There's only a first impression, so having the right outfit is the key to a successful job interview. If you look right, your employer will be impressed and more likely to see you as the best candidate. The attire you choose for an interview will communicate how precise, tidy and professional you are. If you want to dress to impress and get hired for your dream job, read on.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Maintain Your Hygiene
Step 1. Be as clean as possible
Bad hygiene can ruin even the best dress in the world. It is absolutely vital that you take the time to have a clean and fresh body before going through an interview, or your potential employer will think you are lazy and scruffy.
- Always take a shower on the day of the interview. Even if you are busy first, take the time to wash your hair and body just before the appointment. Not only will your skin be clean and fresh, but it will make you feel much better.
- Wash your hands right before the interview. Chances are that the first thing you will do when the interview starts is to shake someone's hand, so it's important that your hands are clean, scented, and not sticky or dirty.
Step 2. Scented in a pleasant and light way
Smelling good is part of good hygiene. It's important to hit your potential employer with your clean, fresh smell without it being too strong.
- Men should avoid overdoing cologne or aftershave. Just a few drops.
- Women can wear some perfume or scented cream, but they should avoid wearing something that smells too strong. Try not to wear perfume right before the interview, or it may be too strong.
- Start the interview with fresh breath. Avoid sucking on a peppermint or chewing gum during the interview.
Method 2 of 5: Take Care of Your Appearance
Step 1. Pay attention to your hair
It is important to show up with clean and tidy hair in order to look precise. Your hair should be dry and you should avoid excessive use of hair products.
- Cut your hair. If your hair is too long or messy, you may look sketchy or unprofessional. Men should shave off all facial hair.
- Use an inconspicuous hairstyle. Men should avoid wearing straight hair or using gel to create bizarre hairstyles, and women should avoid flashy tongs or other accessories and wear their hair down.
- Before your interview, check that you don't have dandruff on your shoulders, especially if you are wearing a dark suit.
Step 2. Carefully clean your nails
Your employers will notice your hands as soon as you shake their hand, so you should always have presentable nails. The way you care for your nails can let your employer know if you pay attention to details.
- Check under your nails for dirt.
- Women should get a manicure. You can use clear nail polish or light pink, and avoid too bright colors.
- Men should trim their nails so that they are round and even.
Method 3 of 5: Dress Appropriately for the Work Culture
Step 1. Dress for a professional environment
If you are interviewing for a position in a professional setting, such as a business, finance, or traditional office job, it is important to look professional. If you show up dressed too casually, you will be out of place and give the impression that you are inaccurate and not following the directions of the company. Here are some tips:
- For men: dark suits, long-sleeved shirts, formal shoes and a briefcase.
- For women: a dress, a dress with skirt and tights, and inconspicuous shoes.
- Learn about the company's dress code and dress even more elegantly. It is better to look too elegant than too informal.
- If you are not sure how to dress, ask the person who is arranging the interview.
Step 2. Dress for an informal professional setting
In an informal professional environment you will have to dress with an elegance that is somewhere between a professional and an informal environment, and it is important to know what types of work this clothing requires. These are typically jobs that require special equipment or are "dirty". Work in the laboratory, on the construction site or in gardening is included. Here are some tips on how to dress in an informal work environment:
- For men, cotton or khaki trousers and long-sleeved cotton shirts or sweaters.
- For women, corduroy trousers, khakis or skirts, sweaters and cardigans.
- If you are not sure what kind of clothing your workplace requires, choose professional clothing.
Step 3. Dress for a casual setting
Some workplaces, for example a company that has just started, have a completely informal dress code. You can check the type of environment by inquiring about the company, or by visiting the company's website. If you wear a suit to an interview with a casual company, you will appear too framed and precise to be hired. Here are some tips:
- For men, a clean, simple pair of khakis and a short-sleeved shirt.
- For women, a nice top and a simple skirt.
- Even if the dress code of the company is casual, you can choose attire for a casual work environment so as not to seem too relaxed about the interview.
Method 4 of 5: For Men
Step 1. Choose the right clothing at the top
To make the right impression, men should have a clean, simple and well-ironed jacket or shirt. Having a jacket or shirt that falls well over your shoulders, is the right length, and has no creases or wrinkles is the secret to success.
- For a professional environment, wear a solid colored jacket, long-sleeved shirt and a matching tie. Avoid wearing a tie that is too flashy or funny and choose a simple color and pattern.
- For a casual work environment, try a well-ironed khaki shirt, sweater or short-sleeved shirt. Your tie should still look professional, but you can choose a more fun color or pattern.
- For a casual setting, a cotton shirt that fits you well will do, but don't wear your favorite shirt.
- Avoid necklaces and jewelry in all environments. They will make you look too flashy.
Step 2. Wear the right pants
The right kind of pants can go a long way in showing that you are a competent worker. Here are some tips:
- For a professional setting or an informal professional one, your pants should be paired with your sweater or jacket.
