Interview Wardrobe 101

Preparing for an interview can be stressful. Not only are you focusing on impressing the hiring manager(s) with your skills, experience and personality but you have to assemble the perfect outfit that conveys that you are a competent and polished professional. Don’t allow your clothing to be an afterthought because if they were not appropriate, they will do the talking for you long after you leave.

Dress to Impress

It is no secret that you want to dress to impress for your interview not only for the hiring manager(s) but everyone else that you meet, from the receptionist to the C-suite executives you may pass in the hallway. “Who is that?” asked by the CEO as he happens to pass in the hallway about you will get you noticed quickly.

The Suit

Wearing a suit should be considered standard for an interview. If the position is in a corporate law firm or professional service environment, you will fit right in. If the role is within more of a creative company, you will stand out as a candidate who takes their job opening seriously and intends to make a good first impression. For men, the suit should be accompanied by a matching tie and dress shoes. For women, it can be paired with an appropriate shirt and business shoes; a dainty, understated necklace can tie everything together.

The Iron

Remember, if your clothes are not pressed, the effort you put in to assemble the perfect outfit will be lost. Trying everything on beforehand and setting them aside in your closet will save you the stress of finding out last minute that the suit you wanted to wear should have been dry cleaned after your cousin’s wedding!

Accessories

For women, the dainty necklace can add a nice flair to your outfit and showcase a pop of style. A professional watch can also be a nice choice. Other than additional small rings and possibly a thin bracelet, jewelry and accessories should be kept at a minimum as you don’t want them to serve as a distraction. When writing notes during the interview, you don’t want your chunky bracelet to clank repeatedly on the table. Nor do you want to be fidgeting with your necklace that has gotten tangled in your shirt.

For men as well as women, keep your phone on silent and in your purse or pocket. Making sure you remove sunglasses from the top of your head is also paramount as it can really have a negative impact on some hiring managers. Keeping the amount of items you walk in with to a minimum is also important, as you want to give the impression that the interview is a central part of your day and not part of a longer string of appointments or interviews.

Colors

A good rule of thumb is to stay away from overly bright colors and or garish patterns in your outfit. The color palette of white, blue, black, beige, brown and red is a safe bet.

There are a lot of things to consider when mulling over a job change or accepting your first job. Conducting the interview in a fantastic and appropriate outfit will put the odds in your favor as you impress everyone with your personality and skills!

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