Getting dressed for a job interview on a hot, humid day comes with some challenges. You would like to feel fresh as a rose and comfortable while still looking professional and flawless. You only have one chance to make a good impression, and dressing appropriately is a great way. This means that on this occasion you have to give top priority to your professional image, rather than comfort.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Preparing the Outfit
Step 1. Ask the hiring manager about the dress code rules
You will have to choose clothing based on the culture of the company for which you are interviewing. Call him or send him an e-mail to confirm the interview and take the opportunity to find out about the dress code.
Take a look at the dress code required in your industry, but if you're in doubt, opt for more formal attire
Step 2. Wash and iron clothing before the interview
Make sure they are not stained, unstitched and creased, so as not to have a sloppy look.
Step 3. Try on your outfit
Prepare your clothes the day before the interview and put them on to see if you feel comfortable.
Part 2 of 6: Women's Formal Wear
Step 1. Choose a light fabric suit, such as cotton or wool
If you choose wool, the semi-lined jacket will help keep you cooler. Semi-lined jackets have lining at the top of the shoulder, in the sleeves and along the hips, but not at the bottom of the shoulder.
- Choose a blue, gray or lighter colored suit. Avoid black, which is usually bleak.
- Try to avoid linen which tends to crease very quickly, making your look rather sloppy.
- If the suit has a skirt, make sure it's not too short to avoid showing your legs too much when you sit down.
Step 2. Choose a dress
Women also have the option of wearing a dress instead of a business suit. It can only be sleeveless if you decide to wear a jacket. Clothes that are too short and with flashy patterns are banned.
Step 3. Choose a shirt for your business suit
A silk or viscose shirt could be an excellent choice. Even a white cotton one gives you a fresh and bright look.
- Don't choose a sleeveless shirt. Tank tops aren't a good idea for a job interview, and even sleeveless blouses might be objectionable to some people. If you wear a shirt with very short sleeves or a cap, make sure that the bra straps do not come out.
- Make sure it's understated and not too low-cut
Step 4. Wear a suit jacket with your dress to complete your look
- You could also put a nice belt around your waist. However, this may limit your freedom to take off your jacket on your way to the job interview.
- Remember that in the office where the interview will be held, the air conditioning will most likely be on and the environment may even be cold, so you will feel more comfortable with the jacket.
Step 5. Put on the absorbent tabs to protect your clothes from stains and the bad smell of sweat
Step 6. Leave the elegant scarf in your home
During the rest of the year you could combine a silk scarf with your outfit, but in the summer this accessory would only serve to increase the feeling of warmth.
Step 7. Put on the tights
While it is tempting to go out with your legs bare to feel fresher, remember that you would take on an unprofessional look, especially in a work environment.
Wear tights that come as close to your skin tone as possible
Step 8. Wear discreet jewelry so as not to attract attention
If they keep tinkling, your interviewer may be focusing on them instead of answering his questions.
If yours is a somewhat creative sector of work, you can opt for more sophisticated jewelry, but if not, move with caution
Step 9. Put on your pumps and avoid sandals
Choose flats or heels (low or medium) in a neutral color that matches your outfit.
- If the work environment is truly casual, you could wear sandals, but not slippers. Find out about the dress code.
- If you are interviewing in a place like a construction site or hospital that requires the use of safety shoes, make sure your shoes are appropriate for the location.
- Even if you wear tights, your feet may slip in your shoes in hot weather. Buy adhesive insoles to help make your foot more stable.
Step 10. Polish your shoes before the interview to remove any scratches
Use a polish of the same color and follow the instructions on the product.
Part 3 of 6: Male Formal Wear
Step 1. Choose a dress made of light fabric, such as cotton or wool
If you choose a wool suit, the semi-lined jacket will help keep you cooler. Semi-lined jackets have lining at the top of the shoulder, in the sleeves and along the hips, but not at the bottom of the shoulder.
- Choose a suit of blue, gray, or a lighter color. Avoid black which is usually dreary.
- Try to avoid linen which tends to crease very quickly, giving you a rather sloppy look.
- Remember that in the office where the interview will be held, the air conditioning will most likely be on and the environment may even be cold, so you will feel more comfortable with the jacket.
Step 2. Choose trousers that fit you perfectly and that match the suit jacket
Step 3. Choose a light colored long sleeve shirt (white, blue, light gray)
A cotton shirt is always bright and fresh. In general, it is best to choose a single-colored or striped one that is neither too wide nor too narrow.
