What Not to Wear to an Interview?

It's the twenty-first century, and we still meet people by their clothes and often see them off. According to statistics, the employer decides in the first 90 seconds of the interview, 95 of which he critically examines you from all sides. This is not a first date where you can conquer with flowers and exquisite metropolitan talk; you can't call back the next day and ask for a second chance. The employer must be conquered immediately, lightning fast, armed with professionalism, friendliness, and impeccable appearance. "What is there to conquer," you shrug. - "White top, black bottom, and it's all about the hat." No, not the hat. What if I told you that a white top and black bottom are not a good choice for a job interview? Here are the top 9 things you'd rather not wear to a job interview. I bet you've had flickering thoughts of wearing any of these.

That famous adage "Meet by the clothes and see by the mind" works mainly. A person who sees you for the first time will react to your appearance. Since it's hard to know what qualities are good about you, how professional and hardworking you are, it's essential to make a good impression by how you look and behave. You meet people by their clothes and see them by their wits. Maybe in corporations like big technology companies, an informal look will help you stand out among other candidates. Still, in ordinary companies, HR will first scrutinize what you wear to the interview. So today, I will tell you what NOT to wear to a job interview in 90% of office companies.

Mini Skirt
Unless, of course, you're a model. And even if you have super nice legs. And even if a man is interviewing you (you're here to get a job, not your personal life, right?). A short skirt, especially in combination with bare legs, will make you very frivolous in the eyes of the recruiter, who chose you on your resume and portrait photo. The interview will take place, but the attitude towards you will change from the very beginning. Therefore, it is better to prefer a skirt to the knee or wear pants at all for the interview.

Ruffle Rop
If you want to make an impression of a serious candidate at the interview, refuse clothes with ruffles and frills. Even if it all, at some point, turns out to be at the peak of fashion. It will give you an image of frivolity, and you will not be taken seriously.

Nice, But Uncomfortable Clothes
Is the dress too tight? Are the shoes too tight? No matter how much you want to look presentable, if you are uncomfortable in the most representative clothes in your closet, it is better to give up this option. Thinking about how beautiful shoes rub your heels, you cannot concentrate on the job interview. Therefore, it is better to choose something simpler.

Floral Dress
Dress in florals also leave for trips to grandma or meetings with girlfriends, where to look like a young girl is not prohibited. Any small floral print will be appropriate only if it is a blouse under the jacket, provided it is combined with the color of the suit. Dressing in a large flower is also not suitable for the interview - you risk looking too dressy, and the recruiter is more likely to think that you have nothing to wear here and that you put on the best. It is easier to refuse colors, in principle.

Clothes with Wrinkles
Even if it's your lucky shirt /top/skirt, it won't do you any good if it's crumpled or worn. If you want to wear that thing to a job interview, washing and ironing it beforehand is best. You can work remotely or, because of the specifics of the profession, rarely be in public places. Still, before the meeting, the employer has a certain impression of the applicant because he chose him as a candidate for the vacancy. However, an unkempt appearance can instantly spoil the impression, which will be difficult to correct.

Sports Wear
It is worth recognizing that sportswear has become very fashionable and has passed into the rank of everyday clothes. However, "sweatpants" and the Olympics are still considered inappropriate combinations in job interviews. Any sportswear looks ridiculous in the office, especially at the interview, as if the candidate did not know where she would go to apply for a solid position or play ball with friends in the yard. Separate confusion is brought by designers and mass-market brands, which in their look-books recommend wearing bicycles with a jacket as if all the bosses of the world dream of seeing this trend in their offices. Only sneakers in combination with a suit can be an exception, and then, neither sneakers nor in any combination.

Jeans
Maybe specifically in this office and accepted to wear jeans on Fridays, but this is no reason to wear them to the interview, even if it's on a Friday, even if the jeans are intact. And even with a jacket.

T-shirts
Especially brightly colored ones. Especially with prints. Especially with funny sayings. Even, pardon me, God, with kittens! You should not wear T-shirts on the interview day, and don't put all Steve Jobs on me.

Fur Coat
Just as the theater begins with the closet, the company starts with the reception. It depends, of course, on the company; sometimes, there may be no reception - the worst for you. You can't know who will meet you at the reception. Perhaps the employer himself will come down to see the candidate off, so outerwear for the interview should also be chosen carefully. Two extremes are better not to fall into: fur coats and down jackets. The first always looks pretentious and expensive, characterizing you as a slightly arrogant lady (of course, this applies to girls. I hope the men reading us do not wear fur coats). On the contrary, a down jacket is forgiving and cheap, even if it is the most fashionable. It is better to prefer a coat - it always looks stylish and elegant for girls and guys.

