Here it comes: The Big Day. You’re getting ready to show off what you’re really made of, tell all of your experience in previous jobs, of your learned stature having graduated from a prestigious college or technical school, and show off just how cunning and clever you are when posed with difficult questions.
The only question is, what do you wear? After all, while you are no doubt an enviable job candidate, you’ll want all that experience and education to come in an elegant and impressive package. That’s where a good outfit is key. Fret no longer – we will walk you through what you need to know to look your smartest when you walk into that interview.
Step 1: Know your audience
While you can usually get away with something simple, like a button-down and slacks, for the majority of places, it’s good to know your audience when dressing for an interview. For instance, if it’s a hip startup filled with young people doing web stuff, you can get away with a more laid-back but still respectful outfit – something like a nice shirt tucked into a smart pair of jeans.
If you’re interviewing at a corporate law firm, you may want to spring for a sharp and clean suit – one that will show you’ve got an eye for style. Be sure to research the company beforehand to get an idea of their company culture. If you look like someone who’d already work there, chances are, you’ll have a stronger interview.
Step 2: Choose your outfit
Dressing yourself isn’t just a sign that you have an eye for fashion. It shows how you want to be seen in others’ eyes, which is crucial for an interview. If you’re not sure how to dress yourself for an interview, there are a few items that should work no matter where you’re interviewing.
- Slacks or twill pants: when in doubt, opt away from jeans. Try a nice pair of khaki, gray, or navy-blue slacks or twill pants. Stay away from extra-skinny or extra-baggy options here.
- Button-ups: a solid oxford cotton button-up shirt is ideal for everything from a job interview to a first date. If you don’t have any, stock up!
Leather or faux-leather shoes: Don’t show up to an interview in your canvas sneakers or running shoes. Be sure you own a nice pair of leather or faux-leather derbies that will have you looking much more respectable.
Step 3: Details matter
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in life, and interviews are no exception. If you’re putting together your interview outfit but you haven’t given any thought to the little things, it’s time to reconsider. Before stepping out the door, glance over this checklist:
- Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Wearing something elegant, like a silver watch, can make you look discerning and savvy. You can also add a tie clip if you’re wearing a tie.
Make sure colors match. Brown shoes and a black belt? Rookie move. Make sure that your colors are coordinated so that you don’t look silly in front of savvy and judgmental interviewers.
Step 3: Details matter
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in life, and interviews are no exception. If you’re putting together your interview outfit but you haven’t given any thought to the little things, it’s time to reconsider. Before stepping out the door, glance over this checklist:
- Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Wearing something elegant, like a silver watch, can make you look discerning and savvy. You can also add a tie clip if you’re wearing a tie.
- Make sure colors match. Brown shoes and a black belt? Rookie move. Make sure that your colors are coordinated so that you don’t look silly in front of savvy and judgmental interviewers.
- Iron it out. Don’t wear rumpled, crumpled clothing to an interview. If you don’t have an iron, see if you can borrow one to look your sharpest.
Step 4: Personal hygiene is a must
Nobody wants to walk into the interview room and be confronted with a smelly oaf. Before you head into the interview, you’ll want to make sure that your personal hygiene is on-point. Not sure what to focus on in a time crunch? These are a few items you absolutely cannot skip out on:
- Deodorant: this should be a no-brainer, but trust us, you don’t want to forget it.
- Brush your teeth before the interview. You don’t want your lunch to enter into the conversation.
- Style your hair to look classy and clean, but not overly-crunchy or gelled.
- Make sure you wash your hands, as you’re likely to be shaking many before you get to chatting.
- Check your teeth and eyes in the mirror before starting, and clean out any stray debris.
At the end of the day, your experience, education, and winning personality will be the most important factors to consider – but you don’t want something simple and silly like your outfit to get in the way of a good job!
Make sure colors match. Brown shoes and a black belt? Rookie move. Make sure that your colors are coordinated so that you don’t look silly in front of savvy and judgmental interviewers.