How to Dress to Get the Job
Improper attire at an interview is one of the biggest faux pas a prospective job candidate can make. Even in the generally accepted business casual environment that is prevalent in workplaces today, dressing professionally at an interview is key. After all, the people dressing business casual at the place you wish to work at are already working there; you aren’t working there yet. Therefore, it is up to you to make a good impression to the firm. It’s okay to err on the side of being overdressed than being underdressed; therefore, you should always look your best on a job interview.
It’s hard to believe, but over half (55%) of a person’s perception of you lies in how you dress. Is it shallow thinking? Yes. But it is the reality of it. Therefore, when going on a job interview, aim to dress slightly better than the middle managers. Not only does it show that you mean business, but it also puts your confidence, self-esteem, and ability to be organized on display. In an interview setting, conservative colors predominate because you want the focus to be on your skills and qualifications, not what you’re wearing. Clothing is conservative on purpose to draw attention away from it.
Therefore, the attire should be simple. For men, it means a white dress shirt, a solid colored suit, usually navy or black in color, complemented by a similarly dark-hued tie and topped off by dark socks and comfortable yet professional shoes. Jewelry and cologne should be kept to a minimum. For women, the attire is similar. It starts with a conservative colored suit, a skirt knee-length or lower, a neat hairstyle, tan or light hosiery, and professional-looking shoes. Very high heels or very short skirts are not in your best interest. Perfume should be kept light and not overpowering.
If the attire mentioned so far sounds—well, boring—that’s because the point of the interview wardrobe is to fade into the background. It’s the one place where you don’t want the clothes to speak for themselves. In an interview setting, you want the focus to be on you and what you can bring to a prospective company, not what you’re wearing. By dressing conservatively, you take the interviewer’s eyes off of your clothes and put them directly on your face, which is where you want them to be. Sell yourself, not what you’re wearing.
