First impressions are key, and the way you present yourself can play a large part in making a good first impression. To do so, you will need to dress wisely and appropriately. Knowing what to wear for a job interview is crucial in landing the job offer and allowing your future employer to feel confident that you are suitable for the position.
Scope out the type of company it is:
When you stand in front of your mirror debating what to wear, take notice of the type of culture your company embraces. What do the current employees wear? Do they wear shorts and tank tops or shirts and ties? What kind of industry are you applying for? For instance, a law firm is likely to be different than a restaurant.
Mirror the interviewer:
If you want to have a successful and lasting impression, your outfit should match or even slightly nicer than what your employer will be wearing. If the current employees dress casually, it’s recommended to wear business casual outfit, or if the current employees dress in business casual, its fine to wear a suit to the interview. The key is to wear clothing you feel confident in and to give the employer a confident image of you already fitting into the position you are applying for.
Keep yourself well-groomed:
Keep in mind to have good hygiene and well-groomed. Look presentable: have clean hair, fingernails, good breath, and facial hair. Make sure not to overuse any sort of deodorant or cologne, not everyone has similar taste and you don’t want to offend or irritate your interviewer. However, keeping your clothes clean and ironed is universal and expected by all employers. Having wrinkled clothes can suggest a lazy and unorganized personality, which is undesirable in the workforce.
Avoid loud clothing:
It’s good to show off your personality through your clothing, however, for interviewing purposes loud and bright colors should be avoided (unless you are interviewing for the fashion industry). Avoid novelty ties and socks. Try to find a mix between intelligent and fashionable.
Minimalistic approach to accessories:
If you need to carry a bag, keep it smart and avoid cheap-looking bags. For example, a satchel, briefcase, and handbag are all acceptable. Also, make sure to keep your shoes polished and clean. Stay away from heels that you would wear to a nightclub.
What did you wear to your job interview? How could you have dressed differently? Please comment and share below!