- Short-sleeved shirts, although cooler, are not recommended.
- Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics. Cotton and tropical wool are great choices. Go for poplin, crinkled fabric or cool wool.
Step 4. Put on the absorbent tabs to protect your clothes from stains and the bad smell of sweat
Remember that in the office where the interview will be held, the air conditioning will most likely be on and the environment may even be cold, so you will feel more comfortable with the jacket
Step 5. Wear a silk tie that matches your suit
Don't choose one that is too brightly colored. Even a red tie would seem excessive.
If you decide not to use a tie, you should wear a shirt with a collar and leave only the first button open
Step 6. Put on the socks
You may be tempted to go out without socks to feel fresher, but then you won't be taking on a very professional look.
Choose a neutral color and avoid patterned socks
Step 7. Put on a pair of classic brown or black shoes
- If the work environment is truly casual, you could wear sandals, but not slippers. Find out about the dress code.
- If you have to take the interview in a place such as a construction site or a hospital, which require the use of safety shoes, make sure that the shoes are suitable for the location.
Step 8. Polish your shoes before the interview to remove any scratches
Use a polish of the same color and follow the instructions on the product.
Part 4 of 6: Care of the Physical Appearance of Women
Step 1. Use light makeup
This is not the right time to try Cleopatra-style eyeliner or too bright lipsticks. Choose dark blue or brown eyeliner and matching eyeshadow. Apply a light shade of red or soft pink lipstick to your lips.
The makeup may melt or smudge from sweat. Get ready to touch it up when you arrive at your destination
Step 2. Take care of your hair
Short hair should be cut no more than a week before the interview. Long ones don't need a lot of care, unless they're worn out or have split ends.
Step 3. Keep long hair away from your face and neck
Choose a simple and fresh hairstyle to prevent the strands of hair from sticking to the face and neck due to sweat.
Step 4. Don't overdo the perfume
When your body temperature rises and you start sweating, its smell may become more intense. A light splash on the wrists and behind the ears is more than enough.
Step 5. Trim your nails and use the file to make them tidy
You don't need to get a manicure, although this may be a special treat in preparation for the job interview.
Step 6. Use a neutral or delicate color nail polish and avoid bright colors or patterns
Part 5 of 6: Care of the Physical Appearance of Men
Step 1. Unshave and if you have a beard or mustache, try to trim it for a neat and tidy look
Step 2. Take care of your hair
The short ones should be cut no more than a week before the interview. Long ones don't need to be trimmed unless they are frayed or have split ends.
Step 3. Keep long hair away from your face and neck
Collect them in a ponytail to prevent the strands of hair from sticking to the face and neck due to sweat.
Step 4. Don't overdo the cologne
As your body temperature rises and you start sweating, its smell may become more intense. A light splash on the face will be more than enough.
Step 5. Trim your nails and file them to be neat
Part 6 of 6: Going to the Job Interview
Step 1. Bring what you need to make up for the sweat when you get to the interview
Prepare a few items like pocket deodorant, wet wipes, a small jar of talcum powder, and a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off your forehead. Also get a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Step 2. Carry a briefcase or folder with you
Leave the bulky bag at home along with the backpack and trolley. Complete your look with a professional-looking briefcase or bag in a neutral color.
Step 3. Take off your suit jacket while traveling, so as not to get too hot
Hang it on a hook to keep it from creasing
Step 4. Don't wear a hat as it may ruin your hair and make you sweat more
While it is okay to wear a hat when out in the sun, it is not particularly suitable for this occasion.
Step 5. Take a taxi if you need to use public transport
This way you will avoid waiting in the sun for the bus to arrive.
Even if you have to walk a few blocks, you should consider hailing a taxi
Step 6. Get to the interview early
If you run to get there on time, you will probably be even more agitated and sweaty.
Step 7. Find a bathroom and take a look at your appearance
Give yourself a few minutes to cool off. This is also a good time to take a few deep breaths and to make sure you look calm and in control.
- Put your hands under running water to lower your body temperature and to free your hands from sweat.
- Dab sweat with wipes and apply talcum powder on sweaty areas.
- Put on the deodorant, being careful not to stain your clothes.
- Touch up your make-up and hair. Remove any smudges and apply lipstick. Fix your fluttering hair.
Step 8. Take off your sunglasses
If you decide to wear glasses while you are outdoors, remember to remove them and put them in your briefcase or bag before starting the interview.
