. Overall, you are well prepared for the upcoming interview. However, deciding whether to get the job may be made the second you walk into the prospective employer's office. In many cases, not for the candidate.
An interview is not just a conversation with an employer about employment, but a unique opportunity to prove yourself. Even if you are confident in your professionalism, a meeting with a potential employer may end in failure due to a seemingly insignificant detail of your outfit. Therefore, everything should be thought out to the last detail: a well-composed resume, a story about your achievements and skills, and of course, your appearance. How do you dress for the interview to appear in the most favorable light in front of a potential employer? Here are some tips for you to style your job interview outfits.
An interview is not just a conversation with an employer about employment, but a unique opportunity to prove yourself. Even if you are confident in your professionalism, a meeting with a potential employer may end in failure due to a seemingly insignificant detail of your outfit. Therefore, everything should be thought out to the last detail: a well-composed resume, a story about your achievements and skills, and of course, your appearance. How do you dress for the interview to appear in the most favorable light in front of a potential employer? Here are some tips for you to style your job interview outfits.
Why Is Dressing Appropriately for a Job Interview Important?
Your appearance can decide your fate. Always be neat and pay attention to details. There are some reasons that dressing appropriately for the job interviews is important.
1. This will help you get through the first stage of the selection process.
Of course, in different areas, employees are selected differently. In large companies, the HR manager communicates with applicants. He needs to weed out as many unsuitable candidates as possible, and to that end, he looks for flaws in the interviewee. The fastest thing to catch the eye is a careless or unprofessional appearance. If a manager has a hundred applicants to choose from, he may reject you just because of dirty shoes.
In other situations, it is more important for the manager to listen to you and assess your professional skills. For example, smaller companies interview only a few candidates or eliminate all unsuitable applicants at the preliminary stage.
2. It will affect the first impression.
A standard job interview takes an average of half an hour. But you only have three seconds to make a good impression.
Our brains are so organized that we perceive most information visually. It is on visual stimuli that we base our judgments. A good suit, neat haircut, and polished shoes give the impression of a responsible, important person. Sloppy appearance and slouching posture – that person is lazy and insignificant.
Appearance creates an opinion about you, which you will have to confirm or deny later. If you look professional, the interviewer will think, "It looks like he has everything under control, let's see if it's really so". And if you're not dressed properly, he'll probably think, "He doesn't make much of an impression, but I guess we can give him a chance." You'll save yourself a lot of effort if you make a positive impression right away.
3. It will show your attention to detail.
More often than not, there is no opportunity to actually demonstrate professional skills in a job interview. You can, however, show that you are clearly performing basic tasks. Your business casual appearance is an example of such a task. It is unlikely that you will need shoeshine skills. But the fact that you cleaned them before the interview shows common sense, an understanding of standards, and attention to detail.
Thinking that your appearance is "just fine" shows that you are not trying to exceed expectations. And that makes you a less attractive candidate.
4. It's a confidence booster.
We think of a doctor in a white coat as more trustworthy and competent than a colleague in plain clothes. In addition, scientists have shown that clothing also affects our perception of ourselves. This influence of clothing on our perception has long been known. It is successfully used by underwear manufacturers: they promise that in expensive underwear you will feel more confident and attractive.
Business causal style clothing also increases self-confidence. Dressed as a successful leader, you will behave and feel more decisive.
1. This will help you get through the first stage of the selection process.
Of course, in different areas, employees are selected differently. In large companies, the HR manager communicates with applicants. He needs to weed out as many unsuitable candidates as possible, and to that end, he looks for flaws in the interviewee. The fastest thing to catch the eye is a careless or unprofessional appearance. If a manager has a hundred applicants to choose from, he may reject you just because of dirty shoes.
In other situations, it is more important for the manager to listen to you and assess your professional skills. For example, smaller companies interview only a few candidates or eliminate all unsuitable applicants at the preliminary stage.
2. It will affect the first impression.
A standard job interview takes an average of half an hour. But you only have three seconds to make a good impression.
Our brains are so organized that we perceive most information visually. It is on visual stimuli that we base our judgments. A good suit, neat haircut, and polished shoes give the impression of a responsible, important person. Sloppy appearance and slouching posture – that person is lazy and insignificant.
Appearance creates an opinion about you, which you will have to confirm or deny later. If you look professional, the interviewer will think, "It looks like he has everything under control, let's see if it's really so". And if you're not dressed properly, he'll probably think, "He doesn't make much of an impression, but I guess we can give him a chance." You'll save yourself a lot of effort if you make a positive impression right away.
