Congrats! Your shining resume has landed you an interview at a truly awesome company.
You go girl!
This could be the big opportunity you’ve put in so much hard work to achieve. But before you get ahead of yourself imagining how you’ll decorate your office space, it’s time to ask yourself an important question in preparation for the big day ahead.
“What on earth am I going to wear?”
Fact: Before you’ve had the opportunity to speak a single word to your interviewer, you’ve already made an impression based on how you’re dressed.
You know you have the experience, skill set and passion to become a fantastic member of their team. But showing up in polished and professional dress will give you the leg up you need in a difficult job market to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. Image can be just as important as the other pieces, and we don’t mean that in a shallow sense. During the interview, you’re aiming to win over the interviewer by putting out a brand that is “You,” and how well you portray that brand can ultimately be what lands you the job!
Truth: First impressions make lasting opinions.
Here are some of the DO’s and DON’T’s of interview attire that will help you make the best possible first impression on your way towards landing that dream job.
DO’s:
- Do your homework. A little research can go a long way! Awareness of the company culture can give you some big hints about their office attire and, in turn, whether you should go for business casual or ultra professional dress. If you’re working with a recruiter or HR rep, don’t be afraid to ask what the office dress code is.
- When in doubt, err on the conservative side. Avoid wearing the latest trends and instead stick to the basics. Pantsuits, sheath dresses, button-downs and pencil skirts are all great options. Even if you know a company has a very casual atmosphere, your best bet is to show up looking polished.
- Dress in appropriate layers. In case you encounter a stuffy or chilly air-conditioned interview room (which can put you on edge and become a distraction) make sure you wear more than one layer so you’re comfortable regardless. Consider geographic location and time of year as well when planning your look.
- Test-drive your outfit. At least 24 hours in advance, put together your look to make sure it fits properly and makes you feel confident. Lay out or hang your outfit, shoes and accessories neatly for quick access. This will ensure you have everything you need and prevent extra stress on your interview day.
- Remember hygiene. Be sure to give yourself enough time to shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant, but skip the perfume. You want to avoid potentially overpowering the room or causing an allergic reaction (yikes!). Make sure you don’t eat or smoke right before the interview (but definitely make sure you don’t show up with a growling stomach, either!), and brush your teeth so you can flash those pearly whites with confidence.
DON’T’s:
- Don’t make the mistake of going too casual. You’re far better off showing up over-dressed than underdressed. A casual look may suggest that you don’t take the interview very seriously, which may decrease your chances of getting the job.
- Don’t wear clothing that may create distraction. Anything tight, bright, short, or sheer should be avoided. Knee-length skirts and conservative blouses will ensure the focus is on what you have to say, not on your garment or your skin. Bright colors, animal prints and lace should be avoided. If it looks like it belongs in the bedroom, leave it there!
- Don’t feel like you have to wear all black. While neutral colored suits, dress pants and blazers are a good choice; don’t be afraid to add in an accent color. Choose a blouse in a hue that flatters your skin tone to make your look pop and show off your personality in a tasteful way.
- Don’t go heavy on the flash. Your job interview is not the time to go overboard with too much or overly gaudy statement jewelry. A good rule of thumb is earrings-only if you have multiple piercings, and one ring per hand at most. Clean, short, manicured nails (save the wild polish colors for elsewhere) will look best. Make sure hair is clean, styled conservatively and accessorized minimally. Makeup should be natural and not piled on. Depending on the job, you may want to cover visible tattoos if possible.
At the end of the day, your experience and skills should be the focus, so follow these guidelines and let your attire do nothing but boost your confidence and allow you to present your best self.
After all, self-confidence is the best outfit, so rock it and own it.
By Alison Truax
