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A first impression can either open doors, or slam them firmly shut. If you're heading into a job interview, that first impression really does count! In fact, research shows us that factors from clothing style to posture really count when it comes to what people think of us on initial meeting. This means that you could be the most qualified person for the role, but a poor impression created by your appearance may bias interviewers against hiring you. In today's connected world, you could be affecting further job opportunities or partnerships too. It can be nerve-wracking enough going into an interview, so you at least want to know that your wardrobe choices are on-point. Here are some do's and don'ts of dressing for a job interview: Nail the small details – get our pre-interview checklist here Know the company first The very first rule of dressing for a job interview is to know the company first. It's true that many companies these days do go for a more "business casual" look rather than a complete suit and tie.
That's why you have to know the dress code. Formal Interview Dress Code How should you dress up for a formal interview? Wear navy or dark grey suit, long sleeve white shirt, tie, belt, black leather shoes, and dark socks. Have a neat and professional hairstyle. Wear limited jewelry. Avoid wearing strong perfume. Trim your facial hair, as well to create a professional male look. Have your nails neatly trimmed. Take a portfolio or briefcase. Less Formal Interview Dress Code Wear casual attire like pressed khakis or slacks, button-down shirt, belt, and leather shoes. Make sure your outfit is wrinkle-free. Prepare your attire days before your scheduled interview. Polish your shoes. Aside from paying attention to what you wear, you need to focus on more important things like sample job interview questions and your weaknesses. Rehearse good answers so you will be able to get the part time job, summer job, or full-time job that you want. You might also like
If you're going to need to purchase a new suit, it can take a little time to find the one that is right for you. A tailored suit, made specifically for you is always a preferable option. When you walk into a menswear store in a mall, they have suits on the racks that are made with a standard cut for the "standard" man. How many men are in fact "standard? " Everyone is built differently and a bespoke suit is always going to be the most flattering cut for your own body. If you're going to go for the tailored suit, do talk to your tailor and discuss more classic styles with them. A well-cut tailored suit in a timeless style will tend to give you a lot of mileage. A solid, classic color such as navy or charcoal is usually a safe choice, rather than any kind of busy pattern or more seasonal color. Shirt and tie Firstly, a job interview is not the place to showcase your loud shirts or unusual patterns. Some style personality is good, but you could either get it totally wrong or be distracting to the interviewer.
Leave it out altogether if you don't have one that looks professional. Another detail to think about – where are your sunglasses? If you're coming into the interview with them perched on your head, you're adding an extra layer of "casual" to your look. Either put them away or leave them in the car. Get the small details right ahead of your interview – download our checklist here Final thoughts Understanding the company you are interviewing for, their culture and their dress expectations is the first important step to dressing appropriately for an interview. Some companies do have a more casual dress code, however erring on the more conservative side is a good idea if you're unsure. Importantly, now that you've put effort into choosing a great outfit, ensure that it is presented well. Care for your clothing and keep it looking its best. Wrinkled and dirty create the same bad impression, whether your suit is bespoke or off the rack!
People do tend to expect that someone interviewing might be more dressed up than is typical, anyway. If you're wearing a nice dress shirt and trousers, you can always remove your tie if everyone appears to be more casually dressed. Do your homework on a company ahead of an interview - what is the dress code? Click To Tweet Choosing a suit The suit with dress shirt and tie is a classic look for a job interview, but of course not all suits are cut from the same cloth (pun intended). If you have a suit that you've worn for every formal occasion in the last decade or so, take a second look at it before donning it for a job interview. Does it fit well? Is it a "classic" color? Is the style still something that is commonly worn? Suits that are ill-fitting or dated in terms of color and cut are a big "don't. " The impression you will give is that you only dress up for certain occasions and that you'd probably prefer not to. Ideally, you should prepare ahead as much as possible before an interview.