Practical tips for dressing for an interview
When you walk into that interview the first thing the interviewer looks at is how you present yourself outwardly. If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it’ll send the message that you don’t truly understand the work you are set to do.
The more important thing to consider when you’re dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you’re seeking. For men going for that interview for a high level job calls you to dress in a well ironed suit with a shirt and tie. For women its normally a blouse and dress pants or a statement dress.
When preparing yourself for an interview, choosing the right attire is one of the hardest thing as image is everything. Here are some of the things to check on:
Clothes
While a blazer is a good go-to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath. Wearing a blazer on top doesn’t give you the excuse to wear a tired t-shirt underneath. Take the extra effort and put on a button-down or V-neck sweater. Ladies should also avoid wearing short and tight dresses.
Makeup
As a general rule you should not overdo your makeup, but this is especially important when it comes to interviews. While it’s important to look your best, loading on makeup is not the ideal way to go about it. Keep your look natural; avoid bold lipstick or glittery eye shadow that can act as a distraction to your interviewer.
Accessories
When wearing accessories to an interview, follow the classic rule: Less is more. You ought to keep in mind that what you wear should enhance your look and not overwhelm it. Always avoid overdoing the number of items you wear. Women should avoid dangling earrings and arms full of bracelets, and men should wear little or no jewelry other than a watch and/or wedding band. And for perfumes or cologne you should all keep it to the minimum to avoid overwhelming those around you.
Hairstyles
Many people tend to overlook how they do their hair and just focus on the clothes they are wearing for the interview. However, you must remember that the interviewer looks at the overall package – hair included. How you hair looks will help create that good or bad impression about you. For men its best if you keep your hair short and neat.
For ladies, if you have long hair/braids, instead of wearing your hair down, wear a classy bun or ponytail, or in a smooth, long braid to keep your hair away from your face. For men with long hair/dreadlocks/afros, remember to comb it properly.
If you observe all this, you’ll be sure to create a good first impression and improve your chances of securing that job.
