When preparing for any interview, we want to make the best impression possible. As much as our experience and charisma may help sell our pitch to the interviewer, it’s important that we feel confident in all aspects of ourselves, outfit included! Aside from dressing professionally, there are a few things that can help an interview go more smoothly. Here are a few outfit tips that I like to use for presentations, meetings and interviews.
- Eliminate Anything You Might be Tempted to Fidget With
-
When interviewing, you want all the attention to be on your accomplishments, your skills and the reasons why you would be great for that specific opportunity. If you know you are prone to fidget, try to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Personally, I tend to play with my hair in my day to day life, so when I know I am going to be in an important situation, I pull my hair back from my face and out of my reach.
This logic also applies to other items such as rings, bracelets, tassels on shirts, large buttons or anything else that you might find yourself twirling, pinching or playing with, so try to avoid them. The end goal is to present yourself as calm, collected and confident!
- Draw Attention to Your Face
-
Another thing to keep in mind when interviewing is where you want the attention to fall. Wearing jewelry that brings attention to the face rather than away from it can be a small change that makes a surprising difference. In addition to the previous nervous habits, bracelets and rings can draw attention away from your face while you’re explaining something. Try instead to wear a tasteful necklace that draws the eye up towards your face.
This strategy can apply to other items including nails and shoes. Getting rid of little distractions from your outfit can help keep the attention on you only.
- Make Sure There Are No Stray Tags
-
Before your interview, make sure your outfit is free of annoying, itchy tags that pose the risk of distracting you while you’re trying to tell the interviewer how incredible you are for the position. Don’t let something as simple as a small piece of fabric keep you from being on your A game!
Trying on the outfit you’re planning to wear before the interview gives you plenty of opportunities to ensure that there won’t be any surprises on the day of. At the end of the day, the focus of the interview should be on you and your abilities. These tips are meant to help keep the attention where it should be, on you, and help you feel your most confident! Go out there and ace that interview!