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Appearance is Everything: Dressing to Impress at interviews
Be careful not to fall into the trap of over-confidence. Just because you’ve successfully secured an interview, it doesn’t mean that you’ve got the job. First impressions really do count, and unfortunately your clothes and appearance are going to be the initial thing that your potential employer will notice. Follow our failsafe guide to tailoring the perfect interview look and you’ll be on the fast-track path to employment.
DO dress smarter than your interviewer. Obviously, you won’t be able to predict what they’ll be wearing, but unless you are being interviewed for a job in which the dress code may vary – a warehouse worker, outdoors instructor or fashion promoter, for example – always assume that they’ll be smart. You need to be smarter.
DON’T exercise too much flamboyance. You may love your new tattoo/ blue hair/ blinging necklace/ Hawaiian shirt but the chances are your prospective employer won’t.
As a rule, monochrome with a splash of colour tends to work well. Dark trousers or skirt and a lighter shirt or top (with tie and jacket optional, depending on the weather) is a good rule of thumb. Ladies – keep the make-up simple and light. Gents – go easy on the hair gel.
DO keep up your personal hygiene. Believe it or not, employers won’t want to spend a long time in a room with a person with a perspiration problem. Comb your hair, brush your teeth, clean your nails and look as presentable as possible. If you have muddy shoes or this morning’s breakfast down your tie, it’s just going to look like you don’t care about how you put yourself across.
DON’T wear clothes that are too tight or reveal too much of you. You want your prospective employer to be instantly blown away by your professionalism, rather than your hairy legs (shorts are an absolute no-no) or your cleavage. If you do decide to opt for this approach, check the seams of your clothes. Seriously.
DO iron your clothes. You’ll be staggered at the difference this amazing contraption can make on your shirt. Corners will look slick, you’ll be dust-free and you’ll actually look ‘ framed’ by your clothes. You want to look cutting-edge rather than just a blur on the office horizon.
DON’T make the mistake of wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable in. It ’s all very well spending hundreds of pounds on a brand new tailor-made Versace suit but if it’s going to make you feel like a very awkward fish out of water, your focus will be on how uncomfortable you feel and not the job at hand. Stick to your comfort zone (without wearing jeans and slippers, obviously).
Remember, you can still express your individuality without looking scruffy or unconventional.
Some sources advise that you just wear a black and white suit, with absolutely no jewellery, make -up, hair gel, watches or accessories whatsoever. It ’s up to you to judge what you think will be appropriate. The key is to look very smart without looking boring or losing your own personal style. Have a look at business magazines, images from the Internet or even the ‘smartwear ’ section of your local high street department store. There are thousands of professional images out there that should inspire you. Get the ‘business chic’ look right and give your employer every reason to hire you.
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