How to Dress for a Job Interview, or: Clothes Make the Man?
Many argue that this expression is now dated. The reality is that how we dress and how we present ourselves says a lot about us and confirms that first impressions have a certain weight.
Don't be afraid or anxious, with these tips you will surely understand how to dress for this very important appointment.
Regardless of the job you are applying for, there are some general rules to follow when choosing your look for the first interview.
The choice of garments
Choose clothes that are your size, well cleaned and well ironed. It may seem like an obvious suggestion, but it is not. It is essential to present yourself in order , giving the sensation to whoever you will have in front of you of having prepared yourself, even in the choice and preparation of the outfit!
In our Journal you will find many suggestions on how to iron and how to fold trousers correctly in the wardrobe, to avoid unsightly creases and definitely even more inappropriate if shown during a job interview.
You have to show that you really care about that place!
Pay attention to accessories
Another important tip is not to overdo it with accessories. Scarves, hats, gloves, belts, bags, backpacks... They could give an idea of disorder and, in practicality, you would perhaps have difficulty understanding where to put them during the meeting. Lighten up your outfit and leave your mind clear so you can concentrate on the questions of the person in front of you.
Avoid impulse purchases
The way you dress says more about you than you might think. If you are the type who likes to dress casually, don't let the emotion and tension get the better of you by buying an elegant suit... You wouldn't feel comfortable, you wouldn't be yourself and you could appear awkward! On the other hand, if your style, even in everyday life, is refined, try to bring your personal and elegant taste to the interview.
What position are you applying for?
The choice of outfit also depends on the type of position you are applying for. If you are potentially going to cover a managerial role , avoid too casual combinations and look for an outfit that conveys authority.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a suit; you can also choose a pair of trousers with pleats in a sophisticated fabric to match with a plain shirt and a jacket that matches the trousers: a more informal look than the classic suit, but very refined and that communicates seriousness.
Conversely, if you are applying for a junior position, don't overdo it : you may give the impression that you want more than what the job position can give you. In this case, choose to wear a pair of chinos and a crew neck sweater.
A tip that can be useful in choosing the perfect outfit is to look, either on the website or on the social profiles of the company/studio/office, at how your perhaps future colleagues dress!
Solid color and soft colors
Always staying on general considerations, we recommend that you choose items that are not too flashy and in muted colors. Choose pastel colors and solid colored clothes. It's not nice when your interlocutor, instead of listening to what you have to say, stops to read the writing on your shirt!
The exceptions
All these general rules fall by the wayside if the job you are applying for requires creativity, eccentricity, and perhaps a declared eccentric taste in clothing. In this case, put a lot of your personality into it and play with colors. Remember, however, that if you are accepted you will have to maintain the style with which you presented yourself the first time: do not overdo it, therefore, always be yourself!