How To Dress Appropriately For That Job Interview

“Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense.” – Oscar de la Renta

Dear Prospective Employee,

So you’ve got the grades, your skills set is on point, you’ve gathered a little experience and yeah your Resume CV is looking great. You’ve applied to a couple of firms and finally, you have been invited for an interview.

Now the question of what to wear arises. Fret not! Your girl has got you covered. There are a thousand and one articles on the Internet (great place by the way) on what to wear, how to wear, how to behave and all things related to acing a job interview. Nevertheless many still make blunders when it comes to dressing the part.

This article is not gender biased, I have something for the ladies and gents.

Let’s get to it shall we;

I’ll be starting off with the ladies, because as they say “Ladies first”.

So what do you need to look good for that interview?

For Ladies, there are so many options yet the key is to keep it decent and moderate.

• A corporate dress would work depending on the firm.

Remember we have the Business-Formal, Business-Casual and Smart-Causal styles of dressing in the corporate world.

• A pencil skirt and a neutral coloured shirt is also a great idea.
• You could ditch the skirt for pants if you’re more comfortable in pants.
• When it comes to shirts, avoid patterns or prints. Neutral colours are always foolproof.
• Your skirts should be below the knee or longer. So knee length or midi NEVER minis.

• Pants should be in a neutral colour, preferably black or grey.
• If you’ve got a blazer totally throw it on, ensure it coordinates with the ensemble though.

So the outfit has been sorted. What’s next? Dressing certainly goes beyond clothes. Your hair, makeup, choice of jewellery and accessories also matter.

• There’s no recommended hairstyle yet it should be neat and not extravagant or attention-calling.
• Jewelry, makeup and accessories should also be minimal.
• When it comes to footwear flats or shoes with a low heel are go-to.

• A handy yet sturdy bag that can keep your files or documents is a great investment.

• A nice yet simple wrist watch is also a great accessory.

So, Guys, it’s your turn. This isn’t exactly my forte yet I tried as much as possible to get my facts right.

For the men folk, your options are lesser yet you can always make it work.

• If you choose the business-formal route you’re definitely wearing a suit. Make sure this is in a neutral colour. Black is always failsafe.

• For your shirt, the same rules for ladies apply. Opt for a plain shirt, preferably in white or blue.

Source – jobkaster.com

• For your tie solid colours are great, patterns are allowed too. You can even wear the colour of the company (they’ll know you are serious LOL!) Also ensure that the pattern of the tie doesn’t clash with the shirt and suit.

Source – jobkaster.com

• If you aren’t wearing a suit, opt for a nice pair of black, navy or charcoal dress pants.
• One major fashion blunder that irks me is mismatching your belt and shoes. Always ensure that your belt and shoes match and if possible your wrist watch too.

Source – Pinterest

• When it comes to belt colours black and brown are go-to.

Source -JobKaster

• Also NEVER wear a belt with a flashy buckle.
• Ditch that pocket square it’s totally a No-No!!!
• Socks should match your pants and shoes. When you get the job you can choose to experiment.
• For shoes Oxfords are perfect. The experts also recommend loafers, the double or single monk-strap, as well as wingtips.

• DO NOT WEAR SNEAKERS!!! (I’ve seen someone wear sneakers to an interview)
• To avoid coming across as unprofessional, get yourself a portfolio, a messenger bag or a simple folder rather than a backpack or duffel bag. It’s essential that your documents are kept neat and organized.

• Wear a nice looking watch, not necessarily expensive, just good-looking!

Now your outfit is set, let’s talk about appearances.

• Get yourself a good, clean shave before the interview, an untidy face is something to avoid when you are going for an interview.
• Also, make sure your hair is kept short, neat and tidy.
• Ensure you smell good. Take note not to wear too much cologne, it might tick your interviewer off.

GENERAL TIPS

• Ensure that whatever you wear is neat, decent and not ill-fitting.
• Some advice that your choice of clothing for an interview depends on the organization itself. Yet don’t get carried away and end up looking under-dressed or sloppy.
• Don’t forget to get your confidence game on. If you look your best and your confidence is non-existent it could all be futile.
• Make sure you research the organization. KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM!

I wish you all the best and I hope you ace your interview.

Regards,

WanShyGirl.

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Have you ever been to a job interview?

What did you wear? How did it go?

Did you find these tips helpful?

Kindly share your thoughts below.