Get ready to rock that interview outfit and make a great first impression!
Why is wearing the right interview outfit so important?
Think about the culture of the company you’re visiting, when choosing what to wear. Getting a feel for the business, can really help you choose that winning style. It’s also really important that you feel comfortable and true to yourself in what you wear, so that you can ooze confidence and show those who are interviewing you a bit about who you are too.
What to Wear
Research the dress code
What you’ll be wearing to your next job interview largely depends on the industry in which you will be working, therefore, you will want to research the company dress code in advance. Ways in which you can do this, are:
- Via the company website
- Social media (Linked In profile pictures are especially useful)
- Give the HR Team a call
- Visit the building ahead of time to see what your potential future colleagues are wearing
Don’t feel pressure to over-dress, or dress really formally, if you don’t feel that this fits. Equally, its best not to under-dress either. Thorough research is the key to getting this right. Inject with your individual style and you’ll show your personality whilst looking the part too.
Matching the dress code, and maybe stepping it up a notch, will help you on your way to showing interviewers that you have done some research into their company culture, and, to create a great first impression.
Layers
Wear layers!
One thing you won’t be able to research is the temperature of the room in which you will be interviewed. Ensure each layer of your outfit fits with how you want to present yourself, so that you have the option to add or remove, depending on the temperature.
Industry styles
These are some typical industry dress code styles to get you started, but remember, still research the specific company too:
Industry
Finance, Law and very corporate environments: Go for professional business attire, such as a full suit
Government, Sales, Hospitality and Management: Business attire such as a smart shirt, smart trousers or skirt, or a smart dress works well for these roles. Include a blazer for layering
Technology, Creative, Construction, Factory and Engineering: Generally, more casual here. Dark tailored jeans or chinos and a professional top would work well. A smart-casual blazer or fitted cardigan would be good for layering
What not to wear
Regardless of the culture and dress code at the company you are hoping to join, there are some general things to avoid when putting that all-important outfit together, these are:
- Sandals or flipflops
- Trainers/athletic style shoes
- Shoes that make you walk awkwardly or that are uncomfortable
- Shorts
- Over-doing the make-up, perfume or aftershave
- Stained or wrinkled clothing
The finishing touches
- Ensure any accessories such as scarves, bags, ties, jewellery, and even socks, compliment your outfit well
- Stick to a maximum of 2-3 colours to keep your outfit cohesive
- Iron out any creases
- Polish those shoes
- A fresh trim (if you can)
Final tip
Try your outfit on and wear it around the house. Make sure you are happy and comfortable with it ahead of your interview date, avoiding any last-minute outfit conundrums.
For more recruitment support, contact our team today.
