How to dress for an interview? This question is relevant for men and women who are looking for work. A respectable appearance does not guarantee the desired position, but significantly increases the chances of it. Specialists from the HR department evaluate everything from hairstyles to shoes. How to make the right impression?
Where to begin
How to dress for an interview? To begin with, it should be remembered that even the best outfit in the world can spoil poor hygiene. On the day of the interview, you should definitely take a shower and wash your hair. It is advisable to do this as close to the appointed hour. Just before the interview, you need to wash your hands, as the meeting can begin with a handshake.
A pleasant smell is an important component of success. It is better to refuse a perfume with a heavy smell on the day of the interview. You can only allow yourself a light and unobtrusive aroma. We must not forget about fresh breath, you should definitely stock up with mint candies or chewing gum.
Hair and nails
How to dress for an interview? An elegant outfit will not save the situation if the applicant does not take care of his hair. They should be clean, dry, neatly combed. Before the interview, it is advisable to update the haircut. On the day of the interview, it is not recommended to get involved in varnishes, gels and other styling products. Ladies should not loose their hair, use bright jewelry for them, make defiant hairstyles.
We must not forget about the facial hair. Men should definitely get rid of her. If the applicant wears a beard, it must be carefully trimmed. The condition of the nails also plays a role. Before the interview, you should definitely do a manicure. It is better to refuse bright varnishes in favor of calm tones.
About the dress code
Having taken care of hair and nails, you can start choosing a dress. A business suit will certainly be required for applicants who plan to get a job in finance, business, and so on. It is important to show the employer that the potential employee fits into the atmosphere of the company. Everyday outfit will not help to cope with this task.
Here are some tips:
- How to dress for a man for an interview? The applicant will need a suit (jacket, trousers), a long-sleeved shirt, boots and a briefcase.
- A woman needs a suit with trousers or a skirt, conservative shoes (low heel, closed toe and heel).
- The company’s policy regarding the dress code is worth knowing in advance. If this is not possible, it is better to overdo it than to rudely violate it.
- The question of choosing an outfit can be asked to the person with whom the applicant agrees to an interview. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a good impression on the employer, so hiding it is not necessary.
Casual business style
How to dress for an interview? It is possible that the company adopted a daily business style. It is a cross between everyday and business clothes. Such a way of dressing is welcome, for example, if the applicant is applying for a position involving work with special equipment:
- Men can wear khaki pants or cotton pants and wear a sweater or a cotton long-sleeved shirt.
- How to dress a woman for an interview? The applicant may prefer velvet trousers or a skirt, put on a cardigan or sweater.
- If you are not sure that the company allows casual business style in clothes, it is better not to take risks.
Casual style
Employees of new firms are often exempted from the obligation to wear a business suit. In this case, you should not go for an interview in strict clothes, so as not to look inappropriate and stiff:
- Men can wear a simple pair of trousers, a short-sleeved shirt with buttons.
- Women should prefer a skirt and a blouse.
- If the applicant does not dare to put on a casual outfit, he can dress for an interview in a casual business style. This will help a person to feel confident while not relaxing.
How to get dressed for an interview with a man: useful tips
It is time to dwell in more detail on choosing an outfit for men. The applicant needs to pick up, bottom, shoes and accessories.
How to choose the top
Business style implies the need to wear a jacket for an interview. It is best to give preference to a classic suit in dark colors. The jacket should sit well in the shoulders, its bottom and sleeves must have the correct length. Of course, folds and spots are not allowed. You can not show to a potential employer that a sloppy person is applying for a position.
Choosing a shirt and tie should dwell in more detail. The options are listed below:
- Business style. In this case, a one-color shirt with a long sleeve is recommended. When choosing a tie, it is important to avoid bright or funny patterns; preference should be given to simplicity and tranquility.
- Daily business style. A shirt with a short sleeve on buttons is allowed. An addition to it can serve as a tie in calm or bright colors.
- Casual style. A cotton shirt that fits well is suitable for the job seeker. You should not rush to extremes and come for an interview in your favorite T-shirt. You can safely refuse a tie.
Right bottom
A man can wear a classic suit or pick up the bottom to the top. Here are the requirements for trousers in which the applicant plans to go for an interview:
- The bottom should be combined with the top. When choosing trousers, you should definitely make sure that they look good with a jacket or sweater.
- Pants should be properly ironed, have the correct length and fit. It is strongly discouraged to allow the ankles to be visible from under the trousers.
- Even if the employees of the company that the applicant plans to get into are dressed in casual style, you should not go for an interview in jeans. It is strictly forbidden to go to talk with the employer in shorts.
