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For some of us, going on a job interview can be a frightening experience. That includes figuring out how to dress for an interview. We're meeting new people, trying to make a good first impression, and wondering what kind of questions they might ask us. Even more importantly, will they like our personality, and our answers to their questions? How about the clothes we're wearing to the interview?
Job Interviews
The concept of a job interview is really a suboptimal hiring practice. You meet with a potential employer, answer their questions, and leave. They take a look at your resume, put that information together with your one hour interview, and offer you a high paying job. Essentially, the hiring manager is making a purchase decision based on very little information.
Like it or not, that's the decision making process around job offers. Do resumes count in that process? They sure do, but the interview is even more important because the manager doesn't work with a piece of paper, they work with a person. They might love what you've written on your resume, but if things don't "click" during the interview, you won't be hired by the company. So the first of our interview tips is simply this: Nail the interview and you'll get the job.
We know that last statement was obvious, but it is true. We've talked about answering interview questions in earlier publications. Here we're going to take away some of those interview jitters by discussing dressing for an interview. By removing some of your worries about what you're wearing, you can concentrate more on the interview process itself.
Dress for Interview Success
Have you ever noticed someone's shoes that were all scuffed up? How about a woman's skirt that had a ripped hemline or a ripped stocking? Did you ever see a man wearing a shirt that was so wrinkled it looked like he just pulled it out of the hamper? What happened when you saw these things? What conclusions did you draw about that person?
Did you ever see a woman that was dressed so nicely that she seemed to have a glow about her? Or see a man in a freshly pressed shirt wearing a stylish tie and a well-fitting suit? What impression did they leave you with?
Your appearance, and the details around your dress style, is important during an interview because they send non-verbal signals to the interview team. Based on how you are dressing yourself or what you're wearing, the hiring manager or recruiter might be drawing conclusions as to your education, intelligence, socioeconomic status, and your desirability as a new hire.
Dress for Success Tips
Were going to cover some pretty universally-accepted rules around what you should wear during an interview. We understand that not everyone can afford to abide by all these rules. Do what you can in this area, because first impressions are lasting ones, and that's extremely important when it comes to finding a job.
Interview Dress Tip 1 - Clothes that Fit
Make sure the clothes you wear to an interview actually fit you. You want to look business like, but stylish if you can. That means a coordinated outfit that is tailored to your body. Ill fitting clothes look sloppy, and that's the impression you'll leave with the interview team.
Interview Dress Tip 2 - Wear Long Sleeves
We know this sounds silly, but the lack of sleeves on a dress can label you as a social butterfly and not a serious businesswoman. For men, a short sleeve shirt can leave the interviewer with the impression that you're best suited as a backup choice.
Interview Dress Tip 3 - Cover those Feet
It's not surprising that many people going on interview completely ignore what they're wearing on their feet. Don't make that mistake. Shoes are one of the strongest indicators of social status.
Cheap shoes are a sign that you cannot really afford to make your outfit complete. Scuffed shoes are even worse; they tell the interviewing manager that you ignore the details.
Interview Dress Tip 4 - Hair Styles
If you want the hiring company to think you're a progressive thinker that would add value to their organization, then you need to lose that 1980s haircut. Yeah, maybe it's served you well for the last 20 or 30 years, but it's time for a change. A new job is a great way to start over when it comes to hair styles.
Interview Dress Tip 5 - Accessories
Admittedly, women tend to wear more accessories than men, but that doesn't mean that men can ignore this final tip. Dangling earrings are out - simple studs are best for making a good impression during an interview. Metal watches signify strength and endurance, so if you have one, and it goes with what you're wearing, then wear that watch.
Scarves and neckties need to send the interview team the impression that you're all business. So leave the long flowing scarves at home alongside the necktie with Snoopy on it that you got for Christmas. (It might be good luck, but why test its powers during an interview?) Again, you're dressing for success and that means looking professional, not necessarily fun.
Investing in Your Wardrobe
It really pays to dress appropriately for an interview. If your wardrobe needs an update, then it is money well spent. After all, a high paying job will cover the cost of a new outfit many times over.
Finally, keep in mind that you're investing in yourself and your future. While that investment is only in clothes, it's one of the most important investments you'll ever make.
About the Author - Dressing for an Interview
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