What to Wear to an Interview
Learning how to dress for an interview has a lasting effect on potential employees. Your attire can make the difference between being hired or not.
Should you dress your best for an interview?
Raise your hand if you think you should dress your best for an interview. Okay, if you didn't raise your hand (at least in your mind), then you must be one of the few people who will wear spiked heels, mini-mini skirts, T-shirts, and jeans to an interview.
How else can I say this other than to say, dress conservatively. Even if your suspicion is that this is a progressive, hip, organization and everyone in the halls were schlepping around in very casual wear.
Certainly your outfit should not be distracting or controversial. Interview panels have a hard time focusing on qualifications when candidates are inappropriately dressed for the interview. Remember confidence, capability, compatibility, and communicate. Feel confidence that you are dressed compatibly , so you can communicate your capability. Studies show that 55% of a person's perception of another person is based on how they look.
On to tips about what to wear:
What Women Should Wear to an Interview
- Solid color, avoiding extraordinarily bright colors
- Conservative suit (try it on before interview day)
- Coordinated blouse
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Tan or light hosiery
- Sparse make-up
- Very little perfume
- Manicured nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
What Men Should Wear to an Interview
- Solid color, conservative suit (try it on before interview day)
- White long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Very limited jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Light aftershave
- Neatly trimmed nails
- Portfolio or brief
Under-dressing is embarrassing for everyone, strive for one level above the interviewers. For an interview, at least match, but try to dress a little better than those interviewing you.
Occasionally, employers will want to see you in casual business attire. Perhaps, they'll mention it for the second interview. Here's what you might consider for just such a time.
Continue on to Casual Business Attire or head over to The Interview