After brainstorming every answer to every question, you think your interviewers could possibly ask you it then dawns on you that you have nothing to wear!
Well, you don’t know what would be best to wear… Obviously it depends what you’re applying for, but an interview tends to be smart. Double check the email you were sent with the interview date and time to see what it says if not, don’t be afraid to call the company who is interviewing you and ask!
A great example of how important it is to stick to the dress code was when I went to a group interview for a Summer job working with young people and the dress code was ‘casual’. I went in jeans and a hoody, along with most of the other candidates but there was one man there who didn’t get that memo. He was in, what appeared to be a very expensive tailored suit. Obviously, he thought that would make an impression – but part of the interview included playing ‘tag’ and another was painting a picture to tell everyone about yourself. Although that would have been great in some situations, it really wasn’t in that particular job interview.
So, it’s important to make sure you double check, or if you don’t know – ask!
Job interviews do tend to be smart, if you aren’t used to wearing business attire it can be difficult to get into the habit of doing so. One thing you should live by is this.
This is a philosophy I still take into work every day. It’s better to be over dressed than under dressed. Decide what you’re going to wear in advance and lay it out the night before. If you really don’t know ask friends or family for advice – they are bound to have gone to an interview themselves before.
There are some important things to remember – play it safe.
No Jeans
No Trainers
No T-Shirts
Nothing too revealing
Be comfortable!
The most important thing is to feel confident in what you have on, your employers will remember you for how you act and present yourself not on what brand of clothing you’re wearing…
What should girls wear to an interview?
Remember, if you are unsure it is better to be more smart than casual but it also isn’t a beauty pageant so don’t go with a full face of make-up; you don’t want to look like you do on a Friday night in a job interview. It’s better to go natural, how you’d tend to wear it in the workplace.
Hair
When it comes to hair, you want to look polished and smart, but you still want to be you - whatever you prefer that makes you feel comfortable.
Clothing
What to wear is an important part of the interview – you’re there to make an impression. Unless you’re auditioning to be a model you don’t need to wear the shortest skirt you own employers are looking for someone who represents their business.
Your interviewers will be focusing on what you’re saying and your body language more than what you wear, but that doesn’t mean they won’t notice. Dress modestly, but put your own style into it. If you like wearing a scarf, wear one, if you’d rather wear a dress match it with a smart blazer – do it. It is your own choice.
Shoes
Then finally your shoes – don’t put on stilettos because you want to look like a business woman in the movies, wear something sensible. Small heels or polished pumps are absolutely fine.
What should boys wear to an interview?
Dress code
When it comes to a business casual dress code stick to smart clothing for the interview, like a shirt and tie along with formal jacket and trousers with black or brown shoes. Play it safe! Dark colours are always good and cotton always wins over linen. This is due to the fact that linen creases really easily and it makes you look like you don’t know what an iron is!
Shoes
Shoes should be brown or black and polished and match them both with an appropriately coloured suit. So, black shoes, black suit, brown shoes, brown or blue suit.
Tie
Don’t go overboard on your tie choice, go for something with a dash of colour just so you can show a bit of personality but don’t go for garish patterns and designs. The tie should match the shirt and suit, no bold clashes that will require the interviewer to wear sunglasses!
Socks
Well socks, even though hidden most of the time if they are particularly loud in colour the interviewer will notice- so it’s best just to err on the side of caution on that one!
Good luck with your interview!
