There’s nothing worse than turning up somewhere important only to realise you are way underdressed / overdressed / didn’t get the memo that the super hero theme was scrapped (think Del Boy and Rodney's Batman and Robin fiasco!)
Suddenly you feel inadequate, your confidence is gone and what little chance you had to shine has gone out of the window.
Appearance shouldn’t be everything but the simple fact is the way you look and dress is going to make an impression. It’s important that in your interview you dress to impress so follow our simple interview outfit do’s and don’ts and you’ll turn up to the interview confident you look the part and ready to impress!
- Check out the dress code before you go. You could phone the office and check first or how about popping by to collect some of their promotional material prior to the interview? Shows great initiative and is an opportunity to check out what the office culture is like too.
- General rules are take what you would expect to be wearing if you got the job on a daily basis and then dress one level up from that.
- You can’t go wrong with a classic suit. It’s standard interview dress and many employers will still expect to see you in one.
- Just because the office culture is casual doesn’t mean the interview should be. You might be able to get away with a smart pair of jeans and collared shirt in some circumstances but we would always recommend trousers and smart shoes as standard.
- Try and have two different outfits for job hunting in your wardrobe so you’re well prepared if you get called back for a second interview.
- It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- Shoes should be clean and with low heels (no trainers!)
- No caps, no beanies and definitely no hoodies!
- General rules are no flesh on show. This means tights, closed toe shoes and no cleavage.
- No comedy ties (ever) and leave the Christmas socks at home.
- Less is more on the accessories. Turning up to the interview in your full bling may be a distraction to the interviewer. A smart watch is always a good touch (makes people think you must be organised) as well as a smart bag.
- Make up should be subtle and understated.
- Don’t wear too much perfume or too little deodorant and try to stay away from the cigarettes until after the interview.
- Try to cover any tattoos or keep body piercing small and unnoticeable.
- Don’t go into the interview chewing gum, how can you expect to answers questions with your mouth full?
- Hair should be clean and neatly styled.
