Job Interview Dress Code

Job Interview Dress Code

First impressions can largely be attributed to visual appearances and it seldom takes a person more than a few seconds to form the quintessential first opinion about another person. Unfortunately, while it does not take too long for a person to sum you up, these impressions can impact every interaction that an individual chooses to have with you.

If you thought that the first impression was important in a relationship, think about its ramifications on a job interview. Needless to say, the way you look can make or break your chances of getting a job in the organization of your choice. So, if you cannot afford to miss out on the opportunity of getting hired by a company that you dreamed of working with, here are some job interview dress code tips.

Job Interview Dress Code: Generic Tips

An impeccable fit is the key to making your clothes look good, even if you are fond of dressing up in looser than loose denims a la your favorite rapper, it would be best to restrict them to personal events. When headed to an interview, both men and women should ensure that their clothes are neither too tight nor too loose.

Crumpled clothes that look like you have slept in them reek of a lack of professionalism and are a dead giveaway that you do not care enough. So, whether it's your shirt that has to be worn inside the jacket or any other part of your attire, you will need to ensure that all your garments are neatly pressed.

Polish your shoes and use a fresh pair of socks if possible

Take some breath mints along

Limit your usage of perfumes, colognes and scented deodorants as many people are allergic to strong perfumes. Ideally, you should choose non scented deodorants

Remove all facial jewelry including ear studs for men. Ladies should ensure that their jewelry is very sober and modest. Just remember that less is more in this case.

Job Interview Dress Code: Tips for men

Suits are the best choice for men when it comes to job interview dressing. You should only choose solid colors such as navy or dark grey. If confused, go with the safer choice of a black suit, which simply cannot go wrong. While wearing a brown suit is always an option, there are too many shades that can often prove confusing. Also, there is some amount of ambiguity regarding the usage of brown for formal events. So, unless you have a very dark brown suit, bordering on black, stay away from the color.

Couple the suit with a light colored shirt that matches. White is of course the most suitable choice but you could also choose a light blue with a navy suit. Try not to go with darker colors that attract attention. The shirt should be long sleeved with the cuffs peeking out of the coat arms. If you normally use cuff links, ensure that you choose a pair in muted metallic colors, preferably antique silver, so that the cuff links do not stand out.

Choosing the tie can be somewhat tedious; when unsure, go with the simplest patterns with the least number of colors in it. If you are wearing a black suit, things should be simpler as almost anything looks great against a white shirt.

Do not forget to wear a belt in black or brown, as suitable, with your formal attire.

Job Interview Dress Code: Tips for women

Pant or skirt suits work well for an interview; the trick lies in choosing the right colors and fit of the attire, these are crucial factors of the job interview dress code. The color rules do not change for women either who should also stick with blue, black, gray and brown. Make sure that your skirt is long enough and fits perfectly, so that you can sit comfortably in it. A hemline that touches the knees is just right for an interview.

Combine the suit with a matching blouse in light colors but stay away from pink. Colors like cream, light blue, white, beige, lavender, and such look fabulous while being conservative. It is recommended that you be very careful with the neckline of your blouse. If unsure, stick with the most modest blouse in your wardrobe which certainly be less eye catching than a plunging neckline.

Always remember to use pantyhose with your formal attire and stick to nudes or black, never experiment with fishnets or any other colors or patterns.

Job Interview Dress Code: The Accessories

For women: Your shoes should be sensible, yet elegant, it is best to not go overboard with the heels. Anything between 1-2 inches will not only make you look tall but will also be comfortable; after all, you simply do not want to teeter into the interview room.

The rule for jewelry is to keep it simple and minimal. The same also holds true for makeup. Accessorize your outfit with small stud earring, a single strand pearl necklace and a thin bracelet (if need be) and one ring is far as you should go.

Use makeup sparingly with a dash of eyeliner, nude or earth tone lip colors and just a hint of blusher. It is very easy to overuse eye shadows and mascara which should be avoided.

If you wear your hair long, go with a French bun which is classic and looks formal; if you wear them short, make sure that they are neatly tucked behind with pins if needed, so that you do not have to constantly fidget with them.

For men: Use leather shoes in brown or black, polished to perfection to complete your attire as per the job interview dress code. As a thumb rule, you should not wear any jewelry except for your wedding band.

Job Interview Dress Code: The mistakes to avoid

Flashy colors
Very high heels
Plunging necklines
Running shoes
White socks

It's easy to ensure that your attire conforms to the job interview dress code if you remember to go with conservative clothes instead of exciting and adventurous. The slim fit trousers for men and the short skirts for women have no place in a corporate board room, so it would be best to reserve them for a night out on the town.

Now that you understand the job interview dress code, take a look at our list of common interview questions with suggested answers by clicking here.

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