You have no doubt heard the saying: “dress to impress”. It has been said so often that it has become something of a cliché now, but that does not mean it’s any less true! Your first impression on your potential employer could be your last, if you do not make an effort to dress well.
Basic Guidelines for Dressing for an Interview
When dressing for an interview, both men and women should keep some things in mind. The first, and most important basic guideline that will tell you whether something is appropriate to wear or not is: “is this conservative?” Think about whether you would wear it to a church ceremony or Sunday dinner with your parents. If not, it probably isn’t appropriate interview wear.
Do not wear too much jewelry, particularly unusual piercings. The “usual” ear piercing is typically fine, but conservative employers frown upon any other visible piercings. Some employers don’t mind men having their ears pierced in the same spot, but some do, so use your best judgment. Pay attention to your shoes, as people tend to notice this finishing detail in your outfit. Black is the best neutral color to go with almost everything, but brown, white or gray (all neutral colors) could work, depending on your outfit. Either gender can bring a briefcase along to the interview to keep important documents in. Keep your hairstyle professional, and do a final check of your appearance just before the interview, to ensure you look good.
Ensure you have your outfit ready the night before the interview, so you don’t have a frantic last-minute scramble for appropriate pieces of clothing! Your shoes should be polished, and all the accessories you intend to wear should be in one place to make finding them easy.
How Men Should Dress for an Interview
Men should consider a suit, long-sleeved shirt in a color that coordinates with the suit, dark shoes, and a belt that matches the shoes. Your tie should be conservative, of course, and it should match the color of your suit and shirt. Make sure your socks are dark, wear minimal jewelry, and keep your nails neatly trimmed. If the environment is casual or you don’t yet own a suit, wear a sports coat with a white shirt, dress pants, and a conservative tie. Either way, formal or casual, it’s best to err on the conservative side than come off as being too casual.
How Women Should Dress for an Interview
Women, you can consider either a pantsuit or a skirted suit, according to your preferences. Opt for dark navy, gray, beige, or another neutral color, and always wear a jacket. For a more casual environment, you could wear a blazer, blouse, and skirt or slacks. If you decide to wear a skirt, it should fall slightly below the knee, never above. Make sure your shoes match your outfit and have low heels, and your blouse shouldn’t be a bold pattern or print. Keep your makeup and jewelry conservative too, with minimal amounts of both.
By following these simple tips, you can make a great impression on your future employer and improve your chances of getting the job you want!