The largest career website has surveyed recruiters on their perception of the colors of clothes worn by job seekers. It turned out that gray is more often associated with competence and logic, white - with organization, black - with leadership, and purple and green - with self-confidence and creative thinking. I will introduce some colors you'd better not wear to the interview.

Pink
Because of the richness of all the colors, it can be perceived by employers as not serious enough. According to social surveys in the US, it is often chosen by rather infantile individuals. It may be a stereotype, but employees are usually met solely by their clothes during interviews, so it's better not to spoil the first impression.

Red
"In both animals and humans, red provokes the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. Therefore, those dressed in red are perceived as negative and aggressive. And quite fearless," an expert said. A jacket or suit in this color seems like a non-trivial and ideal variant. Everyone has heard that red attracts attention. Yes, for men, it is like a red rag to a bull. The shade increases blood pressure and even sexual arousal. In case, by the way, if your potential boss is a man, a red jacket is no longer the best choice. You will not be taken seriously. If you read red in the business world, it repels, and a girl in red is perceived negatively.

Orange
Orange is tacitly believed to be favored by positive and creative individuals. People dressed in such clothes are arrogant, putting themselves above others. Therefore, forget about oranges, even a scarf of this shade on your neck, when attending a job interview.

Yellow
This color has always been considered the color of madness, and further comments are superfluous. And with all its energy, yellow is a very insidious color. For example, it can unfavorably illuminate your face, from which it will seem earthy. This color is not beneficial for your job interview. Be careful! It is said that the yellow color is chosen only by optimists who have good self-esteem. They are incredibly cheerful. But such a bright color is better left for walks with girlfriends. In the business world, girls in yellow are perceived as frivolous, like Barbie dolls. But you need everyone to realize that you are a serious person. Don't you?

Green
It's not the best color in this situation. Associations with spring and the first greens suggest youth, incompetence, and lack of professionalism, especially light green or bright shades. A darker green can seem boring.

And not just sandals. Open shoes at a job interview do not look very good, even in summer. Everyone knows it is hot, but it still creates the impression of some frivolity. Especially if the sun's glare plays on the covered bright red nails, especially a guy, even the most beautiful sandals should open a minimum of feet. It is better to choose shoes, ballet flats, or any summer shoes with a closed toe, except for sneakers, sneakers, and trendy oldcomer slips. Give preference to simple sneakers, light loafers, or shoes without heels if you think your classic shoes will not suit the occasion.

An excess of expensive and the simplest costume jewelry will never favor you. You should limit yourself to one or two items. I agree that an abundance of piercings, rings, and long beads will turn you into a Christmas tree, not an ideal employee in the face of the employer. If you are hired, you will still have the opportunity to demonstrate your exquisite taste and the presence of expensive jewelry. On the day of the interview, you should not be a superstar: you are not going to a party after all! But that doesn't mean you should give up on accessories altogether: creative details that complement your image will show you as an interesting and creative person.

- Avoid natural materials such as 100% cotton or linen. Because they wrinkle. Crumpled clothes will show your employer your sloppiness and irresponsibility. Online stores sell good stuff and have breathable synthetic options that look like classic business wear.

- As for the color? What is the best color to choose? The color scheme of your clothes should be calm. You should not choose too bright, saturated shades or aggressive prints - they will distract from the essence of the interview.

- You can and probably should choose a classic business suit for your interview. But you'll feel much cooler if you wear an unlined suit made of a lightweight material instead of the usual heavy wool.

- Choose a thin silk skirt or blouse. And you will look flawless and feel extremely put together. But remember! It's likely to be air-conditioned to an arctic level if it's hot outdoors or indoors. Therefore, boldly choose a jacket with long sleeves. Alternatively, you can opt for a lightweight dress with an unlined blazer.

- Layering is your best friend. Try wearing a light cardigan or a buttoned jacket that is easy to wear or take off, depending on the temperature. If you feel hot in the interview room, you can just take it off.

- Stick to neutral, minimal makeup that's easy to touch if you melt a little in the heat. Try a sleek and cool look, such as a low chignon for your hair.

- Your choice of shoes should represent a balance of style and comfort. There's no shame in changing your shoes before a job interview. If you want to walk around in sneakers or flip-flops, just remember to change into wedge heel shoes.