In a world where workplaces are constantly evolving, it’s hard to find a constant in the search for a career. One thing, however, is tried and true: interviews. Interviews can take many different forms from one-on-one to group to over video call. Once you’ve confirmed with the interviewer and your résumé is in order, it’s time to think about what to wear. Dressing for interviews is nuanced and can be stressful, so it is important to do your research to make the perfect first impression. Her Campus was lucky enough to speak with a legal professional for advice from her decades of experience being on both sides of the interview table.
Here are a few of her tips for how to dress for success at your next interview.
1. Every industry is different.
Dress for the job you want. There is always variance in what a certain company would expect, but some business attire is normal across the board. Check the website and social media of the company you are interviewing for to get insight on how current employees dress. While each position may require a different day-to-day dress, always put your best foot forward by dressing professionally to make a strong first impression.
2. Become familiar with any dress codes or policies.
While the taboo on tattoos and piercings has lessened over the last few years, there may still be some restrictions in certain fields. Do some research on what is and isn’t allowed for the position you are applying for. It is possible it may be necessary to remove piercings, use cover-up on tattoos, or make a decision about any brightly colored hair you may have.
3. Wear something you are comfortable in.
Interviews are stressful enough without worrying about if your clothes are sitting right. Clothes that are too tight are uncomfortable, but clothes that are too big are a distraction. Make sure that you feel secure about what you are wearing, so you can focus your attention on the interview itself and feel confident. A helpful tip is to have a spare pair of flats in a purse or bag to keep your feet from getting sore before the interview begins.
4. Always keep a few essential professional clothing pieces in your closet.
Whether for an interview or for an outfit when you land the position, it would be wise to have a handful of go-to pieces available for your rotation. A couple of pencil skirts (black, gray, or navy), a pair of slacks, a pantsuit, and solid, neutral toned blouses or dress shirts are great for building a professional closet. The perfect interview outfit lies in a combination of those conservative, appropriate pieces. Before heading out to your interview, be sure that your clothes are clean, hemmed, and pressed for the cleanest looking presentation. Remember that generally anything that you would wear to the club or to a cocktail party will not transfer over to a professional setting. It is important to wear what looks good on you, but if you have to question if it is business appropriate, then it may be best to try on something else.
5. Hands and feet are more important than you might think.
A person’s hands tell a lot about them and do not go unnoticed. Prep your hands for how you want them to represent you; clean, cut, and especially modestly manicured hands tell your interviewers that you are put together and pay attention to details. The same goes for choice of footwear. The shoes you choose should be a happy medium between too high and a frumpy flat. Never open toe! Walk into the room with confidence and in the right pair of shoes to get your foot in the door (literally).
6. Pay attention to detail when preparing.
Take the time to go over the smaller parts of your outfit when heading into an interview. Personal hygiene and grooming are huge so give them a lot of attention in preparation for the interview. Your hair should be clean and well kept. If it’s not up in a ponytail or bun, clip it back so that it is not in your face and distracting to you or the interviewer. If you choose to wear pantyhose, find ones that best match your skintone and blend seamlessly with your legs for a crisp, clean appearance. The best makeup looks are those that are simple, understated and neutral to keep focus on what is most important: the actual interview process. When it comes to perfume, less is more. Jewelry should be kept to a classy minimum with nothing too flashy or gaudy. And, of course, follow Coco Chanel’s timeless rule: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.”
Do your research, be confident, and let your personality shine through. You’ll be dressed for success and ready to take on anything one interview at a time!
Courtesy: Courtney Wirth