Dressing For the Interview

“What should I wear” is consistently a pretty awkward question to ask. However, when it comes to job interviews, it’s one we sometimes feel obligated to ask.

Dressing for an interview can be somewhat intimidating. After all, you don’t want to seem unprofessional. You don’t want to walk in looking like a dorky high school student, but you also don’t want to dress too formally and intimidate the interviewer. The key to making certain you’re dressed well and introduced professionally is to make certain to dress smart. How do you dress smart? Let’s dive into that!

What should I bring to the interview?

First, let’s talk about what you should have on you prior to the interview. If you have a personal business card, bring a few. It can impress the interviewer, and it’s an easier way to get a call back. Make sure you ear beforehand. If you have a dietary constraint or low blood sugar, you should pack a small snack just in case. Also, chew some gum or a mint after to freshen your breath. You don’t want your nasty breath to be what the company remembers most about you.

Have a few copies of your resume on hand. They should have a copy, but in case they don’t it’s nice to have a backup. Finally, bring a notebook and pen to take notes. You could bring a tablet, but you don’t want to be high and dry if it runs out of battery before an interview. Also, you want to maintain eye contact during the interview, and you’re more likely to break that with a tablet or laptop than you are with a notepad.

Be sure that you are well aware of all the small details of the interview procedure. Scour the confirmation email so you know you have the correct time and location. Often, you will be instructed to ask for a person or company at the front desk, so make sure you know the name before you get there.

Do not forget that are deadlines are important. Be early if you can,  but make sure you are not late. If something pops up that would make you late, call as soon as you can to reschedule.

What should I wear to my interview?

What you wear to your interview says a lot about you to the interviewer. It tells them how seriously you are taking the interview, your level of professionalism, your maturity, and so much more. If you throw on something that’s comfortable, but not professional, the interview might believe that you are not taking the interview seriously.

You also need to make sure that you are comfortable in what you are wearing. If you are sweating or shivering in your outfit, it can make for an awkward interview. Dress nice, but make sure you are comfortable. Remember, if the job requires a commute, the interviewee wants to see that you can wear the appropriate attire to make that commute manageable.

Don’t go to an interview in a wrinkly suit. Take the time to have it dry-cleaned or ironed. There are dry cleaning places actually offer discounted and even dry cleaning if you need the suit for a job interview. A wrinkled suit can make you look disheveled and make the interviewer believe that you are not taking the interview seriously.

Finally, don’t overdress for an interview. Tuxedos and dresses are not necessary. If you get the job, who you are and what you wear will reflect on the entire company, so wear something you would wear if you were networking for yourself and your company. Suits, pantsuits, dress shirts, slacks, heels, belts, dress shoes, and ties are all encouraged.

The more you look the part, the more likely you are to get hired!

Dressing up your resume

You aren’t the only thing that should like tidy and put-together. Make sure that your resume is also dressed to impress. If you need help, click here to schedule a free consultation with a professional resume writer!