HR Advice: Does The Colour Of What You Wear To A Job Interview Matter?

By Jane Gakaria,

So you’ve just been called for an interview, you carry all your required documents and prepare for what you’ll be asked. But as soon as you enter into the interview room, you realize your bright red outfit makes you stand out in a way you didn’t want to. Now you become self conscious, which distracts you and you can’t fully pay attention in your interview. So you lose out on the job and yet you were probably the best candidate!

This then brings us to the question, just how important is the colour of what you wear? And does it convey any hidden meaning? Well, I sought the help of Beth Wanjira, a Recruitment Manager with Corporate Staffing Services for more clarity and here’s what she had to say.

“Yes, the colour of what you wear is very important. What most people don’t realize is that colour also plays a big part in your first impression.” When you fail to impress by first glance then your chances of getting the job become slimmer.”

So what factors should someone consider when choosing colour?

She advices that, “There are 3 basic ones; the job type, the organization and the clientele of the organization.”

First of she says, “For the job type, the colour may depend on whether the job is a fun, light entertainment based type so someone can wear bright colours but when the job is serious such as a manager she advises to go dark.”

In regards to the organization, she advises potential employees to do thorough research on what the dress code could be. If possible, one could also visit them to see it firsthand, even try and chat to the receptionist or ‘askari’ to get a clue, so that on the day of the scheduled interview, they’ll be no surprises.”

Thirdly, one might be forced to not only dress in the right colours for the employer but also their clientele. “Employers want to know that by first glance your dress code is appropriate not only for them but should they send you out to meet their clientele, you’ll be a proper representation of them.”

So are there any rules in regards to colour?

Yes, she states that, “,One, keep it simple. “If you consider yourself a ‘fashionista’, don’t try to be one on the day of the interview. If you really need that ‘pop of colour’ then wear something small and subtle like a bright bracelet or watch.”

Two, if you only have bright clothes in your closet, then try to colour coordinate them with something dark so as to neutralize the effect.

Thirdly, choose solids over patterns. Solid colours tend to look professional without distracting. “If you have to go for a pattern, select a small one like thin pinstripes that look like a solid colour from across the room.”

Lastly choose neutrals over brights. You can never go wrong with neutrals – such as navy, gray, black, and brown – as they are the best colours for interviews. Though she says she isn’t against adding some colour to a neutral outfit so that it doesn’t look too dull, for example a woman wearing a bright pink top under a grey suit can subtly soften her look.

In conclusion, as you prepare to go out on interviews don’t be in such a rush with the major details that you forget minor ones. Know that something even as small as colour could very well mean the difference between getting a job and remaining unemployed.

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