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4. Dressing for the Interview

A big part of getting a job is making a good first impression and a big part of making a good first impression is how you dress for the interview.

The first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly important. When you meet a potential employer for the first time they immediately form an opinion of you based on what youre wearing and how you carry yourself. Regardless of the work environment, its important to dress professionally for a job interview because how you dress can either make or break the job interview.

Before you say a single word to the interviewer, you have already made an impression based on how you’re dressed.

We are giving you some guidelines here which are commonly accepted as appropriate for interviewing. Every company has a different dress code; how you dress at the job may have very little to do with how you dress for an interview.

Dressing professionally shows respect for you, the interviewer and the company. You may not have to dress like this every day, but you are more likely to be taken seriously when you present yourself in a professional manner and take the time to attend to details.

Men :-

Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying. In almost all cases, this means wearing a suit. It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative.

You should wear a suit to interviews.

“Suit” means the works: A matching jacket and pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes. A dark-coloured suit with light coloured shirt is your best option. You may also go with professional shirt and pant with tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes.

• Your wearing should be comfortable and fit you well so that you look and act your best. There is a difference between not yet feeling at ease in a clothes and trying to fit into it.

• While a blazer is a good go-to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath. Inevitably, the deep-v formed by the blazers lapel creates a plunging neckline. If youre going to wear a camisole or a shell underneath, make sure it covers you appropriately. Of course, layering with a button-down is a no-fail option, too.

• Avoid loud colours and flashy ties.

• Clothing should be neat, clean, and pressed. If you don’t have an iron, either buy one or be prepared to visit the dry-cleaner’s often.

• Shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant. Don’t wear cologne or aftershave. You don’t want to smell overpowering or worse, cause an allergic reaction.

• Make sure you have fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview and don’t eat before the interview. Don’t smoke right before an interview.

• Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservative.

• Be sure to shave the morning of the interview, even if you don’t ordinarily shave every day. If you have a full beard or moustache it should be trimmed and neat-looking.

• Shoes should be well-polished and in good condition, not scuffed or run-down at the heels.

While it may be appropriate to dress more casually for a second interview, you must still dress professionally. It’s much better to be too dressed up than too casual.

Women :-

• Generally, you should wear a suit with a skirt or pants.  When in doubt, be more conservative.

• Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well. if your waistband is cutting you in half or your jacket is too tight, you won’t look or act your best.

• Interview suits should be simple and dark in colour. Anything tight, bright, short or sheer should absolutely be avoided.

• Knee-length skirts are suggested. Very long skirts, while modest, are also considered too trendy for an interview.

• Wear a conservative blouse with your suit. Do not wear bright colours, animal prints, or anything lacy, sheer, or low-cut.

• Make-up and nail polish should be understated and flattering. Shades that are neutral to your skin tone are generally advisable. Avoid bright or unusual colours or very long nails.

• Its important to look your best, loading on makeup is not the best way to go about it. Keep your look natural, avoiding dark eye shadow, bright lipstick, or heavy foundation. Your best bet is to stick with a light coat of mascara, a touch of powder, and some tinted lip balm. Aim to look refreshed and awake, without looking too done up.

• Keep your jewellery and hair accessories to a minimum and stick to those that are not flashy, distracting or shiny. One ring per hand is best.

• Shoes should be conservative and fairly low-heeled. They should be in reasonably good condition, not scuffed or run-down at the heels.

• Don’t wear shoes with an open toe or back. Any shoes you would wear on a date or to a club are probably inappropriate. A basic pump is flattering, versatile and will stay in style forever.

• Your clothing should always be neat, clean, and pressed. If you don’t have an iron, either buy one or be prepared to visit the dry-cleaner’s often.

• Shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant. Don’t wear perfume: you don’t want to smell overpowering or worse, cause an allergic reaction.

• Make sure you have fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and don’t eat or smoke before the interview.

• Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservatively styled. Banana clips, brightly-coloured scrunches or elastics, and cheerleader-type ponytails look out of place with a suit. You may want to wear your hair in an updo, pull it back into a low ponytail or wear a barrette.

While it may be appropriate to dress more casually for a second interview, you must still dress professionally. It’s much better to be too dressed up than too casual. This may sound like a lot of rules, but these are the generally acceptable guidelines you should follow when deciding what to wear to an interview.