First impressions are everything when applying for a job. Did you know that it only takes around 4 seconds for a person to make a judgment about you? Unfortunately, that judgment is largely based on how you look and what you are wearing so it is imperative you look the part when applying for a job. Your attire and how you are perceived set the scene and tone of the interview and can show a potential employer that you are professional and committed to the job. Hiring managers need to be able to visualise you in that role. Nicole Williams, LinkedIn’s career expert and best-selling author says, “On a job interview, your attire makes a statement about yourself before you even open your mouth,” she says. “A scuffed shoe, a messy bag, or a low cut shirt can speak volumes.
So, what should you wear to an interview? See the tips below to help you ace that next job interview and make an excellent first impression.
What to wear
Males:
- A suit in black or grey is generally the accepted attire for most companies. It makes you look professional and ready for work. Business shirt with collar and buttons. It must be ironed before you attend your job interview.
- Matching tie. Don’t be that guy who turned up in a tacky tie with “fun” pictures of Looney Tunes on it. Stick to a colour that matches your shirt and a neutral pattern that looks business-like. Leave the outrageous ties for parties. Shiny dress shoes. Scuffed shoes or sneakers are a definite no as they project a “don’t care” attitude which will not increase your hire ability.
Females:
- A neat business skirt/pants and shirt ensemble with a blazer is the best option. Don’t confuse nightclub attire with business attire. If you would wear it out partying, it’s probably not appropriate for the workplace.
- A knee length skirt is professional and chic. Showing your thighs while sitting down is not.
- Keep the shoes conservative and looking neat. Don’t go in with sky-high stilettos or bright, sparkly flats. This looks unprofessional and may suggest to your employer that you are not a good fit for the workplace.
- Neat make-up, tasteful jewellery and clothing that looks good on you to give an overall impression of competency and professionalism.
Quick tips
- Good grooming: Men need to be clean shaven or their beards closely trimmed and neat. Clean clothes, trimmed fingernails, fresh breath and your hair neat are essentials for everyone.
- Consider wearing a jacket. A blazer or suit jacket adds polish and dresses up an otherwise more casual outfit.
- If you’re really stuck you might want to swing past the office a few days before your interview to check what the other employees there are wearing and use that as your guide. Even sitting in the lobby or café for a few minutes and watch who walks into the building will be helpful. However, it is always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.
What not to wear
Males:
- Scruffy or baggy clothes are unacceptable and unprofessional. Graphic t-shirts are also a no-no.
- Keep your thongs at home no matter what other people in the workplace wear on daily basis.
- The same goes for jeans. Turning up in jeans will show an employer that you didn't bother to dress up for the interview and therefore do not take it seriously. This is not the image you want to present.
Females:
- Keep the skin-showing to a minimum. Low cut tops and short skirts are inappropriate and will detract from the ideal employee look that you are going for.
- Invest in stockings that are ladder and hole free. A little extra effort can go a long way.
- Do not have a messy hairstyle. It can ruin the rest of your outfit.
Quick tips
Don’t:
- Don’t have your sunglasses on top of your head and your headphones on when you arrive. Remove them before entering the lobby as you never know who you will meet in the elevator.
- Don’t wear too much perfume/cologne or a scent that is overpowering. Many people are allergic to certain scents and it is not the thing that you want your potential employer to remember you by.
- Don’t look like you have been in your clothes all day. Make sure they are as clean and as wrinkle free as possible to show you are professional and prepared.
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