So you have a job interview coming up, and you’re trying to decide what to wear or what not to wear. Here, you’ll learn how to dress properly for your next job interview in 3 simple tips.
[video_player type=”youtube” style=”2″ dimensions=”560×315″ width=”560″ height=”315″ align=”center” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ ipad_color=”white”]aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS8taHo3NE1OVEk2aw==[/video_player]
Before we nail down the appropriate clothing for your next job interview, there are a few things to keep in mind:
First
Research the company culture before you plan your interview attire. Determine if your interview will be in a more professional environment or a more casual environment.
Either way, you should plan your clothing ahead of time so that you can focus on being prepared to impress your interviewer.
Second
Do your best to coordinate an outfit that is modern and on-trend. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and show that you are current in your industry.
Wearing an outdated outfit may reflect you poorly by giving the impression that you’ve been out of the workforce for some time.
Third
Make sure your clothing fits appropriately. A outfit that is either too big or too small suggests improper planning and may leave you tugging and pulling at your clothing.
The last thing you want to worry about when answering interview questions is your attire.
So let’s jump in to how to dress properly for your next job interview.
Tip #1 – Dress Professionally
If the interview you are going into is more formal, wear a suit. Choose a suit that is solid, neutral, and preferably dark-colored, like navy or dark gray. These colors are pleasing to the eye and softer than the color black, which can be too harsh and overpowering.
Women, make sure your skirt is knee-length and that the blouse under your suit jacket has a conservative neckline. To bring more personality into your attire, try a blouse that has a small pop of color, but nothing too bright.
Men, wear a white, pale blue, or pinpoint button-up, collared shirt under your suit jacket. To add personality, wear a tie with a subtle color. Avoid ties with a theme and stick to smaller-patterned ties to project more authority.
Bonus tip: If a new suit is not in your budget, visit your local Goodwill. Chances are they’ll have a slightly-used suit that you can purchase and have tailored for less than the cost of a new suit.
If the interview you are going into is more casual, you’ll still want to dress professionally; however, you may not need a suit.
For women, try dress pants with a blouse and either a blazer or a cardigan over your blouse. You can also wear a chic and stylish knee-length dress with a classy jacket.
For men, you can wear khakis with a dress shirt. Try a casual blazer, a sweater, or a tasteful vest over your dress shirt.
Tip #2 – Don’t Overdo It
Some experts recommend not wearing any cologne or perfume; however, I still like to smell good during an interview. So my recommendation is to keep your cologne and perfume very subtle if you choose to wear it. You don’t want to overpower your interviewer with a fragrant smell.
Also, don’t wear a lot of jewelry or accessories. For women, earrings should be no bigger than a nickel, and men, remove your earrings if you have them. Instead, stick to a nice watch and, if you have one, a wedding band.
When it comes to hair and makeup, less is more. Keep makeup and nail polish minimal and neutral. If you have longer hair, pull it back in a chic style.
For men, stick to a sophisticated one-inch leather belt that pairs well with your shoes.
Tip #3 – Pay Special Attention to Your Footwear
Believe it or not, the shoes you wear say a lot about you and can make a significant first impression.
Women, stick with a classic leather pump, preferably closed-toe. You can also wear skin-tone nylons if they are comfortable for you. Stay away from stilettos or shoes that are too high. They can cheapen your look, and you don’t want to risk the chance of tripping.
Men, wear dress shoes that match your outfit. Try either a slip-on or a lace-up leather shoe.
Avoid wearing sneakers or shoes that look worn.
How to Dress for an Interview Free Cheat Sheet
Thanks guys, for hanging in there until the end. Here’s a special bonus just for you! It’s an easy-to-follow, one-page cheat sheet that you can quickly reference when planning your outfit for your next interview.