During the old days back in the 1950s, it was always very obvious what kind of clothes you were expected to wear during a job interview. Now it’s pretty safe to say that employers’ expectations have changed – sometimes pretty drastically. Still, the clothes make the person and the clothes that you wear can make or break the interview. Here is what you need to remember while picking out the perfect outfit for your next job interview.
• It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.Everyone loves an employee that always looks put together, or even a little bit on the formal side of things. It inspires confidence, and it also gives people the impression that you really hold them in high regard. Moreover, being slightly overdressed will make you look a lot more intelligent and professional when compared to some of the other applicants for the same job. When in doubt, dress in a business suit in a power colour such as navy blue, dark grey, or black.
• You shouldn’t be afraid to ask Human Resources Manager what to wear for the interview. It’s often in good taste to give human resources a call to ask about the current dress code for the office. This is especially true if the office that you want to work for has a relaxed dress code, or if you don’t really know what the office expects in terms of interview attire. This way, you’ll be able to fit in with the office culture without looking like you put in any effort in it.
• Dress for the industry. If you are applying for a finance job, dress in a business suit. If you are applying for a fashion job, opt for an outfit that looks like it is straight from the pages of Vogue. Got the picture? Good! The more you look like a typical applicant for the field, the better. Employers often get nervous when they see someone who doesn’t look like they belong in the field that they are hiring for, mainly because it’s a sign that the applicant may not understand what their job role entails. So, if you are looking for a position as a rocket scientist, you may want to consider ditching the hot pink high heels.
• Use some common sense. There are certain looks that will always be forbidden in any workplace, even if it’s a very casual atmosphere that is in question. These looks include wearing torn or ripped clothing, dirty or wrinkled clothes, clothes that have drug, sex, or drinking references on them, as well as clothes that are more appropriate for a date night than a day at the office. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t wear a specific outfit in front of your grandmother, you should not wear it at a job interview, or in the office. If you really cannot figure out what is appropriate for your job interview, you can always ask a salesperson at a department store to help you out.
• Watch your shoes and accessories. Believe it or not, many employers look at the more minor details of a person’s dress when they are interviewing them to see how meticulous they are with their professional image. What does this mean for you? This means that you should shine your shoes, make sure that your accessories match your outfit, and that you don’t wear a purse or a backpack that looks shoddy. The more attention you pay to the details of your outfit, the better off you will be at the interview.
So there you have 5 tips to help you with your fashion for your interview. Remember never to be afraid to ask what the expected attire is. If you’re struggling to even obtain an interview then check out our ebook – A step by step guide to help you apply for your dream job without losing your mind.