Job interviews are challenging. Most people get stressed and anxious whenever they appear at interviews and many feel at complete loss about how to act, what to do and what to wear. Like it or not, first impressions matter and your outfits make the very first impression. In the corporate world, first impressions can give you the upper hand in job interviews, which is why it’s imperative to know how to dress for interviews.
Here are few points you can keep in mind while dressing for job interviews.
A light shirt is the right shirt: There’s nothing wrong with a dark coloured shirt. In fact, if paired correctly with the rest of your outfit, dark coloured shirts can look quite good. But when it comes to job interviews, it is recommended that you leave your dark shirts and pick one with a lighter tone. This creates a contrast with your pants and shoes and help outline your tie. Checkered shirts, especially the ones with large and noticeable checkered patterns on them are not recommended. Your safest bet is a shirt with a solid colour and light tone.
Dark pants but no jeans: Jeans are not considered as formal outfit and therefore should be out of the question. Pick a pair of dark dress pants. Subtle pinstripes are okay too, in fact, if you can combine them with matching suit jackets, pinstripes look quite dashing. This is especially sharp looking for people who are a bit thin. Black and navy blue are the most formal looking. Try to avoid colours like burgundy. While they may look nice, not all interviewers will take kindly to those eye-catching colours.
To suit up or not to suit up: That is the question, isn’t it? And the answer is- it depends. Your safest bet is to suit up and make sure that your suit jacket matches with your dress pants. It sure helps if they are of the same set. But if it’s the middle of April and you get soaked with sweat for wearing a suit then you won’t look very presentable. But the good news is, most offices have air conditioning so wearing a suit won’t be as much of an issue as one might think. That being said, it’s possible that you might not have your suit jacket with you or you might not own one. In such circumstances, remember that it’s completely possible to pull off a sharp and formal look without a suit if you pick the right tie.
The proper tie: Skinny ties are not considered formal but for skinny people, thinner ties will surely look better than a thick one. Try to make sure your tie isn’t so skinny that it draws attention. Pick a tie that is either within the same colour group with your suit or pick one that creates a contrast with your shirt. Another point to keep in mind is that tie knot is also important. The Windsor knot is considered as the most formal knot but one might try the Balthus knot as well.
Limit the accessories: A wrist watch is a nice bit of accessory that can elevate your formal look. Analogue watches are still the go to fashion choice to combine with suits but a smart watch might be acceptable too if the watch-belt isn’t too flashy. Avoid pink, yellow or bright green coloured watch-belts. If you wear any bracelets, namely the ones made out of beads, you are better off leaving them at home. Earrings and similar fashion accessories are usually not well accepted in job interviews. Just remember this rule of thumb: if you are in doubt about an accessory, leave it at home.
A pair of formal shoes: Canvas soes, running shoes, tennis shoes and sneakers are not considered formal. Boots are debatable but should be avoided unless they are dress boots. Oxford shoes are the most formal. Derby shoes, blucher shoes or brogues are also a good pairing with suits for a formal look. As long as the colour combination matches with your dress pants, Moccasins and Loafers are also acceptable. Always remember to pick dark socks, preferably the ones that cover your ankles.
Of course, there are certain facts that goes without saying- get a haircut but not one that draws too much attention. Either clean shave or if you maintain a beard, attend to them and make them look clean and sharp. Get your outfit cleaned and pressed the night before the interview and go easy on the perfume.