You can only make a first impression once. That’s why how we present ourselves at a job interview is so important. Although our competence and experience mainly determine whether we get a job, it’s worth taking a longer moment to choose the right styling.
At a job interview, we should be dressed up, not dressed down. If we feel bad in a particular style, recruiters will immediately notice our unnatural behavior. Sometimes it’s worth giving up an uncomfortable smart suit in favor of an equally formal but better-fitting outfit.
At a recruitment interview there is no such thing as too formal a dress code. Sometimes it is better to come to a meeting at a place where there is no elegant dress code in a suit than in a short-sleeved shirt and sneakers. Elegant attire will make us be perceived more seriously and nonverbally demonstrate to recruiters that you care about the position.
Our attire for an interview should be appropriate to the position we are applying for. If we care about getting a job in a managerial position, we should present ourselves appropriately. For this occasion, it is worth betting on a suit sewn from high-quality wool and elegant shoes. The rule of wearing a black suit and white shirt applies only during evening meetings. For a job interview, you can safely put on something in less obvious (but still subdued) colors, such as gray or navy blue.
An outfit for a job interview conducted in the full summer sun will differ from styling for a cold winter day. However, in both cases a classic jacket sewn from a natural fabric will work well. In summer it is worth betting on linen or cotton, and in winter on tweed and wool.
Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly common to conduct a job interview remotely. Of course, appropriate attire is also mandatory for this occasion, although you can afford to be more casual. If you are applying for a job where there is no official dress code, you can dispense with a tie and shirt in favor of an elegant sweater. However, when official dress is required of us in a position, we cannot make concessions. Even during a remote job interview, we should put on a shirt, tie and suit.
There are some tricks to make a better impression during a job interview. One of them is to wear a blue shirt – this color inspires confidence and we will be seen as conscientious and professional.
If you decide to wear a tie to a job interview remember that it should be a darker color than your shirt. However, avoid colors that are too striking, such as red, green or cobalt. Such a sharp play of intense colors with the white of the shirt can distract recruiters.
main photo: unsplash.com/Sebastian Herrmann
