FIHLIWEMATSA1 Whether you’re a dress or pants person, what you choose to wear for your first interview can significantly increase or decrease your chances of getting that job. Dressing appropriately for your first job interview can significantly affect how you’re perceived. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression.
Dressing appropriately for an interview shows that you’re serious, professional, prepared. It will help you stand out from the rest of the candidates. When you look the part, it makes a positive impression while still appearing professional and suitable for the position.
Understanding the Dress Code
Choosing what color to wear is more than just a quick Google search of “what to wear to an interview for a female.” You need to consider what position you’re applying for, the company culture, and how you feel in the outfit.
The first thing you should do is research the company, yes you have to learn what the company you’re interviewing with expects. Peek at the company’s website and social media to have a picture of the company culture which will give you an idea about how people there normally dress. Is the company conservative, or casual, or is it a creative/tech company, answering this question will ensure you do not underdress. However, even if staff are dressed casually, you’d be expected to show more professionalism and formality in your interview.
- Conservative: (e.g finance, law, or large multinational companies). Pant or skirt suit in dark colors, light-colored blouse, minimal jewelry, conservative shoes.
- Business Casual: Many companies fall somewhere between formal and casual. Opt for tailored pants or a professional dress, or knee-length skirt or tailored pants, blouse or shirt, blazer or cardigan, comfortable, one statement piece.
- Creative or Tech Companies: Startups or creative industries like marketing, design, or tech often have more relaxed dress codes. Think smart-casual: chinos and a tailored shirt/blouse, or a stylish dress, blazer/cardigan are optional.
Choosing the Right Outfit
Dress, pants, pencil skirts, knee-length dresses, blazers, neutral or light-colored blouses, sweaters, cardigans, tights, and suits are all acceptable forms of interview attire.
Choose well-fitted, tailored clothing, they not only look great and dapper but also boosts your confidence. Suits are always a safe option. Whether the suit has a skirt or pants is up to you. For skirt length, knee length is usually the most appropriate.
Black, white, gray, navy blue or beige are all acceptable colors to wear when it comes to a job interview. When choosing color, aim for solid colors over patterns and neutral colors over brighter colors. You want your interviewer to remember you, not your outfit.
You can add a touch of color by wearing hints of color and still convey professionalism and personality. Two colors to avoid during an interview are brown and orange. Orange can be seen as too playful or unprofessional and brown also stands for old fashioned, uninventive, and dull.
Accessorizing for Success
Accessories can add some flair to your outfit, but keep them simple. A watch or small earrings can add polish without being distracting. Stick to minimalist jewelry, and avoid large or flashy pieces. Any other accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, scarves, and hair pins, should be kept as minimal as possible so as not to be distracting.
If you need to carry documents, choose either a purse or a briefcase, not both. Leather in dark colors like black or brown is ideal, it should be more modern and functional with enough space to accommodate everything you need.
Footwear: Comfort Meets Professionalism
It is important to consider your industry when picking the shoe. Choose comfortable, professional shoes. Opt for closed, dark, or neutral-colored footwear like loafers, low-heeled pumps, or flats.
You should avoid picking something you can’t walk in. Avoid sandals, open toed, platform heels, or brightly colored shoes that don’t convey a professional image.
Grooming and Makeup: Striking the Right Balance
Grooming plays a crucial role in boosting your confidence and is just as important as your clothes. Proper grooming habits gives you the confidence to be appealing and makes you feel dignified and potentially earn the respect of recruiters while enhancing your self-esteem.
- Hair. Keep it brushed, neat and professional. Whether you wear your hair up or down is all up to you. Avoid trendy hairstyles or hair colors that might be inappropriate for an interview.
- Makeup. Go for a natural look. Subtle makeup is acceptable, but avoid bright lipstick or heavy contouring.
- Nails. It’s advisable to go for clean, short, and polished nails in subtle colors.
- Fragrance. Use perfume sparingly, don’t overdo the cologne. You never know how an interviewer may react to strong scents
Final Outfit Checklist
Comfort is key to confidence, so wear clothes that are comfortable, and professional. Comfort equals confidence, and confidence equals acing the interview.
Here are a few last tips before you head out:
- It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
- Do a dress rehearsal to ensure everything fits and looks neat.
- Iron or steam your clothes to avoid wrinkles.
- Clean and polish your shoes.
- Match your socks/pantihose to your shoes.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
