They say a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover. However, in a job interview, your potential employees will try to put you under a microscope and look at you from head to toe – and the how you carry yourself may very well affect their opinion of you. It is therefore important for you to know how to dress for an interview.
Learning about how to dress for an interview may sound trivial at, but studies have shown that employers both consciously and subconsciously judge job applicants based on what they wear. For example, if you wear red on your interview, this strong color also triggers strong emotions. So, if an interviewer likes you, he’ll probably like you a lot more when you’re wearing red. However, if one of the interviewers is having a bad day, your red outfit might make him feel worse whenever he looks at you and, as a result, may end up unconsciously disliking you.
When you know how to dress for an interview, you are already
taking the first step to making a good first impression. An interview doesn’t
last long and you have just a few moments to stand out, so it’s always a good
idea to know how to dress for an interview and look your best from the get-go.
To help you learn about how to dress for an interview, read on:
· If you
plan on wearing a skirt, it should at least be at the level of your knees or a
little lower. Skirts higher than the knees may be acceptable in some companies,
but this is not always the case.
· If
you're not sure about how to dress for an interview, play it safe. For
instance, most job interviews require closed heels. If you’re not certain
whether or not your open-toe stilettos are allowed, then it’s always better to
just look for closed heels. Better safe than sorry.
· If you're applying for a creative profession, wear professional attire – a suit or a
button down blouse paired with a skirt will do – but make sure you give your
attire a dash of your own personality, like wearing a favorite brooch that
showcases your creativity.
To help you decide how to dress for an interview, here are a few basics about what you are expected to wear (and what you shouldn’t wear):
· A
professional suit in a neutral color OR a conservative blouse and a skirt or
slacks. Conservative means no plunging necklines, no sleeveless shirts, no
backless blouses.
· Closed
heels. Avoid flats as they look too informal. Avoid strappy heels as you might
end up looking unprofessional.
· Tasteful
jewelry. Avoid dangling earrings, over-accessorizing, and mix-match jewelry.
· Lastly, a neat hairstyle. You may tie your hair to give you an air of professionalism.
Read the Smashion Forum post on how to dress for an interview or read other suggestions on what to wear for an interview.