If you’ve landed a job interview at the company of your dreams, then the chances are that you’ll be feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
Of course, you’ll already know a lot about what the company does and what your role would entail, but now is your time to do some additional research and prepare for your meeting with your potential new boss.
On top of swatting up on the ins and outs of the business, you also need to think about the way you look. The right interview attire can make or break your chances of landing a job – it only takes seven seconds to make a strong first impression.
Below, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about dressing for success for your next job interview.
Research The Company’s Dress Code
Whether you’ve gone direct to the business or you’ve used a job site such as CV Library, you will likely already have conducted a fair bit of research on the company and its office culture. You should, however, be sure to do some digging into its dress code before turning up for your interview so that you’re wearing an appropriate outfit.
You should be able to find out what the average employee wears by logging onto their website, checking them out on LinkedIn or using social media for behind-the-scenes office pictures.
Overdress
In some industries, suit and tie aren’t always appropriate. However, if you’re not entirely sure what to wear for your job interview, then it’s always best to err on the side of caution and wear something smart. After all, it’s much better to show up overdressed and professional than it would be to go in a jumper and jeans, only to realise you look out of place.
What’s more, dressing smart can help to give you more confidence, which can help out when you’re tasked with answering difficult questions from your potential employer.
Buy Your Clothes With Plenty Of Time
While there’s little you can do when it comes to last minute interviews, you should aim to buy your interview outfit with plenty of time to spare.
Not only does having the right attire in advance mean that you can avoid any problems, such as an ill-fitting shirt or shoes in the wrong size, but it means that you’ll be able to relax about your interview day.
Find Something Comfortable
It’s important to find the right outfit that makes you look smart and professional, but there’s little point in wearing it if you don’t feel comfortable.
You’ll have enough distractions to contend with on your interview day – from getting to the venue on time to answering the questions in the best possible manner. You should, therefore, make sure that you wear your outfit at least once before your interview – brand new shoes aren’t always comfortable, and getting familiar with your new gear will prepare you for what it will feel like on the big day.
Accessorise – But Don’t Overdo It
There’s nothing wrong with accessorising – a smart belt and watch can add to your outfit and make you look the part.
Make sure you select the right accessories – don’t pair a brown leather belt with your black shoes, for example, and avoid overdoing your accessories.
You should also consider, dependent on the industry, covering up tattoos and piercings. As Hello Giggles writes, “small things tend to trip up interviewees and leave small, but lasting impressions on interviewers”. You should avoid showing off any unnecessary body art if it’s not part of the company culture and you think it could affect your chances of success.
We’ve put together just some of the ways you can dress for success at your next job interview, but we’ve only scratched the surface. Tailoring your outfit, dry cleaning, polishing and grooming are just some of the other tasks you need to consider if you want to look your very best. Whether it’s your first interview or you’re a seasoned professional, good luck!
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