- Make sure your pants are well ironed and are the right length and width. Your ankles shouldn't show under your pants.
- Avoid wearing jeans, even if you're dressing for a casual setting. You can wear jeans when you are hired.
- Avoid shorts at all costs. You would look like you were on vacation and not at a job interview.
Step 3. Choose the perfect shoes
Your employer will notice your feet and the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. Here are some tips:
- Wear shiny, clean, and preferably new shoes.
- Make sure the shoes match well with the rest of the dress.
- For a professional environment, wear uniformly colored shoes, preferably black. Leather shoes are the safest choice.
- Wear culture-appropriate shoes. You can wear more casual shoes if the environment allows, but always avoid wearing flip flops.
- Wear inconspicuous socks. Your socks should be uniform in color and preferably dark. They should be high enough to cover the ankles.
Step 4. Choose the right accessories
For men, accessories should be kept to a minimum. But the right accessories can add a nice touch to an outfit. Here are some tips:
- Wear a nice gold or silver watch. Make sure it's tasteful and not too flashy.
- A solid color leather belt with a silver buckle will bring your outfit together. Always wear a belt.
- A briefcase. Even if you don't need a briefcase, carrying it will show that you are ready to work. You can avoid them for a more informal interview, especially if you're looking to get hired for a position that doesn't require the use of a briefcase.
Method 5 of 5: For Women
Step 1. Care for the appearance of the face
Your face will be the first thing your potential employer notices, so you should look professional, approachable and fresh. Here are some tips for having a fresh face:
- Wear cute, inconspicuous eye makeup. Wear dark eyeliner, understated eye contour, and black mascara to show your employer that you care about your appearance.
- Wear a sober tone of lipstick.
- Avoid wearing too much makeup. Wear enough makeup to make a nice impression, but avoid hot pink lipstick, too much foundation or a bright green eye contour. You have to look like you are going to work, not going to the club.
Step 2. Wear the right clothing at the top
Top clothing is an important part of your outfit. Don't overlook the effect these garments can have on your intake. Here are some tips for looking right above the waist:
- For a professional setting, wear a matching jacket or blouse. Choose black and blue.
- For a casual work environment, wear a nice sweater or cardigan.
- Don't wear a neckline. Unless you're interviewing for a position where your physical appearance matters, minimize your cleavage. Your employer would be too busy looking at your breasts to hear what you have to say, and you will look silly and cheesy.
- Do not wear transparent shirts. Your potential employers aren't interested in taking a look at your belly button, bra, or chest. The straps of your bra should also be covered in every situation.
Step 3. Put on the perfect skirt or pants
Choose clothing that matches your top and is clean, ironed and tasteful. Here are some tips:
- For a professional setting, wear suit pants or a skirt.
- For a casual setting, a cotton or khaki skirt will be acceptable.
- Regardless of the material of your skirt, it should be long enough to cover you up and make you sit comfortably. Avoid awkwardly pulling down your skirt during the interview.
- Wear flesh-colored tights. Avoid fishnet stockings or trendy or brightly colored stockings. They are in bad taste. Keep in mind that tights can tear easily, so carry another pair in your bag. Nothing will distract your employer more than a hole in your socks.
Step 4. Choose the perfect shoes
The right shoes can complement your outfit. Your employer will notice your feet when you sit down, so it's important to look right.
- Wear a pair of uniformly colored shoes, preferably black.
- Avoid showing your toes.
- Wear reasonably high heels. Do not wear wedges or stiletto heels. Make sure you know how to wear them before starting the interview. Check that your heels are not worn and not dirty.
Step 5. Wear the right accessories
While you should avoid carrying too many accessories, the right ones can catch your employer's eye and can complement your outfit. Here are some tips:
- Wear sober and tasteful jewelry. A silver necklace, ring or bracelet can give you a classy look. Avoid wearing too much jewelry or you will look weighted or look too trendy. Do not wear more than one ring or bracelet.
- Avoid showing too many piercings. Even if you have eight pierced ears, wear only one pair of earrings. Remove the nose piercing if you have one.
- Bring a simple briefcase. Show that you are ready for work even if you don't need the briefcase that day.
- For a more informal setting, a nice, uniformly colored bag will do.
Advice
- Learn about the styles and fashions in vogue at the moment. Things like the width of the lapels or the cut of the dress can vary according to the season. Take note of what professionals in your industry are wearing.
- Turn off your mobile phone before starting a job interview.
- Don't bring anything with you to an interview, such as a bottle of water or a cup of coffee. You would look too comfortable.
- Also dress up for a Skype interview. Even if it is not requested by your interlocutor, he will be impressed by your professional appearance. Even if he won't be able to see your pants, take care of your choice anyway, to feel more formal.
- Dress professionally for a phone interview as well. You will take the interview more seriously.