3. It will show your attention to detail.
More often than not, there is no opportunity to actually demonstrate professional skills in a job interview. You can, however, show that you are clearly performing basic tasks. Your business casual appearance is an example of such a task. It is unlikely that you will need shoeshine skills. But the fact that you cleaned them before the interview shows common sense, an understanding of standards, and attention to detail.
Thinking that your appearance is "just fine" shows that you are not trying to exceed expectations. And that makes you a less attractive candidate.
4. It's a confidence booster.
We think of a doctor in a white coat as more trustworthy and competent than a colleague in plain clothes. In addition, scientists have shown that clothing also affects our perception of ourselves. This influence of clothing on our perception has long been known. It is successfully used by underwear manufacturers: they promise that in expensive underwear you will feel more confident and attractive.
Business causal style clothing also increases self-confidence. Dressed as a successful leader, you will behave and feel more decisive.
How to Dress for an Interview?
When it comes to two or three candidates for the job, and all things being equal: a resume, knowledge and skill set, appropriate interview attire, appearance, and image can be the deciding factor! If a candidate has a great resume, the closet and appearance should match the resume! When candidates are well prepared, it shows! The best compliment you can get in a first interview is how professional he or she looks!
The image must be appropriate for the position and the company.
Dressing for a job interview should be in line with corporate culture. If you don't know what to wear to a job interview, you can email your recruiter to find out the dress code. The first and most important rule for preparing for a job interview is also about appearance. Assess the direction of the company, and highlight the core values and dress code accepted in the office, if any.
The necessary information can be found on the company's website, social networks, or employees' personal accounts. For the employer, it is important that not only your skills and colorfully painted resume fit the advertised vacancy, but also your dress style and a clear understanding of what an ideal employee of the company looks like.
Proving how much you want to work for that company extends to how you look. And a mismatch can tell you that you don't understand the corporate culture of that workplace.
Choose comfortable clothes
When choosing clothes for a job interview, HR specialists recommend that the first thing to focus on is what you are comfortable with. They should be things in size, loose enough so that you can sit comfortably in the chair and at the same time not be afraid to wrinkle the fabric of the clothes.
Clothes should be good looking, but also practical, so they do not distract from the content of the conversation. During the interview, you need to feel confident: you should focus on the questions, not on the fact that you have chosen too tight pants, your shoes are chafing you, and the buttons on your blouse may come undone at the wrong time.
Colors
The most win-win colors for job interviews are understated: beige or pearl, for example. But what if these colors are not organic for you? Can you afford, for example, a lemon suit with a lilac blouse?
But it is for sure that you should not be afraid of color. You can come in a suit or dress of a different color, as long as it is not garish and does not look disharmonious. The overall harmony of image, personality, and business qualities – that's what interviewers look at.
Pastel shades will be a perfect choice. If they do not suit you or want more creativity, the expert recommends: taking one brighter thing, but it should not be close to the face. For example, not a blouse, but a skirt. The thing away from the face is necessary not to draw attention away from yourself. All other elements of the image should be in a calmer color scheme. When choosing a color scheme and in general, the image for the interview should be guided by the company's norms and corporate style.
Be weather-appropriate
Dress for the weather so you feel comfortable for the duration of the interview. In summer, this can be a satin blouse under a jacket. In winter, a turtleneck. Also, pay attention to shoes. Some experts advise that in winter or fall when it is dirty outside, take a change of shoes with you. But you can just take care to take wet wipes with you and before entering the office, wipe the boots so they do not show dirt.
Do not forget about accessories
Strict business attire can be complemented with a noticeable accessory or some jewelry. Rings and earrings with large gemstones are not the best choice for an interview.
To make your look multifaceted, be sure to accessorize it with the right accessories. Take a small bag, tie a scarf around your neck, and you can also choose a stylish leather belt for your dress pants.
Pay attention to the details of the image
Your success at a job interview often depends not only on objective factors (your profile's compliance with job requirements, and previous work experience) but also on the recruiter's subjective perception.
It may seem that a professional will not have time to notice details during an interview. However, it is the details of your image that often become decisive factors. Specialists pay attention to the condition of your hands and nails, so before the interview try to make a neat, not too flashy manicure. Be sure to wash your hair. Do not forget about perfume: do not choose too sugary flavors, it is better to choose gentle and not too intrusive notes.
The image must be appropriate for the position and the company.
Dressing for a job interview should be in line with corporate culture. If you don't know what to wear to a job interview, you can email your recruiter to find out the dress code. The first and most important rule for preparing for a job interview is also about appearance. Assess the direction of the company, and highlight the core values and dress code accepted in the office, if any.
