No matter how well you talk the talk, if you arrive at an interview looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, the chances are good you will be remembered for that weak first impression, rather than for your witty story about overcoming challenges.
With that in mind, this week the Adzuna team has been hunting down the top trips and tricks for dressing dapper for interviews, assessment centres and meetings. Once we’d finished deciding what to wear, of course. And the result of our deliberations? Here are the 6 golden rules we’ve put together to help you through the fashion minefield that is dressing for an interview:
1. Plan what you are going to wear in advance. Choosing your outfit a couple of days before the interview can make a huge amount of difference. You won’t be rushing around like a headless chicken on the day because you can’t find something or it turns out it no longer fits. This is also a sure-fire way to guarantee that the old suit in the back of your wardrobe is clean, pressed and fit to leave the house in.
2. Research is vital. This may seem obvious but the type of company that you are applying to should weigh on your mind when deciding what to wear. You need to assess how corporate the company is. If the company is reasonably corporate you should wear a suit whereas many start-ups and technology companies are more laid back and would prefer business casual. Looking at their website and social media will help you gage what type of company they are and will give you a good idea of how to dress.
3. You can’t go wrong with a classic suit. If you feel unsure about what is expected for an interview, a classic suit provides a brilliant fallback. Invest in a good suit in black, navy blue or dark grey. Guys should ditch the shiny suits that are on trend, in favour of timeless styles. Girls suit skirts should be no more than 2 inches above the knee. If you decide to wear a skirt or dress that’s a bit on the shorter side, accompanying it with dark tights is a top trick.
4, Always err on the side of caution. Remember how important it is to make a good impression when you walk through the door. A general rule would be that if what you want to wear could be worn at a pub, beach or nightclub, it more than likely is unsuitable for that interview for your dream job. However, if something more casual than a suit is more in line with the company’s ethos, you could always opt for dark trousers, a white or light-coloured shirt and a blazer – a workable solution for both men and women.
5. Remember: it isn’t just about how you dress, it’s about how you look. You can wear the most expensive clothes in the world but if they fail to fit properly or you forget to brush your hair that morning, you may still give off the wrong impression. Dressing smartly shows that you have made an effort and put real thought and consideration into the interview.
6. Be choosy with your accessories. It’s fine to show a little bit of individuality with one or two choice items. However, all being well, the interviewer will be more interested in what you have to say than your statement earrings. Even if you think they show your personality bright colours and busy patterns will be more off putting than helpful and should be avoided. Girls can add a bit or colour with a statement handbag or scarf but don’t go too over the top. As for women’s shoes, they can make or break an outfit, you should either wear flats, court shoes or heels that you definitely know you can walk in. For men suits should be accompanied by a plain tie and super skinny ties are a big no no. Men should also be careful to match your shoes with the rest of your outfit. Preferably, your shoes should be black or brown leather, brown shoes should only be worn with blue or brown trousers and black shoes go with everything apart from brown trousers.
If you follow these six golden rules, you are unlikely to go far wrong. Now you know how to dress for an interview, why not start put it into practice by applying for some roles through Adzuna?