What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) to a Job Interview
Dressing to Impress
You’ve tidied up your CV, you’ve polished up your online image, and you’ve passed the pre-employment assessment with flying colours – congratulations, now you’ve made it to the interview stage!
During the interview, you want to make a strong impression from the get-go. Although the employer or hiring manager’s focus will primarily be on your credentials and achievements, your appearance – specifically, the way you dress for the interview itself – will also play a role in whether or not you are hired. Simultaneously, you want to feel comfortable yet confident in the clothing you wear.
Ultimately, no matter what position you’re applying for, you should look tidy, neat and clean in keeping with the professional appearance you want to convey.
Getting The Outfit Together
Before you embark on the interview, it’s important to take some time out beforehand to choose or put together the outfit you intend to wear.
While you’re doing so, keep in mind these helpful dos-and-don’ts:
- DO: Research the Company’s Dress Code
Check the company’s website (or social media accounts) for any information about their dress code. This could be outlined in their “About Us” or mission statement pages. The website could also contain photos and/videos of their employees, which can give you an idea about what they wear. Alternatively, you can ask the front-desk personnel or hiring manager.
Of course, if the environment is informal and casual, you still want to look more professional than the current employees when you arrive for the interview. This will show the hiring manager that you not only have pride in your appearance, but that you also are taking the interview – and the position you’ve applied for – seriously.
- DON’T: Wear Untidy Clothing
Clothing that’s wrinkled, stained, ill-fitting, full of holes and/or covered with pet hair can tarnish the image of professionalism you wish to convey. An employer won’t take the risk of hiring somebody whose sloppy appearance could offend clients and potentially project an unprofessional image that could harm the entire company’s reputation.
- DO: Prepare Your Outfit in Advance
By preparing your outfit in advance, you don’t waste time putting one together at the last minute. Preferably choose your outfit the night before the interview. At this stage, you can iron your clothing, pair them with the right shoes and accessories (ties, jewellery, sunglasses, etc), and take time to see what can be added to your outfit or taken away. Remember to also check the weather so that you can dress accordingly.
Once the outfit is ready, lay it out or hang it up so it’s all ready for you the next day.
- DON’T: Spray Too Much Cologne or Perfume
A good cologne or perfume can boost your confidence and leave you feeling good, but you certainly don’t want to overdo spraying too much on yourself, otherwise your scent will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer for all the wrong reasons!
Wearing too much scent can be distracting and overpowering, which could compromise the interviewer’s focus, and thus affect your chances of landing the job or progressing to the next round of interviews. Generally, stick to one spray of cologne or two spritzes of perfume on the day. As far as personal hygiene is concerned, showering and grooming will benefit your overall appearance and comfort levels.
- DO: Wear the Appropriate Make-up and Hairstyle
Like cologne and perfume, too much (or very bold) make-up can be distracting. For example, golden eyeshadow and orange lipstick might look great for a night out, but it won’t be appropriate for the interview at hand. Rather tone down your make-up to more subdued colours.
As for your hairstyle, you want to keep it sleek and polished, as well as comfortable – after all, you don’t want to spend the entirety of the interview tugging or pushing your hair out of the way. Stick to classic, simple styles such as a ponytail, a crew cut, a bob, a pompadour or a bun.
- DON’T: Overdress or Underdress
Some companies and businesses such as a law firm or a bank will require that you wear formal, conservative outfits such as a two-piece suit, a pantsuit, a blouse and skirt, etc. Others may opt for smart-casual attire (mixing business wear with casual elements) or casual wear (everyday comfortable clothing).
Again, be sure to research the company’s dress code and dress accordingly for the interview. For example, if you’re looking to join an IT company where the dress code is smart-casual, wearing a two-piece suit on the day of the interview will be pushing the formal envelope. Instead, opt for a button-up shirt, tights and covered shoes, or a collared shirt, chinos and leather loafers.
By the same token, if you’re aiming to work for the city council, wearing a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops will strike too casual a chord, which may lead others to assume that you’re not taking the position seriously.
Similarly, rocking up to an interview in a tailored jacket and heels at a café where you’re hoping to become a part-time waitress may make you look presentable, but you’ll be hardly comfortable. Discomfort can make you look awkward or nervous, which won’t look good in the eyes of the interviewer.
Remember, while you do want to stick out among the applicants, you don’t want your clothes to stick out more than your credentials.
The Right Fit
With these dos and don’t in mind, you’re now ready to walk into the interview with your head held high. By taking pride in your appearance, you are showing employers or hiring managers that you are confident, organised and professional, and that you’re the right fit for the position.
If you’re feeling comfortable and at ease, that will show through right off the bat and improve your chances of earning your dream job – good luck!