Whether you agree with it or not, appearances matter in the workplace – specifically, the very first time a recruiter or hiring manager lays eyes on you. First impressions count, and even though you might be interviewing for a job at a startup, should you wear jeans and Converse? What about that interview at a bank – would a full suit be appropriate, or too much?
Rightly or wrongly, candidates are often judged by their appearance before they have even introduced themselves. Being mindful of how you dress for your next interview can be the difference between a call back and a resume thrown in the bin.
Avoid any attire hazards with these easy tips.
- Casual Attire – If you’re applying for a role in an ad agency, you can probably get away with a smart pair of jeans and a nice, crisp shirt. Always wear closed shoes, and chuck on a blazer or nice jacket to ‘suit’ it up a bit. If in doubt about the dress code, always dress up rather than down – it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- Get the right fit – Nothing is more disorderly than a sloppy candidate. An ill-fitting suit, or a little-too-tight dress says a lot about you as a person, and how you look after yourself (and potentially your clients!) Attention to detail is everything!
- Don’t go overboard with accessories– You want your interviewer to be concentrating on what you’re saying, so go easy on add-ons. Too many accessories can be a bit too hard on the eyes, so keep it simple.
- Subtle make up – Makeup is there to enhance your natural look, not turn you into a completely different person. Come across as genuine candidate by foregoing the crazy red liptstick and heavy eyeliner you might wear out to a bar. Stick to a simple look that screams “I’m professional!”.
- Strong whiffs – Too much perfume or too little deodorant can both be big turn-offs, as can cigarette smoke or the lingering scent of your morning coffee. Spritz on the perfume and pop a mint before your interview. It can make all the difference!
- Piercings and tattoos – These days many companies are not so conservative when it comes to body piercing and tattoos, but do your research. If you’re interviewing at a very traditional business, be mindful of covering up anything that could work against you.
Impress your interviewers with your appearance and attire, so what you wear does not detract from what you say. All the Best!
For more advice on how to give your best in an interview click here.