The necessary information can be found on the company's website, social networks, or employees' personal accounts. For the employer, it is important that not only your skills and colorfully painted resume fit the advertised vacancy, but also your dress style and a clear understanding of what an ideal employee of the company looks like.
Proving how much you want to work for that company extends to how you look. And a mismatch can tell you that you don't understand the corporate culture of that workplace.
Choose comfortable clothes
When choosing clothes for a job interview, HR specialists recommend that the first thing to focus on is what you are comfortable with. They should be things in size, loose enough so that you can sit comfortably in the chair and at the same time not be afraid to wrinkle the fabric of the clothes.
Clothes should be good looking, but also practical, so they do not distract from the content of the conversation. During the interview, you need to feel confident: you should focus on the questions, not on the fact that you have chosen too tight pants, your shoes are chafing you, and the buttons on your blouse may come undone at the wrong time.
Colors
The most win-win colors for job interviews are understated: beige or pearl, for example. But what if these colors are not organic for you? Can you afford, for example, a lemon suit with a lilac blouse?
But it is for sure that you should not be afraid of color. You can come in a suit or dress of a different color, as long as it is not garish and does not look disharmonious. The overall harmony of image, personality, and business qualities – that's what interviewers look at.
Pastel shades will be a perfect choice. If they do not suit you or want more creativity, the expert recommends: taking one brighter thing, but it should not be close to the face. For example, not a blouse, but a skirt. The thing away from the face is necessary not to draw attention away from yourself. All other elements of the image should be in a calmer color scheme. When choosing a color scheme and in general, the image for the interview should be guided by the company's norms and corporate style.
Be weather-appropriate
Dress for the weather so you feel comfortable for the duration of the interview. In summer, this can be a satin blouse under a jacket. In winter, a turtleneck. Also, pay attention to shoes. Some experts advise that in winter or fall when it is dirty outside, take a change of shoes with you. But you can just take care to take wet wipes with you and before entering the office, wipe the boots so they do not show dirt.
Do not forget about accessories
Strict business attire can be complemented with a noticeable accessory or some jewelry. Rings and earrings with large gemstones are not the best choice for an interview.
To make your look multifaceted, be sure to accessorize it with the right accessories. Take a small bag, tie a scarf around your neck, and you can also choose a stylish leather belt for your dress pants.
Pay attention to the details of the image
Your success at a job interview often depends not only on objective factors (your profile's compliance with job requirements, and previous work experience) but also on the recruiter's subjective perception.
It may seem that a professional will not have time to notice details during an interview. However, it is the details of your image that often become decisive factors. Specialists pay attention to the condition of your hands and nails, so before the interview try to make a neat, not too flashy manicure. Be sure to wash your hair. Do not forget about perfume: do not choose too sugary flavors, it is better to choose gentle and not too intrusive notes.
Interview Outfits for Women
Famous French fashion designer and trendsetter Coco Chanel once said, "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." This aphorism is more appropriate when looking for a job because you don't go to the same interview twice.
The day of meeting a potential employer to look beautiful, impeccable, and businesslike is equally important for both men and women. However, if for male, a business suit can be a win-win option for a job interview, the ladies' closet is much more complicated. How to dress for a job interview for a woman? Today, this question worries many girls, especially those who are looking for a job for the first time.
1. Business women's suit.
A win-win option is always a classic style of clothing. Women's business casual attire will be your assistant at the interview. Preference still gives the suit a skirt, rather than a pantsuit. It is desirable for clothes in conservative colors: gray, brown, blue, and black. In summer, light colors will be ideal for a woman's suit.
Keep in mind that in some organizations it is customary to wear suits even in summer. Refuse aggressive colors in clothing. Colors such as red, orange, and acidic colors are not suitable for interview attire. If you have chosen a suit of dark colors, refresh your image with light accessories, such as a scarf, brooch, and bracelets.
2. Skirts.
A classic pencil skirt, tapered down, is ideal for the office dress code. The length of the skirt - to the knee, just below. Mademoiselle Coco Chanel claimed that a flawless skirt must necessarily be at the knee's length, even when you want to sit down. Remember that even in summer you should wear solid-colored, flesh-colored tights of good quality.
3. Jackets.
Under the jacket, it is best to wear a light-colored, solid-colored blouse that does not expose the neckline. In winter, you can wear a turtleneck instead of a buttom blouse for the interview. Remember that the jacket can only be removed in the summer in case of heat. Also avoid blouses, jackets, and jackets with short sleeves.
