Interview Tips: What To Wear To A Job Interview

“First impressions matter. Experts say we size up new people in somewhere between 30 seconds and two minutes,” said Elliott Abrams, an American diplomat, and lawyer.

We couldn’t agree more.

The fear of not crushing your upcoming interview can be stressful and exhausting. And to add, the interviewer not liking you in the mix can make us extremely anxious. Preparation after preparation and yet our nervousness never seems to subside, especially when you are a fresher who’s about to face his/her first real job interview.

So, let’s lessen the load by at least selecting your interview outfits.

What is appropriate to wear to a job interview.

First and foremost, do a little research on the company dress code by checking their images on their website or social media profiles. You could also directly ask the interviewer or even ask anyone who knows someone who works in the company you are about to be interviewed for.

Formal clothes for job interviews

Unless the person who has contacted you for the job tells you the dress code for interview, always assume that it is formal. And by formal, we mean suits.

Suits are the most professional and formal outfits for both job seekers and office workers.

For a formal dress code, pick something conventional. Avoid wearing bright or neon-colored attires. Choose neutral or dark-toned suits. Ensure that they fit perfectly, not too tight and not too loose either. You want to make an impression but not an impression that will coin nicknames like ‘the lady in the bright pink blouse’ or ‘the man with the tight pants’.

For men:

A neatly pressed and well-fitted suit in a dark or neutral tone is the most fitted interview clothers in a job interview.
Ensure that your necktie is not overly decorated with prints such as cartoon characters. Keep it low key.
Match the color of your smart shoes with your belt. Do not wear suits with sneakers. Go for smart Oxford shoes or any other smart shoes, preferably black and polished.
When it comes to your shirt, white is always a good choice with suits. Do not go with bright colors like pink or green.
When it comes to accessories, a watch will do. Pocket squares or cufflinks will only make you look pretentious.

For women:

If you plan on wearing a dress instead of a suit, make sure that it is graceful in a solid color, preferably dark.
When it comes to accessories, don’t go for bright or big ones. A watch and a pair of modest earrings will do just fine.
Do not wear overly high heels. Avoid flats if possible. Kitten heels in a solid and neutral color will make you look refined.
By no means wear a blouse that shows your cleavage. It is just unprofessional and distasteful.

Business casuals

Business casuals are outfits that come somewhere between suits and jeans or t-shirts. If the interviewer tells you that the Job interview dress code is business casual, it’s possible that they understand that not everyone can afford suits and that they want you to be comfortable, which is a good sign.

Tips to remember when choosing business casual interview outfits.

For women

Don a blouse, button-down shirt, kurta, or salwar kameez in a neutral tone with a simple pattern or in solid color.
Do not show your cleavage. Make sure that it fits you perfectly and is neatly pressed. Avoid bright colors. If the weather outside is cold, you could wear a jacket or cardigan. But make sure that the colors of your top and cardigan do not contrast.
Well-pressed dress pants or pencil skirts that reach your knees or below, in dark tones will make you look sophisticated. Again, color-coordinated with your tops. Black and navy blue are good combinations.
For shoes, wear something comfortable yet smart at the same time. Kitten heels will do the trick.
Don’t overdo your accessories. Avoid shiny, colorful, and big jewelry. Keep it simple and professional.

For Men

Go for a neatly pressed collared shirt with long sleeves. You could never go wrong with white when it comes to button-down shirts. It makes you look fresh and sleek. Tuck in your shirt into your pants. If it gets chilly, go for a dark-toned blazer or jacket.
When it comes to business casuals, khakis and cotton pants are perfect. Ensure that they are well-pressed.
For shoes, go for dark or neutral-toned loafers and match your mid-calf length socks.
For men, when it comes to accessories, a simple wristwatch is perfect.

Now that you know what you’ll be wearing to your upcoming interview, try them on a night before the big day, press them well, and hang them up so as not to crease them again.

Make sure that your nails, hair, and makeup are neat.