When you’re interviewing for a job, you want to make your dress appropriately. But what does that mean? When it comes to etiquette, there are many factors at play. For example, if the company has a casual dress code or an informal atmosphere, then it's probably not appropriate for you to wear formal business attire.
On the other end of the spectrum, if they've given strict instructions about what employees should wear on their website or company handbook, then following through with that instruction is also essential—you don't want your potential employer to get the wrong first impression.
Dress for the Job You Want
Dress for the audience that will be interviewing you—you’re trying to make a good impression on them, so it makes sense that they should see you in your best light. In other words, don’t wear jeans when a business suit would work better.
Do some research on what people typically wear in this area before deciding which outfit works best—it might vary depending on company culture. A good rule of thumb here would be not overdressing more than underdressing; wearing something too fancy may come across as pretentious while also making yourself uncomfortable if done poorly; however, nothing beats being overdressed than underdressed.
Choose Clean and Well-Fitted Clothing
Make sure your clothing is clean and pressed; it's always best to wear something you've tried on before to make sure it fits properly. It’s also a good idea to keep some extra sets of clothes at work so you can change them immediately after getting home from an interview if necessary.
Colors
Solid colors are a safe choice for your interview wardrobe because they are more formal. Therefore, if the company has a dress code that calls for black or navy-blue suits and ties, these will be easier to work with (and less likely to clash with the interviewer’s outfit).
Solid colors are also more professional, making it easier for employers to imagine you at their offices daily; this is especially important if they plan to hire someone who might be working with clients or customers regularly. Finally, solid colors are versatile because they go well with almost any other item you could wear on an interview: pants, skirts/dresses/skirt suits, etc., blazers, vests...you get the idea!
Wear Clean, Polished Shoes That Match Your Outfit
Your shoes should be comfortable and fit well. You don't want to be shuffling your feet around or twisting your ankle during the interview because of ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Your shoes should also be polished, clean, and in a color that matches the rest of your outfit. If you have multiple pairs of dress shoes, choose the one pair that goes best with what you're wearing. Your interviewer will notice if they're out of place - it's not worth taking any chances!
Finally, make sure they're low-heeled and professional—no flip flops or high heels! It is hard to get hired while wearing these types of shoes and unless this job requires it (perhaps retail sales), leave them at home! They'll distract you from your presentation skills and how serious you are about working for this company.
Match Accessories to Your Outfit
Consider matching accessories to your outfit. As you wear more pieces, you have more options for coordinating colors and patterns. If you're going for an overall monochromatic look, keep it simple by wearing one or two accessories (and make sure they match). If you're wearing a plain shirt or blouse without patterns, try adding some shine by choosing silver or gold jewelry instead of other metals like bronze or brass that tend to be darker in color than silver or gold.
You also don't want anything distracting from the rest of your outfit; if there's too much going on in one area—like having multiple rings on each hand—it could draw attention away from everything else!
Save the Statement Jewelry for a Night on the Town
Save the statement rings and necklaces for a night on the town. You want to ensure that your interview outfit is free of distractions, including jewelry with loud, flashy details. Bracelets are acceptable if they're simple, but steer clear of anything too large or over-the-top. The same goes for earrings; small studs will do fine.
In general, less is more when it comes to jewelry at work, especially during an interview. It's best to keep things as understated as possible while still looking put together—a plain gold band might be precisely what you need!
Dress Professionally for the Interview
Dress professionally, but don't try to "out-business" the recruiter with a suit and tie if they're more casual in their dress code. While it's important to dress according to what's appropriate for the job you're interviewing for, you also want to show that you can fit in with other employees at their level of formality.
Job interviews are a big deal.
You need to dress the part, but that doesn't always mean formal clothing. Find ways to show off your personality while still looking professional, and you'll be sure to impress your interviewer! At Local Style House, we understand that the right outfit can make or break any occasion. Visit us in-store or online to find the perfect interview outfit!
