Job Interviews: How to Dress for Success

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.

Job Interviews: The Dos and Don’ts of Confidence

For most of us, job interviews are an essential (though sometimes terrifying) part of life. Most people realise that presenting yourself confidently in interviews is often necessary to land the job… but it’s a lot easier said than done! Here are a few ideas to get you looking (and feeling) more confident for your next interview.

DO	DON’T
Start with an assuring handshake Don’t be afraid to initiate the handshake. This is probably the easiest way to show your interviewer that you are comfortable interacting with them. It also demonstrates that you know basic social skills… bonus!	Scare them! All the rumours you may have heard about making sure you’re not the one to end a handshake or holding eye contact forever won’t help here. Just a crisp, friendly greeting and a “great to meet you!” will do.
Dress for the job you want Finding out what the dress code is and planning your job-winning outfit accordingly is a great idea, and even if their staff wear t-shirts and jeans, be sure to still arrive in a suit. An interview and a standard day at work are two very different things.	Dress for a fashion show Try not to stun people with your fanciest suit if the workplace is quite casual, as you want to look like you’ll fit in. Ladies, save the nightclub attire for Friday night, as it won’t score you any points in an interview.
Use body language It's well known that body language goes a long way in first impressions, so in a job-interview your body language should convey to the interviewer just how right you are for the job! Sit upright and lean forward, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.	Overpower or slouch Don’t overdo your hand movements to a point where it looks like you might knock your interviewer out! On the other hand, it is important to avoid looking too comfortable. The aim is to look like you’re comfortable being interviewed, not like you’re relaxing on the couch watching TV.
Listen and communicate openly Whilst you might feel like the entire world can hear just how nervous you are from your shaking voice, in reality you probably sound perfectly normal. Speak clearly and take your time answering questions, but most importantly be sure to listen carefully before blurting things out. Most of us have a tendency to speed talk when we’re under pressure, so just take a deep breath and think about what you’re going to say… before you say it!	Try to take control of the conversation If you’re going to be working for this person, make sure that the relationship starts early. Don’t interrupt or give them irrelevant answers they didn’t ask for. The interviewer will have several things they need to know from you, so make sure that you're actually giving them what they asked for and not just pre-prepared answers.
Practice and research Read over their About Us web page and find out what the business is up to. Be sure to note their values and culture. Once done, think of some questions that might pop up in the interview, and prepare your answers for these. Even though you’ll feel silly, practice in front of the mirror. Then when the question arises, you’ll come across as cool, calm, collected… and confident!	Become a stalker or a know it all Being able to tell your interviewer details about their staff who aren’t the managing director or founder won’t let them know how suitable you are to work there. And trying to show that you know more than them about the company’s current affairs without adding some experiential value is going to make you look obsessive rather than interested. Research, but don’t try to force the idea that you already work there.

When all else fails, follow the law of ‘fake it til you make it’. Find out for yourself what you think confidence means in the particular industry or role you’re applying for, and then practice using that presence. Being comfortable and being confident do not have to be the same thing, so use the assertive body language and communication that makes you stand out and then any little jitters or slips won’t phase your interviewer at all.

Good luck and happy hunting!