While workplace dress codes are generally relaxing, first impressions are as important as ever. Prospective employers will immediately form an opinion of you based on what you’re wearing to a job interview, whatever the type of business. But, one office job does not necessarily demand the same type of clothes as another. Interview dressing can be something of a minefield. We’ve put together some tips to help you dress to impress, whatever the role, and without splashing out on a new wardrobe.
Wearing a suit for a job interview
If you opt to wear a suit or tailored clothes for your job interview, then choose a plain, dark colour. Your shoes should compliment the colour of your clothes – brown or tan go well with navy, and black shoes work with black or grey clothes. If you’re wearing a tie, keep it simple and avoid garish patterns.
A suit or tailored outfit is normally a safe choice when dressing for a job interview. Not many of us would roll out of bed on a non-work day and don a suit out of choice, so it’s a good way to get into the different mindset you need to be in for a job interview. Some people even choose to wear a suit when they have a phone interview to help them into a professional headspace. Wearing smart, tailored clothes shows that you take pride in yourself and the impression you put across. This is great if your prospective employer expects you to wear a uniform, as it demonstrates they can trust you to represent their business the way they want you to.
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Dressing casually for a job interview
On the other hand, as empowering and professional as it may be to wear a suit for a job interview, it could be perceived as stuffy by businesses with a relaxed culture and dress code, and make them wonder whether you’re the right fit for their business.
A more casual dress code is generally more budget friendly, as most of us have plenty of options for this kind of attire already. Casual dress also gives you the opportunity to show off some of your personality, or highlight a certain quality that’ll be important to your role should you get the job. However, you’ll still want to look professional and polished – your outfit needs to give the impression that you’ve thought about what you’re wearing. The classic “jeans and a nice top” combination is perfect for a casual interview. Wear smart jeans, paired with a button down shirt or nice blouse, with shoes or heels. Prints and patterns can add visual interest to your outfit and show off your creative flair, if that’s important to the role. You can also accessorise a little more freely with statement jewellery to inject some personality into your look.
General tips
As a rule, you’ll want to dress more sharply for your interview than you perhaps would for a normal day at work in this job. Whatever the dress code of the company you’re interviewing at, take your outfit up a notch to make sure you look smart, but also show you’ve done your research and know what sort of culture the company you’re interviewing for has. Regardless, your clothes should be clean, ironed, and in good condition, even if the business is extremely casual.
It can be tempting to splash out on a new wardrobe ahead of your interview. After all, what’s smarter than something that’s brand new? It isn’t necessary to blow your new salary before you’ve been hired, though! Chances are you already have what you need. It may need to be washed or dry cleaned, and you may need to get it altered to make sure it fits, but it’s sure to be cheaper than something new.
If you do feel like you need something special to wear, but know you won’t be putting it on again in a hurry, then why not hire your outfit? You’ll likely be able to wear something much more impressive than if you were to buy it outright, and it won’t take up space in your wardrobe after your interview.
Finally, the most important thing you can wear to a job interview is confidence. If you don’t feel comfortable in the outfit you’ve chosen, then either pick something else, or think about tweaks you can make so that you feel good in what you’re wearing. If you’re confident in your clothes, then everything else will fall into place.
We wish you the best of luck in your job-hunt!
