Making a good first impression is important for landing a job, and how you look for the interview plays a huge role in that. Although you don’t need to spend a lot of money on your clothing, making an extra effort now will pay off later.
Make sure you’re not dressing incorrectly for interviews before your next one by abiding by these fashion advice.
What Not To Wear To An Interview
Listed below, are nine things you shouldn’t wear to an interview:
1. Bright, Glittering Colors
When selecting attire for an interview, exercise caution. Inappropriate clothes for a job interview includes short hemlines and plunging necklines. If an outfit is also in a vibrant, eye-catching hue (like red), it will highlight the inadequacy of the attire.
Make sure your entire ensemble serves as a counterpoint if you choose to wear a daring color. Wear a vivid red shirt, for instance, but match it with a black suit. Other, less striking hues are suitable for business interviews.
2. Your outfit won’t be improved by wearing a blazer.
Even though a blazer is typically an excellent option for interviews, pay attention to what you’re wearing underneath. The deep-v made by the blazer’s lapel invariably results in a plunging neckline.
Make sure the shell or camisole you wear below adequately covers you if you plan to wear one. Of course, another foolproof alternative is to layer over a button-down.
Men can also use this advice. Wearing a blazer on top doesn’t give you the justification to wear a worn-out t-shirt below unless you’re interviewing in an informal setting, like a startup company. Put forth the extra effort and wear a V-neck sweater or a button-down shirt.
3. Excessively casual attire
Choosing what to dress for a summer job interview might be challenging. When the weather is becoming warmer, nobody wants to be uncomfortable in a bulky suit. But just because it’s becoming warmer doesn’t mean you should abandon professionalism and don a sundress or a pair of casual shorts.
Fortunately, you won’t have to wear a dark wool suit or a bulky blazer because many summer jobs tend to be more “business casual” than very dressy. No flip-flops, please! Men and women can both think about donning tailored khakis, a beautiful polo shirt or button-down, and a pair of sensible shoes.
4. Outdated fashion styles
Everything matters in a tight job market, including your entire appearance. Invest in some contemporary, fashionable clothing to wear to your interview if your wardrobe is old or indicates the fact that you haven’t been in the workforce for a while.
Additionally, don’t forget about shoes. You won’t seem sophisticated or professional if you wear beat-up dress shoes, worn-out pumps, or a pair of sneakers.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe because you can discover excellent pieces from large retailers like Target and Old Navy as well as discount shops like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. The amount your shopping excursion will earn you may surprise you.
5. Heavy Cologne and Perfume
You never know if your interviewer has an allergy to strong fragrances, so go easy on the perfume and cologne.
In either case, you don’t want the first or last thing the interviewer observes about you to be your overpowering spritz of perfume or dab of cologne.
6. Stacks of makeup
Although it’s crucial to look your best, putting a lot of makeup on is not the greatest course of action. Avoid using dark eyeshadow, vivid lipstick, or heavy foundation to keep your appearance natural.
The best course of action is to stick with tinted lip balm, a thin layer of mascara, and a dash of powder. Try to appear alert and rejuvenated without appearing overly put together.
7. Weird Ties
You shouldn’t take out the novelty tie you received for Christmas last year just now. Even if you believe your tie will stand out, err on the side of caution and choose a more conventional style.
It’s completely OK to wear a pattern with traditional colors, such as subtle paisley or muted stripes, but avoid trying to stand out by donning a gaudy tie.
8. Too Many Accessories
Whatever accessories you decide to wear, keep in mind that you want to appear put-together and businesslike. Keep the interview’s main focus on you, your professional background, and how you would be the ideal candidate for the position you desire by not letting your attire distract from it.
Accessories should be kept to a minimum for both men and women. Ladies should refrain from wearing too much jewelry; choose basic stud earrings over large hoops or chandelier earrings. Additionally, it’s a good idea to stay away from bedazzled accessories like big sunglasses and showy jewelry.
Men’s accessories are less of a concern, but you still need to pay attention to your belt, cufflinks, and tie clip; avoid wearing something you may wear to a club, for instance.
Whatever accessories you decide to wear, keep in mind that you want to appear put-together and businesslike.
Keep the interview’s main focus on you, your professional background, and how you would be the ideal candidate for the position you desire by not letting your attire distract from it.
9. Headphones
Why is this image flawed? The young man is dressed in a smart suit and tie, so at first glance, it doesn’t appear to be much. However, if you look closely, the headphones need to be removed.
It’s acceptable to listen to music on the drive to the interview, but remove them before you enter the building and put them away until your name is called for the appointment.
You don’t want to be struggling with tangled cords or wireless earbuds as you greet and shake hands with your interviewer. Otherwise, you run the danger of seeming unfocused and distracted.
Take a moment to mute or switch off your phone while you take off your headphones to prevent buzzing or ringing throughout the interview.
Summary
It’s just as important to dress appropriately for a job interview as it is to know what not to wear. Making the best impression in an interview will be made easier by dressing appropriately.
