Dressing for Success
When you are preparing for a job interview, one of the things to consider is what to wear to the interview. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what is appropiate to wear in different kinds of working environments but one thing to always keep in mind is that you want to come across as a good addition to their company.
Sometimes to suss out the dress code, people may contact the company directly to ask about the dress code and some may have a look outside of the offices to see what the current employees are wearing every day, however you should always aim to dress at a higher level than the job you are going for.
The most important thing to remember is that if you feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, you will act comfortable which is vital in an interview situation.
Take a look at our interview attire tips below, you can also download this as a PDF here.
For the Ladies...
- Make-Up - Keep it minimal and natural. Nuetral shades are the most appropiate - this applies to nail polish also.
- Hair - Keep it simple, neat and tidy. Consider pulling yourh air back from your face.
- Jewellery - Keep it to a minimum. No bling, think classy and simple.
- Perfume - Use sparingly. Watch out for odours such as cigarette smoke in clothes.
- Suit - A two piece suit should be tailored to your shape and fit well. Darker colours are a safe bet.
- Skirt/Dress - Your skirt or dress should match your jacket. The length of your skirt or dress should be below the knee and wear neutral coloured tights such as tan or black.
- Blouse - Ensure your top fits well and isn't too revealing!
- Shoes - Wear shoes that are comfortable. If in doubt go for dark colours and low heels.
- Handbags & Accessories - Only bring what is neccessary to an interview in a handbag. Ensure it's clean, organised and your phone is switched off.
AVOID - Short skirts, loud make-up and big jewellery.
For the Fellas...
- Grooming - all hair and facial hair should be clean and well groomed. Piercings should be removed.
- Suit - Your jacket and trousers should match each other. Conservative colours work best. It doesn't have to be the most expensive suit, but ensure that it fits well.
- Shirt - Long sleeved shirts, ironed and tucked in are a safe bet. White or light blue shirts are appropiate and should match your outfit.
- Ties - Keep it simple and make sure it goes well with your shirt
- Belt & Accessories - Belts and accessories such as briefcases or cufflinks should be conservative and fit well with the overall look. Your phone should be switched off during the interview.
- Shoes & Socks - Socks should be a dark colour and mid-calf length so that no skin is visible when you sit down. Investing in a good pair of smart shoes is something to consider.
- Coat - Should you need to wear a coat over your suit, go for a dark colour that looks dressy.
AVOID! - Trainers, hoodies, funny ties and loud shirts.
