Just as fundamental as creating a résumé or cover letter is dressing the part. Your efforts will be rewarded and you will have the opportunity to shine at the interview or at a job fair.
Making a decision about your interview wardrobe while adhering to the current dress code is similar to playing poker. It involves reading the cards, getting to know the other players, and building a strong hand.
How to Dress for An Interview?
Just to be clear, What to wear to an interview is a tricky question without a clear-cut answer or simple fix. Some occupations require nothing more than a tuxedo to land the job. As long as you don’t arrive in a T-shirt and jeans, other recruiting managers won’t care.
These five recommendations can help you dress for success.
1. Dress nicer than the person sitting next to you.
Consider the next two positions that are immediately above the one for which you are seeking when preparing for an interview. To choose what to wear to an interview, go to their dress code. This demonstrates your will to advance in life.
For instance, Walmart interviewees for shift supervisor positions may come prepared in khakis and a polo shirt. But go above and beyond and dazzle the recruiting manager by turning up in a suit and tie. This demonstrates to your boss that you have an executive mentality.
Ensure the following before an interview:
- Find out the appropriate attire for your position and sector.
- For ideas, consider the two places directly above you.
- Dress professionally, but don’t overdo it.
2. Dress the part.
Hollywood actors are aware that playing the part requires more than memorizing lines and picking the appropriate time to shed a tear; their attire needs to enhance their performance.
When it comes to dressing for the interview, bear in mind that your goal should be to integrate your wardrobe into your overall presentation rather than trying to win the job with what you wear.
Hiring managers make a decision regarding your employment in less than ten seconds. If your presentation is excellent and your outfit is appropriate, they might find it more difficult to cross you off their list. Be sure to avoid patterns and wear neutral colors during the interview.
3. Maintain an up-to-date status.
Sending messages is the main goal of interviews. Nothing conveys a negative message more quickly than an interview wardrobe that is out of date and does not follow the day’s dress code.
Just avoid wearing anything more than five years old; this doesn’t imply you have to follow the latest fashion. Wearing modern, contemporary clothing communicates your awareness of the present moment.
Going too casually and fresh is another warning sign to look out for. Yes, recruiting managers prefer to see youthful, modern looks. They want to know that you live in the modern era.
They don’t want to see candidates wearing sandals, nose rings, or otherwise dressing as though they are prepared for a night out with their buddies. Even if this is the case, avoid dressing as though you just finished college. Dress as though you’ve had similar or better positions.
Do not wear or follow trends that are more than five years old. Keep abreast on modern trends.
4. Keep the occasion in mind
It’s not always necessary to dress professionally in a suit and tie or other attire. Simply put, some vocations don’t call for formal clothing. Keep in mind that when you dress for an interview, you are presenting an image of the type of candidate you are.
Research is the best approach to avoid embarrassing situations. Speak with regional career centers and recruiters. They are knowledgeable about the field and can advise you on attire.
Weather and climate are other events for which to be prepared. During Michigan’s colder winters, it would not be very practical to wear a thin dress shirt and tie. The weather would be ideal for a dress sweater worn over the shirt.
On the other hand, if you’re interviewing in Nevada’s desert heat, stuffy dress attire could be uncomfortable. The general idea is to look the part while maintaining comfort. Always remember to dress appropriately for the season and climate.
5. Stay comfortable.
Once more, comfort is key during interviews. Hiring managers can tell when a candidate is uneasy and apprehensive. Your soreness can be related to the new shoes you purchased yesterday. The recruiter is unaware of that.
They can assume that you are uneasy for some inexplicable reason. Choose your attire for the interview in a way that will help you land the job. Your clothing should match. Avoid donning brand-new clothing. Put on a tried-and-true outfit.
At least a few days before the big day, break in new shoes. And don’t forget to take off the tags to avoid the biggest disgrace. Always wear comfortable clothing—not brand-new, scratchy suits that have never been used.
- Get used to your shoes.
- After a purchase, always remove the tags.
How to Dress for an Online Interview?
Assume that the regulations governing in-person interviews and online ones are the same. Even if the job requires working from home, adhere to the dress code you’ve determined is acceptable for the role and workplace setting.
Your background as seen on video is a little portion of the overall impression you’ll give the interviewer. Make sure it exudes professionalism and is clear of clutter, pets, passersby, and other obtrusive elements.
For an online interview, it should go without saying that you should be properly attired, including wearing shoes. When job seekers exclusively wear clothing that covers their waists, camera malfunctions have occurred.
During the interview, you also feel more professional, which the interviewer may interpret as assurance.
Conclusion
It’s simple to dress for success. Just make sure to be yourself and do a little research on interview attire. Like an actor’s costume, your interview attire should enhance your performance.
Think about the climate, the industry, your position, and the two positions above you. These will enable you to consistently find the ideal fit.
