How to dress for a job interview? A practical guide
Everyone wants to do well at a job interview. When we look for it, we often feel stressed by the meeting itself. We do not know what to expect and what questions to prepare for. On top of that, we shuffle through the contents of our closet, contemplating what to wear. We don't want to take away our chances of getting hired because of inappropriate attire. First impressions have a big impact on recruitment results. It is created within the first several seconds and is based on our body language, microgestures and attire. From our article you will learn how to dress for a job interview.
Table of Contents:
- How to dress for a job interview? Basic styling principles
- Dress code for a job interview. Which shoes to choose?
- 3 sample styles for a job interview
- What NOT to wear to a job interview
How to dress for a job interview? Basic styling principles
Before we present sample styles for a job interview, we will discuss the general rules of completing the dress code for meetings of a formal nature. Although we will dress differently for an interview when applying for a job at a bank and differently for a meeting with a recruiter at a creative agency, but the following rules are universal enough to fit any industry. Of course, in both cases minor modifications are allowed. E.g. in the creative industry, colorful clothing that expresses our openness to unconventional solutions is welcome.
Subdued colors
Even if your everyday closet is dominated by bold colors, for a job interview at the bank or the office, choose beige, black, white, brown, navy blue and gray, which are considered safe colors.
Appropriate neckline
It should not be too deep, because it distracts the recruiter's attention from our competence. Specialist sees our sensual nature, not knowledge of 3 foreign languages.
Wearing tights
When deciding on a skirt or dress, you need to choose the right tights to go with it. While in autumn, winter and early spring we automatically reach for them to avoid hypothermia, on warmer days we do not see the need to do so. Meanwhile, etiquette says bare legs are not appropriate for formal occasions, including a job interview.
Relevant dress/skirt length
A pencil skirt or a fitted dress with a small neckline are good choices for a job interview. However, let's avoid the length of the mini, which exposes our sexuality and calls into question our competence.
Dress code for a job interview. Which shoes to choose?
When composing an outfit for a job interview, we usually wonder whether to wear a women's suit, a shirt with a pencil skirt or a dress before the knee. This omits shoes, which are a very important part of the styling. They can add confidence or... take it away. Besides, some models are considered more elegant than others. A job interview is a formal situation at which it is not appropriate to show up in sandals, flip-flops or sneakers. What shoes to choose for the occasion?
Shoes for a job interview should not expose the toes. If you decide to use heels, their height must not exceed 7 cm. Rather, choose stilettos without a platform.
Low-heeled pumps
A good solution is low-heeled pumps. This is one of the most versatile models. They even fit for business meetings, so if we are hired, we can use them afterwards. Choose a neutral and timeless color, such as black, brown, beige, navy blue or gray, and they will serve you for a long time. They will successfully complement any styling.
Booted half-shoes
In addition, we recommend your attention to the half shoes on the anchor. Not all of us are comfortable in heels, even low ones. To perform well, we should confidently take each step and assume an upright position. This is hard to do when we have uncomfortable footwear on our feet. Booted half-shoes ensure even distribution of body weight, so it is easier to maintain balance in them. Like heels they add a few centimeters, thus slimming the figure.
Elegant women's shoes
Don't like shoes with heels and anchors? Or maybe you feel uncomfortable in them because you are tall, and they further expose this? For lovers of comfort, it has been designed elegant women's shoes, such as moccasins, lords and loafers. They were taken from men's closet and adapted for women's use. In the past, it was the gentlemen who wore them to business meetings to add to their seriousness. Today we can do the same, gaining a little more freedom. Often the job interview itself is already a stressful enough experience. Why add to your worries with footwear in which you do not feel comfortable and confident? Remember that women's lords, loafers and moccasins are so elegant that you can also wear them with a suit. Successfully replace stilettos.
No matter what elegant women's shoes you decide on, clean and polish them. Replace worn-out frets with new ones.
3 sample styles for a job interview
How to dress for a job interview, which is fast approaching, and much depends on its outcome? When we want to perform well, it's easy to make mistakes. Therefore, we have prepared for you sample styles for a job interview.
Women's suit, top and low-heeled pumps
Women's suit always looks elegant and makes a complete set. Allows us to make a good impression on the interlocutor, because it emphasizes our professionalism and serious approach to work. You can wear it in the future for important business meetings and family celebrations. So opt for clothes with a timeless cut made of good quality material. Under the jacket, wear a strappy top or shirt, and let the whole thing be completed with low-heeled pumps.
Shirt, pencil skirt and moccasins
This styling for a job interview combines comfort with elegance. Shoes on a flat sole, such as moccasins, allow you to step freely and confidently. On the other hand, the shirt and pencil skirt show that you will become a good business card for the company in the future. With your appearance you will inspire confidence in your customers and appear professional. Instead of a white shirt, which is associated with the school academy, it is worth opting for a blue one.
Dress just before the knee and knee-high boots on a platform heel
A dress with a small neckline, fitted cut that ends just before the knee is a good choice. Choose a model without patterns and ornamentation in the form of pearls or lace. The aforementioned elements bring a fashion claw to the styling, but take away your professionalism. The outfit will become complete when you put on half-boots on a stiletto heel. Ensure that they blend with the shade of the tights, optically lengthening the legs.
What NOT to wear to a job interview
A job interview has appeared on your schedule? Dress for the occasion should be elegant, subdued and professional. Therefore, avoid the following styling elements.
- Excessive jewelry - small earrings and a chain with a pendant are fine, but extravagant accessories in large quantities do not look professional. Clothes in vivid shades - this type of clothing will not work during a corporate job interview.
- Lace clothing - they are associated with styling for a romantic date, not a work meeting.
- Semi-transparent clothing - have too much sexual overtones to wear for formal occasions.
- Miniskirts and mini dresses - in this case, length matters and shorter items of clothing are better reserved for private outings.
- Sequins, studs, pearls, vinyl, eco-leather - all of this gives claw to our styles, but at the same time takes away from their professionalism.
- Patterns on clothing - check, pepito and stripes are allowed. The others are better not to wear to an interview.
- Sportswear - are convenient and practical, but do not inspire confidence among recruiters.
- Dirty shoes and stained clothes - a person who does not care about neat appearance appears unsuitable for the offered position.
- Unpressed clothes - it is worth expressing respect for the recruiter by getting rid of the creases with an iron. This small gesture changes a lot in the perception of our person as a potential employee.
- Shirts and dresses made of synthetic fibers - pants or skirt do not have to be made of natural materials. However, ensure that the clothes that adhere to your armpits remain airy. This will avoid unpleasant odor and sweat stains on your clothes.