4. Pants.
If you decide to go to the interview in pants, then pay attention to the length of the pants: they should not be too long or, conversely, short. Use socks of neutral colors. It is best that your socks are not visible to others.
5. Shoes.
Loafer shoes with a low heel are best suited to the classic interview attire. Your shoes should be of high quality, clean, and suitable for your overall image. In no case should there be open toes or heels. Do not forget to put a sponge shine in your purse for shoes before the interview to clean up your shoes.
It is worth saying separately that no matter what decision you make, how to dress for a job interview for a woman, in any case, your clothes should be perfectly clean, well ironed, and neat. Pants, skirts, and dresses in no case should not tighten your figure.
6. Accessories.
Accessories are used to complete the look, not to become the center of attention. Do not wear too many accessories. They should not be distracting or create noise! For women, the proper use of accessories would be small classic style earrings, a thin necklace or string of pearls, no more than one ring per hand, and a watch either on a leather strap or a small bracelet with a thin gold or white dial.
The day of meeting a potential employer to look beautiful, impeccable, and businesslike is equally important for both men and women. However, if for male, a business suit can be a win-win option for a job interview, the ladies' closet is much more complicated. How to dress for a job interview for a woman? Today, this question worries many girls, especially those who are looking for a job for the first time.
1. Business women's suit.
A win-win option is always a classic style of clothing. Women's business casual attire will be your assistant at the interview. Preference still gives the suit a skirt, rather than a pantsuit. It is desirable for clothes in conservative colors: gray, brown, blue, and black. In summer, light colors will be ideal for a woman's suit.
Keep in mind that in some organizations it is customary to wear suits even in summer. Refuse aggressive colors in clothing. Colors such as red, orange, and acidic colors are not suitable for interview attire. If you have chosen a suit of dark colors, refresh your image with light accessories, such as a scarf, brooch, and bracelets.
2. Skirts.
A classic pencil skirt, tapered down, is ideal for the office dress code. The length of the skirt - to the knee, just below. Mademoiselle Coco Chanel claimed that a flawless skirt must necessarily be at the knee's length, even when you want to sit down. Remember that even in summer you should wear solid-colored, flesh-colored tights of good quality.
3. Jackets.
Under the jacket, it is best to wear a light-colored, solid-colored blouse that does not expose the neckline. In winter, you can wear a turtleneck instead of a buttom blouse for the interview. Remember that the jacket can only be removed in the summer in case of heat. Also avoid blouses, jackets, and jackets with short sleeves.
4. Pants.
If you decide to go to the interview in pants, then pay attention to the length of the pants: they should not be too long or, conversely, short. Use socks of neutral colors. It is best that your socks are not visible to others.
5. Shoes.
Loafer shoes with a low heel are best suited to the classic interview attire. Your shoes should be of high quality, clean, and suitable for your overall image. In no case should there be open toes or heels. Do not forget to put a sponge shine in your purse for shoes before the interview to clean up your shoes.
It is worth saying separately that no matter what decision you make, how to dress for a job interview for a woman, in any case, your clothes should be perfectly clean, well ironed, and neat. Pants, skirts, and dresses in no case should not tighten your figure.
6. Accessories.
Accessories are used to complete the look, not to become the center of attention. Do not wear too many accessories. They should not be distracting or create noise! For women, the proper use of accessories would be small classic style earrings, a thin necklace or string of pearls, no more than one ring per hand, and a watch either on a leather strap or a small bracelet with a thin gold or white dial.
What Not to Wear to a Job Interview?
There is a very simple way to determine if your clothes are suitable for a job interview: imagine that you have just met your perfect soul mate and you are meeting your strict parents at the airport. You should look like a person who has left home especially for this purpose, and at the same time, like a reliable, serious, and responsible companion. Below is a list of things that you should not wear to an interview.
What You Shouldn't Wear at a Job Interview:
✘ Shorts, tights, or ripped jeans;
✘ T-shirts;
✘ Colored or patterned tights;
✘ A tracksuit;
✘ In see-through or overly tight clothing;
✘ An above knee length skirt;
✘ Deep cleavage;
✘ Open-toed shoes;
✘ With dangling headphones;
✘ With sunglasses supporting your hair or hanging from your collar.
What You Shouldn't Wear at a Job Interview:
✘ Shorts, tights, or ripped jeans;
✘ T-shirts;
✘ Colored or patterned tights;
✘ A tracksuit;
✘ In see-through or overly tight clothing;
✘ An above knee length skirt;
✘ Deep cleavage;
✘ Open-toed shoes;
✘ With dangling headphones;
✘ With sunglasses supporting your hair or hanging from your collar.
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