What To Wear And What Not To Wear To An Interview
While I am not a self-proclaimed fashionista or the best dressed lady on the block, an important part of my job as a recruiter is to advise my candidates on what to wear and what not to wear to an interview. A great resume and relevant skillset are of utmost importance when meeting a hiring manager or HR professional. However, appearance also plays a critical role in making positive first impressions. Thus candidates must be mindful of choosing the appropriate attire for an interview setting. See below for some tips-
-Think about where you are interviewing when choosing an outfit. For example, if the interview is at a hip and innovative digital agency, do not wear a suit and tie as this will appear too corporate. If the interview is at a more corporate firm, avoid a funky look and wear a more buttoned up and polished ensemble. You don’t want to fake it, but try to fit in with the overall environment and culture appearance wise so as to not come off as “wrong” or “irrelevant”
-Cover up! You would be surprised at how many candidates show too much cleavage at an interview. Don’t get me wrong- cleavage can be attractive and very sexy. However, it can also be extremely distracting during an interview setting as well as send the wrong message. So button up as much as possible so as not to reveal too much.
-Show some personal style. While the more corporate agencies or companies will not care quite as much about how stylish candidates appear (i.e. wearing designer labels or pairing that funky Urban Outfitters skirt with your new LAMB heels), adding a hint of personal style is always a great idea and a smart way to stand out amongst the competition. For example, pair a beautiful necklace or earrings with that suit or wear a gorgeous purse to compliment your outfit. It is smart to accessorize to add some flair to your ensemble and make it more memorable.
-Don’t look sloppy! Wearing jeans and a ripped t-shirt to an interview (even if the agency is extremely casual) will never make a good first impression. Candidates should always take pride in their appearance for an interview so the hiring manager or HR professional feels that they care about making that great impression. Sloppy just won’t cut it.
-Be careful to not overdo it. If you’re interviewing at J. Crew, do not drape yourself in solely J. Crew fashions—that is just cheesy and forced. It might be a good idea to carry a J. Crew clutch or wear a nice pair of J. Crew flats as an ode to the company. However, candidates must still let their own personal style and taste shine thru rather than be a walking advertisement for the company with whom they are interviewing.
These are just a handful of helpful tips regarding interview attire. Believe it or not, an outfit can truly make or break an interview. So don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter for his or her opinion regarding the proper interview dress code, and again do your best to dress for success.