What to wear at an interview
Knowing what to wear to an interview gives you the opportunity to present yourself to a prospective employer. Part of that presentation is making sure you dress appropriately for the role you are applying for. This is the perfect chance to make a good impression and impress the interviewer when you first meet them.
Here are some tips on what you can wear to impress at an interview:
Research
Before you go for your interview, it is essential to do your research. Why not also take this time to look at what the employer’s dress code is, which should inspire how you dress when you go for your interview. Check out the company website and social media pages of the company to see what the employees are wearing and what the dress code is. You can also call the company and ask their HR team for some advice.
How to dress for your interview
It can be tricky when a dress code is smart casual, some companies don’t mind jeans and trainers, whereas some do. To keep it safe, select a button-down top with minimal tailoring that has a professional appearance and accompany this with navy or black trousers/skirts which work well for business casual. If wearing a skirt, make sure the hem is at least knee-length or longer.
When it comes to socks and tights, make sure your socks are a neutral colour and have a plain pattern on them. With tights, make sure they are either black/ blue to match your outfit and if sheer, they match your skin tone.
Shoes
Wear leather shoes such as Oxfords, casual loafers with a neat appearance or a professional-looking shoe that has a polished leather appearance. For heels, Pumps, flats and low heels all work for business casual. Avoid high heels unless they’re something you’re comfortable wearing. You want your shoes to be complementary, but not distracting.
Accessories
If you wear a wristwatch, make sure it has a leather or metal bracelet and that the watch itself isn’t distracting. If you want to wear a belt, choose a smart belt that matches your shoe colour.
In terms of jewellery, go for something subtle and non distracting. If you want to wear a blazer, you can also place a subtly-coloured pocket square in the upper pocket.
Have a dress rehearsal
Why not choose a selection of clothing from the wardrobe and lay them out next to each other, Mix and match the pieces to determine which look best with each other. You’ll be able to see when colours clash and when something stands out too much before you put them on. Make final selections for your outfit and try them on.
What NOT to wear at an interview
Dressing professionally for a job interview will always be noticed by the interviewer, and showing you know what to wear can improve your chances of getting hired. To make sure you are dressed appropriately, avoid the following items:
– Very short skirts or dresses
– flip-flops, sandals of any kind or trainers
– shorts of any kind
– polo shirts
– denim jeans
– Clothing that shows too much skin