Shoes & Accessories
The above tells about the clothes in which a man is allowed to go for an interview. What are the requirements for shoes? It should be new and clean, combined with clothing. Plain boots are most preferred; black is the ideal color. Sandals should not be worn, even if the interview is on a hot day. We should not forget about monophonic socks that completely cover the ankles.
The number of accessories is best minimized. A man can wear a silver or gold watch. The model should look elegant, not attract too much attention. Also, the outfit can be supplemented with a plain leather belt decorated with a silver buckle. It is definitely worth taking a case or briefcase with you, this will help demonstrate a business spirit. Chains, seals and similar accessories are best left at home.
How to dress a woman
What is better to put on a woman for an interview? The answer to this question is proposed below.
How to choose the top
Top - an important element of the outfit, which directly affects whether the applicant receives the desired position:
- If the company adheres to a strict dress code, it is best for a woman to go for an interview in an elegant blouse or jacket. Preferred colors - black, blue.
- If the company does not have strict clothing requirements, the lady may choose a sweater or cardigan as the top.
- A deep neckline is a big mistake. A woman will not be considered as a serious candidate. It is also worth abandoning translucent blouses that demonstrate underwear. It is worth making sure that even the bra straps do not peek out.
Suitable bottom
What are the requirements for the bottom? Pants or skirt should be clean, ironed. It is important that the bottom is combined with the top:
- If company employees dress in business style, let the skirt or trousers be part of the suit. This will allow you to have no doubt that the bottom is in perfect harmony with the top.
- In other cases, you can opt for a regular skirt. The material does not play a role, the main thing is that the model has an acceptable length, does not bully when a woman sits down. It’s hard to come up with something that is worse than embarrassing pulling a skirt during a conversation with an employer.
- Do not forget about tights of neutral tones. It is better to refuse stockings decorated with prints or patterns, as well as multi-colored products. Tights can always be torn, so it is advisable to take care of a spare pair. Arrows or holes are not allowed.
Shoes & Accessories
How to dress for an interview? The selection of shoes is also worth paying attention to. The best solution is plain-toed shoes with a closed toe. It is better to refuse studs and platforms in favor of heels of acceptable height. New shoes should be distributed before meeting with the employer.
There should be few accessories. For example, you can focus on simple silver jewelry made in a classic style. Do not wear a few rings or bracelets, as well as demonstrate piercings.
Winter and summer
What to wear for an interview in winter? This question arises among many applicants. Recommendations for clothes are almost the same as for other seasons. It should be elegant, clean and ironed.
Special attention should be paid to shoes. If circumstances permit, it is best for men and women to change their boots for shoes or boots before the interview. If this is not possible, you definitely need to make sure that the shoes are clean.
Should I wear tights in the summer? This question is often asked by the fair sex. Business style implies the mandatory presence of tights. Therefore, even if company employees dress informally, it is worth putting them on. Shoes should be closed, even if it’s hot outside. Coming to an interview in sandals is disrespect for the employer.
About the color scheme
What to wear for an interview? Which color to choose? Women's attire can combine no more than three colors. Most preferred are pastel, soft colors. Bright colors can be used, but they should not be more than two. For men, the recommendations are the same.
Unambiguously forbidden clothes with bright patterns, flashy details. Even if employees of the company wear such outfits, you should not dress like this for an interview.
About makeup
Makeup requirements should take into account the fair sex. It’s great if he will be discreet and sweet. Of course, cosmetics should not be much. Enough will be black mascara, eyeliner and invisible shadows. You can also use discreet lipstick.
Regardless of whether the company adheres to the dress code, it is not worth applying evening makeup. The main task of cosmetics is to refresh the face, make it healthy and flowering. A woman will greatly facilitate this task if she gets enough sleep before a meeting.
Useful Tips
There is an opinion that it is better not to wear branded things for an interview, but is this really so? Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question, as employers are guided by various criteria.
Should I worry about attire if the interview is via Skype? In this case, it is recommended to take the choice of clothes and shoes as meticulously as if it was about preparing for a “live” interview. There is no doubt that the employer will like the serious mood of the applicant.
It is recommended to wear a business suit if the interview is conducted by telephone. A person will feel more collected and energetic than if he answers the call in home clothes.
For a “live” interview, do not take extra items with you. Absolutely inappropriate cup with coffee, a bottle of water. These details will emphasize the frivolous mood of the applicant, his desire to relax and rest. Also, do not forget about turning off your mobile phone.