How To Dress Right For That Interview

The way you present yourself has a profound impact on your career.

Aspire to make a favorable dress impression during your interview with these tips:

For men

• Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position you are applying. It is rarely appropriate to dress down for an interview, regardless of the company’s dress code policy.
• You should wear a suit to interviews. This means the all-time classic of matching jacket and trousers, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes. A dark-colored suit with a light colored shirt is your best option. Your suit should be a comfortable fit so that you look and act your best.
• Avoid loud colors and flashy ties.
• Your clothing should be neat, clean, and pressed. If you don’t have an iron box, buy or borrow one!
• Make sure you have fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and don’t eat before the interview. If you’re a smoker, don’t smoke right before an interview. Shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant. Don’t wear cologne or aftershave. You don’t want to smell overpowering or worse, cause an allergic reaction.

It’s much better to be too dressed up than too casual. A good rule of thumb is to dress like your boss. Shoes should be well-polished and in good condition, not scuffed or run-down at the heels. They should also match your belt. You will get a great deal of use out of a good-quality pair of dress shoes in a traditional style. Be sure to shave the morning of the interview, even if you don’t ordinarily shave every day. If you have a full beard or mustache it should be trimmed and neat-looking.

READ ALSO >>> Be Warned! What NOT To Wear To A Job Interview

For ladies

• You should wear a fitting suit and avoid lace that can be overly revealing causing the interviewer to doubt your moral conduct. Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well; if your waistband is cutting you in half or your jacket is too tight, you won’t look or act your best. Interview suits should be simple and dark in color. Anything tight, bright, short, or sheer should absolutely be avoided.
• Apply minimal makeup while avoiding loud colors. Sticking to neutrals is the trick.
• Don’t go overboard with jewelry and hair accessories.
• Shoes should be conservative and low-heeled. If high, they shouldn’t be over the top. Don’t wear shoes with an open toe or back; any shoes you would wear on a date or to a club are probably inappropriate.
• Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservatively styled. Banana clips, brightly-colored elastics, and cheerleader-type ponytails look out of place with a suit. If you want to wear your hair in an updo, pull it back into a low ponytail.

This may sound like a lot of rules, but these are the generally acceptable guidelines you should follow when deciding what to wear to an interview.

ALSO READ >>> 7 Job Interview Etiquette That Will Make You Stand Out

In conclusion,

Dressing professionally shows respect for yourself, the interviewer, and the company. You may not have to dress like this every day, but you are more likely to be taken seriously when you present yourself in a professional manner and take the time to attend to details.