Have you finally landed an interview for your dream job, but don't know what to wear? Unless it's a fashion job, you won't be hired just because you dress well. The important thing is to be blatantly in tune with your employer's aesthetic expectations, so that he can focus on what you say and who you are.
Steps
Step 1. Be formal (no matter what the work dress code is)
The only exception must be made if employers have asked you to dress in a certain way, perhaps to preserve your safety (for example, in factory jobs). For many interviews, the most appropriate clothing is a suit. A blue dress is usually the best option and gives you the choice of a wide variety of shirts and ties. Light or dark gray is among the more traditional choices. A three-button suit looks good on everyone, while a two-button suit gives it a more slender look.
Step 2. Choose a blue or white shirt
You don't want to look tacky in a brightly colored shirt! And remember that striped shirts are also less formal. A normal collar is generally better than a too stiff collar. Choose a medium one (if you have a particularly wide neck, a wider collar will work best).
Step 3. Wear a traditional dark colored tie (never pink)
They work well in plain colors, with diagonal stripes or with small motifs. A red tie will make you look like a friendly politician, a blue tie will make you look like a serious police officer. But both styles are acceptable.
Step 4. Wear the belt or suspenders, but never together
It is redundant. If you wear suspenders, hide the buttons inside the trousers: wear suspenders with buttons, and not the cheaper ones with hooks. They will make you look uncared for.
Step 5. Show off your shoes
A pair of black dress shoes is the best choice. Look for a pair with a not too obvious sole, so they won't look like boots.
Step 6. Put on plain colored ribbed socks in black or gray
Make sure they are long enough to cover your leg when you sit down.
Advice
- If you're lucky enough to have another interview, you can also just change your shirt and tie - it'll look like you've completely changed your style, even if you haven't worn a new suit.
- Instead of carrying a backpack or losing papers, carry a folder with at least one copy of your CV.
- Make sure your shirt sleeves are long enough to fit inside the jacket. Fix the crease right before the interview: unbutton the zipper and tuck the front flaps of the shirt inside. Make sure you line up the shirt vent with the belt buckle and trouser flap.
- A good watch improves your style. You don't have to spend a fortune on a Tag Heuer. Fossil and Timex are fine equally, and almost anyone can afford them.
- While it doesn't make sense to wear another layer of clothing, wearing a tank top will keep sweat marks off your shirt, showing everyone how nervous you are. The good thing is that the white shirt will look even whiter with a tank top underneath. Choose a white one with short sleeves instead of a sporty one.
- Wear an unscented deodorant and avoid cologne.
Warnings
- Make sure you are clean and tidy, otherwise they will look for someone who is.
- Don't wear a watch that makes noise and apply "silent" mode to your mobile phone.
- Your clothes need to be clean and ironed. If you never do it, at least do it for this interview!
- Make sure the shoes are shiny and the heels are not worn. If they do, you can always have them repaired by the shoemaker.
- Some shoes can make slips easier - ending up on your potential employer is certainly not what you want. Look for shoes that have rubber inserts.
- Some of the technical organizations you may need to interview have a custom of "we don't hire people in smart suits." Check ahead and ask the HR manager.
