Job Interview Attire
Coffea Flair Editorial
It's important to be well-prepared for a job interview, and that includes knowing what to wear. After all, how we present ourselves to the world has a significant impact on how seriously they take us as professionals. However, there have been significant shifts in what constitutes "professional looks" across different fields, leading some to question what constitutes an acceptable appearance for a working adult.
Is that a three piece suit?
Is the dress code informal?
Does it matter what label you buy?
Continue reading to find out why you should give thought to your outfit for the interview and how to pick the right one.
What to Wear to a Job Interview: 4 Suggestions
1. Investigate The Organization's Dress Code
When preparing for an interview, you probably did a good amount of research about the firm and gained an understanding of the company culture. You should use this information to guide your choice of interview attire. To determine the right level of formality, study photographs posted on their social media accounts. Human resources is another place you might call to prepare for your interview. Then you should explain your predicament and ask for assistance if you need it.
It's best to wear a black suit to a business meeting.
For women, there is the option of either a pant or skirt suit. Even a dress can work, but only if it has a strict businesslike vibe. Dresses and skirts benefit from having a jacket or blazer worn over them.
Business casual is the appropriate dress code for a laid-back office environment.
That implies you should look professional without going overboard with suits. This is a departure from the standard black business suit. Dress up in a button-down shirt, jacket, and slacks; accessorize with a belt and Oxfords or loafers. Dress casually but professionally for a more relaxed business environment. Get dressed up in some dark denim or trousers and a button-down shirt. Women can wear either flats or heels with a knee-length skirt or dark pants. Simply avoid wearing shoes with open toes and make sure your shoes are constantly well-polished.
2. Be True to Your Appearance
Maintain a professional appearance.
As far as clothing goes, you look great, but are you really that person?
The interviewers should have a pretty good notion of who they're meeting with based on your well-written résumé. You must not let them down. Make sure that the image you sent off in your resume is the same one they get when they meet you in person. There must be no rift between them. Everything from your résumé to your wardrobe to the way you carry yourself in conversation should be consistent. If you're going to wear something, make sure it's something you can relax in. In terms of self-assurance, this is usually helpful.
3. Keep Your Interview Clothes Simple
Should you wear designer clothes to a job interview?
As a job seeker, you should be aware of what luxury brands can say about you: that you are wealthy, powerful, and well-liked. Being reliable, likable, and empathetic in the workplace is important because it helps an individual succeed and contribute effectively to a team. According to studies, people's perceptions of their warmth and trustworthiness are negatively impacted when they are seen wearing expensive brands. Put off dressing formally till the party to celebrate your new employment.
4. Be Reasonable
Self-expression is often viewed as one of humanity's most fundamental needs.
While it's great to show who you really are, it's more important that you come off as the best possible applicant for this position. Don't make an excuse that you're just being yourself by dressing sloppily. Keep in mind that our clothing choices can cause just as much controversy as our words.
And yet, as much as you would like to express yourself here, now is not the time or the place. Concentrate on finding employment as quickly as possible. The clothes you wear to an interview should be appropriate for the position you're seeking. A banker and a fitness trainer, for instance, have very different clothing requirements. In addition, a millennial looking for an internship should dress very differently than a baby boomer interviewing for a professional or managerial role.
Dressing professionally and neatly for an interview, even if it's online, is the norm. However, as was previously noted, you should always learn more about the company to figure out what is most acceptable to wear there. Stay true to who you are, but make sure your outfit doesn't steal the spotlight from what you're saying.