What you wear to an interview can be as important as what you say. Like it or not, we are a very visual society, and first impressions are made mostly based on our appearance. What you wear says a lot about who you are, what kind of employee you will be, and how well you will fit into the environment. This is why it is critical to learn how to dress for your job interview properly.
Making a mistake is much more noticeable than when you dress appropriately. For instance, employers will definitely notice if a candidate enters the room chewing gum, showing piercings or tattoos, or if they showed up wearing a tracksuit, jeans, or spike heels.
These may seem like obvious errors to you, but according to recruiters, candidates show up to interviews committing these terrible mistakes all the time…and it costs them job opportunities.
In an interview, you want to put your best foot forward. That includes your attire. Looking your best for an interview doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money. To properly dress, choose a clean, crisp, conservative, and professional look.
Research the Company Culture
Just as you researched the company to answer interview questions better, you will need to research it to find its dress code. One way is to ask the person who interviews you about the office dress code. Their answer will give you a starting point for organizing your interview wardrobe. Whatever the workplace dress code is, you will want to dress at least that formally, if not a tiny bit more so.
Neat, Tidy & Comfortable
Your clothing should always be neat and clean. Iron your clothes if needed; showing up wrinkled is a no-no. Dress professionally and modestly: dress pants, a suit jacket and tie for men, dress pants, knee-length skirt, or pantsuit for women. Properly tailored and fitted clothing is a must. Take the time to hem your pants accurately, and shine your shoes. Avoid wearing loud colors, distracting jewelry, tight clothes, and short skirts, or revealing tops.
Scents
It’s an excellent idea to use little or no perfume or cologne. You don’t want to risk your smell overpowering your interviewer. On the other hand, be sure to put on deodorant and that your clothes smell fresh and clean. Also, ensure you’ve brushed your teeth and used mouthwash.
When it comes to dressing, remember that you want to convey professionalism. By showing up neat and tidy, you will always make a good impression on your interviewer.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace to learn more!