17 Jun How to Dress for an Interview

You have your diploma hung in a pretty frame on the wall and you’re ready to start taking over the world! You even have your first interview coming up. Fingers crossed, that diploma will be making its way on a wall in an office in some swanky firm with your name engraved on the glass, an amazing view, and maybe even a nice leather sofa for when you need to relax.

Come on; you can’t tell me you haven’t daydreamed about getting that perfect job and that PERFECT office! Even though it won’t happen instantly, and you will have to work for that  fantastic view, getting an interview for an entry-level position that will have you sitting in a cubicle (most-likely) is a definite step towards your goal. So rejoice and get excited!

The Internet is filled with advice on how to prepare for an interview. From sample interview questions, to learning the ins and outs of the company you’d like to work for, there’s a vast array of material out there to help you  get started.

We’re here to help you with something different though.  Potentially the most important thing… We want to make sure you make a great first impression as soon as you walk through those doors!

Unfortunately, we still live in a world where appearance matters. So what you wear and how you look definitely play a role in whether or not you will make a good impression at your job interview. But don’t worry, follow these simple tips and you can’t go wrong!

Colour, colour, colour!

It’s summer. Everybody wants to dress the part, but try to resist for your interview! Stick to the basics! Black, grey, navy, taupe and beige make for great business suits and will have you looking very “adult”! Make sure the fit is great and most importantly, that you’re comfortable! Remember, summer is that crazy time where hemlines get shorter, shoes get slinkier, and straps get thinner. The best advice is to keep it professional! A splash of colour here and there is always nice and can add some personality to your outfit. You can add in those summer hues with accessories or shoes!

Heels, Flats, and Dress Shoes

Women, keep your heels no higher than two inches! You want to make sure you can walk in them without tripping. Heels make you feel confident and how you feel translates into how others see you!

BUT, if what makes you feel the most comfortable is having both feet on the ground, then go ahead and put on those flats. Just make sure they are dressy! Your shoes should be closed-toe and stay away from any strappy heels or flats lying around in your closet. You CAN definitely experiment with colour here though. Adding colour will change the entire feel of your outfit!

For men, wear your favourite pair of dress shoes. Although you won’t have as many options in terms of colour and style, quality is everything! A great pair of dress shoes will be a great foundation for the rest of your outfit.

Style!

For interviews, it’s best to dress conservatively. This does not have to be boring though! Just make sure the length of your skirt is appropriate and that you don’t wear anything too revealing. Stay away from sleeveless shirts and low cut tops and put on a pair of pantyhose!

For men, it’s much easier! A simple dress shirt, pressed, steamed and ready to go mixed with a nice pair of quality suit pants will work just fine for a first interview!

Whatever you wear make sure it breathes, especially in this summer weather! Look for fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily and looks sophisticated.

Accessories

Here’s another place where you can add a bit of personality without going overboard. Purses are a great way to add colour. You can choose a great neon or vibrant colour and it won’t take away from how professional the rest of your outfit looks. Jewellery is also great, but make sure you don’t overdo it! Too much jewellery can easily verge on unprofessional… Minimalistic is the perfect motto to follow!

For men, a nice watch or tie will be a great way to add a bit of personality. Just because your suit is a solid colour doesn’t mean your tie can’t be fun and quirky!

Now that you’re equipped with a few interview-dressing basics, you’re ready to go on with your research about your future place of work… Or you can continue daydreaming about that big corner office with the great view!

Good luck, and remember the famous quote from Picture Perfect,

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”