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How to dress for a job interview
What you wear to a job interview could make or break your chances of success. The second you walk through the door you will be instantly judged without having to say a word. Sure, if you give a fantastic interview then you’d like to think that will overshadow any mistakes you might make with your dress sense. However, you’d be surprised at how much your clothes say about you as an individual.
If you dress too casual you might give the impression you’re not serious about the role. But if you dress too smart you may come across as overconfident.
To help you decide what to wear, here’s our quick on how to dress for a job interview.
Align your dress sense with the business
How you dress is the first important step you must consider before you attend the job interview. You can’t make a second first impression, but opting for a business suit may not be the right approach either.
You need to consider what would be appropriate for the company and the role you are applying for. If for example you were applying for a car sales executive role and you notice that all the other sales staff are wearing business suits and ties, then of course you need to wear the same yourself to the interview.
However, if you notice that the people working in the office are all wearing casual clothes, then you may want to consider dressing down slightly. For example, wearing a smart shirt and trousers/skirt, and ditching the expensive suit and tie.
Of course, don’t show up in your casual wear just because they do when they are working. You still need to make a great impression, and wearing smart clothes is always a must for every interview. Getting the balance right between wearing super smart business attire and smart casual is what you are looking to establish.
Your clothes represent your personality
What you wear to a job interview can say a lot about your personality. Even the way you walk, talk and the style of your hair will instantly allow the employer to build up an understanding of what makes you tick.
Our advice would to always be yourself, but to follow the typically guidelines of what would be deemed ‘professional job interview clothes’. Bringing out your personality in a job interview is a fantastic way to build up an instant rapport.
Make the wise decision
If you are really unsure whether or not you should go smart casual or full blown professional business dress, then try for something in the middle. It would be quite rare for an interviewer to downgrade your chances for turning up smarter than you needed to, so this would always be a safe way to go.
Remember to also take care of your own personal appearance and hygiene ready for the interview. Again, don’t overdo it with the after shave or perfume as you don’t want to leave that kind of lasting impression in the room after you’ve gone.
Have pride in your own appearance and leave the interview knowing that you made a good first impression with your appearance. If you answered all the questions correctly you will be in good stead for that job offer.
Clothes are not the only thing you need to consider when preparing for a job interview. Did you know that you should actually bring a few things along with you? To find out more here are 4 things you must bring to a job interview.
