5 TIPS TO DRESS FOR THE INTERVIEW:
Research the company’s culture and dress code:
What outfits are considered appropriate for an interview often varies by industry. If you know people who work at the company you are interviewing for, ask them what they wear to work. If you don’t know anyone, that’s ok too. Call the Human Resources department of the company and ask them for recommendation. Even if a company is known to have a casual dress code, they may expect you to dress up a little for your first interview.
Wear appropriate and comfortable shoes:
Your outfit includes your shoes too, but unfortunately, many people don’t realise this. Your overall appearance won’t quite have the desired impact if you wear a beautiful, tailor-made suit with a pair of tattered and dirty shoes. For men, a pair of dress shoes or loafers is usually appropriate. For women, try to be conservative and wear a pair of low heels, and don’t expose your toes.
Choose a Solid Color That Isn’t Distracting:
In any interview, you want the hiring manager to focus on you, not on your pink paisley shirt. Instead of busy patterns, choose solid colors that reflect your personality but aren’t too loud or too dull. Red, for instance, can overpower an interviewer. I once interviewed a woman wearing all red, and she looked beautiful and had great energy. Unfortunately, I was distracted by her outfit, and I feared she might be too aggressive for our company. Instead of red or orange, stick to standard business colors, and add accents (such as on a scarf or tie) in brighter hues.
Black is a popular choice for interview attire because it’s a commanding color that shows authority, but it can also suggest drama. Dark blue is a better option because it makes you seem calm, controlled, trustworthy, and secure.
Show Sophistication With ‘Smart Casual’ Style:
If the company you’re interviewing with requests that you adhere to its “smart casual” dress code, you can get away with ditching the formal suit for the interview. A jacket or blazer over a polo or collared dress shirt can work fine in some situations. Pair that with trousers made of corduroy, twill, moleskin, wool, cotton, or linen, and you’ll have a perfectly presentable look.
Women can get away with a decent skirt or a pair of trousers, but avoid flashy fabrics such as satin, lace, or chiffon. And even if the company has a relaxed dress code, avoid flashy costume jewellery.
Invest in a “power outfit”:
In some industries, suits and ties are the norm. If you are applying for a job in one of these industries, invest in a few professional but comfortable “power outfits”. Don’t just get one because you may be asked to return for follow up interviews. These outfits may cost more but they will make you look good.
