Tips on How to Dress for a Job Interview
Tips on How to Dress for a Job Interview
First and foremost, job interviews are short sessions between the job-seeking applicants and the employer. Here, the employers get to know more about the candidate and validate the claims they made through their Curriculum Vitae.
In our country Nigeria, it is vital to state that your dressing matters so much, and it is known to speak louder about the type of person you are. Sometimes, your dressing can answer some of the questions that the recruiter intended to like you.
However, if you are preparing for a big interview, we will be outlining some of the ways you can dress for it.
Ways to Dress For A Job Interview
It is worthy to note that your way of dressing may vary just a little depending on the position you applied for. However, on a general note, the corporate office dressing is the ideal recommendation for any interview. We will be analyzing the ways to dress for a job interview for both ladies and men.
For ladies;
- Conduct your research
It is important that you do not attend a job interview without carrying out some background checks about the company that extended an interview invite to you. When you conduct your research, it will give you insight into the company’s dress codes.
Imagine having an interview with a financial institution. The ideal mode of dressing is to attend the interview in a professional business dress. However, the advertising industry will expect you to wear casual, smart, and creative clothes.
- Do not wear uncomfortable clothes
Most times, ladies are fond of wearing clothes that make them feel uncomfortable. When going for an interview in Nigeria and wearing a straight-cut short skirt, ensure that the length of the skirt reaches your knees.
Also, the skirt should be accompanied by a shirt and medium-heeled cover shoes. Note that you are bound to feel uncomfortable if the heels are too high or your suit is too tight. Things like this may lead to you losing comportment, and it may affect your confidence level.
Since going for a job interview is stressful already, do not include fashion problems in your stress. Those who may want to put on trousers, ensure that you do not put on tight jeans.
Furthermore, you are to pack your hair to the back and place it there with a hair clip.
- Your accessories and makeup should not be heavy
When attending an interview, your makeup should be moderate. While you may think attending the interview with heavy makeup and accessories will help you make an impression, it may likely be a distraction to your potential employers.
You are to avoid looking so attractive that your fashion accessories and dress become a distraction to the hiring managers. Note that shoulder-length earrings and heavy bangles may constitute distractions when you are gesturing with your hands during the interview.
Basically, in a bid to avoid getting confused about what to wear, you can ask your family members or friends for what they think is best that you wear. The good thing about this is that they will bring their insight and experience into the mix.
Nevertheless, you should ensure that you are persuaded to wear what you will not be comfortable in. Some of the things you can avoid are:
- Brightly colored nail polishes
- Underwear that is visible
- Tees or tank tops
- Heavy necklaces
However, applying a lovely perfume will be a plus.
As for the men, dressing for your job interview can be hard as you do not want to go too casual or too formal. No matter how difficult you think it is, we will provide you with some general advice so that you can make an amazing first impression.
Read Also: How to develop on-the-Job Skills
Some of the ways to dress for your interview include:
- Go with a straight cut trouser at all times
While you can get away with a nice pair of jeans or nice khakis in some relaxed office environment, not everyone gets the job there. It should be noted that khakis are a great compromise alternative.
Instead, you can get a good pair of straight-cut trousers that look new and crisp. When you put on the straight-cut trouser, ensure that your shirt is tucked in.
- Wear a nice dull-colored shirt with a tie
Since the first thing the recruiter sees is your shirt, you have to make it count. Wearing a white shirt runs the risk of being plain and dark shirts will produce a negative impression.
However, while light-colored shirts will signify a positive attitude to the prospective employer, a pale blue shirt will tally with almost all the jackets in your wardrobe. If your interview is casual, you may feel good adding a sweater or wearing a patterned shirt.
Nevertheless, it would help if you were simple with your colors and patterns. Do not forget to avoid trousers and shirt colors that scream. Such trousers and shirt colors are lemon and pink.
Ensure you have a nice haircut as it signifies your responsibility.
Tips on How to Dress for a Job Interview
- Your accessories
Now that you have an idea on what to wear, the next step is your accessories as it is capable of turning you from an interviewee to a prospective employee. You should wear your wristwatch on your off-hand and ensure that your belt and shoes match.
Make sure that the metals on your body are coordinated. These metals are your tie pin, cufflinks, and belt buckle. Note that a pocket square is too formal for an interview. If you have no idea about the company’s official policy when it comes to jewelry and tattoos, ensure that you keep them out of sight if you have them.
The Interview
When you get to your venue after dressing appropriately, ensure that you are confident, flexible, and polite. Do not provide evasive answers and ensure you are making eye contact.
Avoid shuffling so much, and remember to give a sturdy handshake. While these may be hard, you can stick to simple tips. You are to initiate a handshake when eye contact has been established.
You are to offer your hands when your bodies face each other and do not leave it hanging for so long if your handshake is turned down. However, if you successfully get into a handshake, mirror the interviewer’s handshake and start to release after about two pumps.
Note that you can never be too prepared for an interview. It is Italian that you research the company online to have a sense of their mode of operation. Finally, ensure you always follow up even if you are uncertain.
It will keep you in the mind of your potential employers, and it also signifies initiative. All this happens in one quick call. Be prepared.
Conclusion
On a general note, we have provided you with some overall guidelines, even though the most important information sources can be from the hiring officer. Nevertheless, do not be scared of asking what type of clothing would be ideal for an interview as it will save you from unnecessary worries.
For those who may be terrible at keeping eye contact, you can try staring at the spot right above the interviewer’s eyes. However, do not stare them down as this is not a battle but an interview.
Do not forget to thank them for the opportunity after the interview is finished.
