You’ve gotten the call and have booked a job interview. Now, what to wear? After all, your appearance can influence how well you’re received in this important meeting. Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to dressing for a job interview.
Like it or not, your appearance in a job interview plays a big role. Do you look professional, and like you’ll fit in at the company? Your choice of outfit may well be a factor in whether or not you are hired. So, don’t wait til the morning of to decide — after all, you may need to shop for the right piece to complete your outfit. Here are some suggestions to help you plan.
Think about the industry and the company culture
Start off by thinking about the industry you are interviewing for. Is it a fashion magazine, where you are encouraged to play up your personal style and trends? In this case, you’ll want to look professional but incorporate style-savvy elements. If, however, the industry is more conservative, you’ll want to go with more traditional attire (a matching pantsuit with closed-toe heels, for example). As an added factor, consider the particular company you are interviewing with. If you can do so inconspicuously, consider visiting the office building. Take note of what employees are wearing, then ramp it up a notch. So, for example, if staff are in jeans and T-shirts, you need not wear a suit for your interview, but a relaxed professional look will serve you well.
More dos and don’ts of dressing for a job interview
- Make sure your outfit is clean and freshly ironed the night before your interview. Wrinkled clothing will look sloppy (so linen pants may not be the best choice).
- “Less is more” is the way to go with accessories. Avoid flashy jewellry — you want your interviewer to be focusing on you and not your jangling bracelets.
- Skip the perfume. You may love your signature scent, but fragrance is such a personal thing and you don’t want to risk sending your interviewer into a sneezing fit.
- Be prepared for anything. Carry a stain removal pen and have an extra pair of pantyhose in case of mishaps on the way there.
- Avoid revealing clothing and loud prints. Again, you want to exude professionalism and confidence, so skip the cleavage-baring top and the mini skirt. Also, loud prints can be jarring, so wear clothes that best complement your skin tone.
- Keep makeup neutral. Put away the hot pink lipstick and dramatic eye shadow and opt for a look that’s barely there.
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