You’ve done it! You landed an interview at a great company and now you just have to get the job. This is your chance to make a first impression that will count. Before you’re even asked the first question, you’re being judged on how you’re dressed. Your friendly experts at JobSource are here to give you the ultimate guide on pulling off interview attire that will make such a great first impression, it’s sure to get you hired!
Interview Attire for Men
A Suit Makes the Man
Guys have it easy when it comes to deciding what to wear to their next interview. Suits are always the way to go. Yes, we know that the workplace is loosening up on strict office dress codes. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress your best regardless. Showing up in a suit shows you’re serious about the job you’re applying to. It also shows you were willing to put in the little bit of extra effort to wear something professional. Since there are no real downsides to dressing up, always lean conservative and you’ll never find yourself underdressed.
Color is Important
Now that you decided on a suit, we need to talk about colors. There are lots of great, trendy colors out there. However, when it comes to interviews, it’s best to shelve those bolder colors and go for something understated, but stylish. Grey and navy suits are your best bets. These colors are both professional and will get you the right kind of attention. Both colors reflect a sense of wisdom and authority. They also stand out better than the boring, traditional black suit without being distracting as it would be with a brighter color.
With these colors, you’re going to need to be thoughtful about what color shirt you pair with it. For navy, pair a lighter color shirt and vice-versa for grey suits. Solid color ties are always a good choice. If you do want to go with something patterned, simple checks or stripes are classics for a reason.
Why Fit Matters
When talking about interview attire, we can’t overlook the importance of fit. The fastest way to look like you have no idea what you’re doing is to wear a suit that’s a couple of sizes too big for you. Even worse would be slipping on that same suit that used to fit you when you were a teenager. Your suit should fit your body without any loose fabric, but still, be comfortable. Don’t know your size? Need adjustments on a suit you already have? A trip to the tailor a no-brainer solution.
Shoes to Finish the Look
Before we finish up with our interview attire advice, we can’t forget about your shoes. A pair of dress shoes are crucial for completing your look. Styles like Derbies, Oxfords, and Brogues are all professional dress shoe designs. Stick to colors like black or brown, and make sure they’re still in good condition. If they’re a bit scuffed up, a quick polish will get them looking brand new. Don’t forget to match your shoes with your belt. Matching the two will bring harmony to your look.
Interview Attire for Women
To Suit or Not to Suit
Women may have plenty of options for interview attire. A suit will still always look the most professional. Pair a conservative suit jacket with a pair of pants or a skirt. As long as the colors match, choosing between pants or a skirt is up to you. Make sure though that everything is tailored to your size and nothing is too short or too tight. It might be tempting to go longer, but that’s a mistake too. Knee length is always a good idea for skirt sizes.
Choosing Colors
Let’s talk about colors for a minute. Women’s clothing is far more comfortable with colors than men’s clothing. Regardless, dark colors are still the best choice. Blue, black, and grey are classic, conservative, and flattering colors. You never know what the office you’re going into will be comfortable with, so experimenting with your style isn’t the right move for your interview. Once you’ve got the suit down, you need to finish the look. For your blouse, stick to simple, solid colors that compliment your suit. White is always going to look great.
Accessorize
No outfit would be complete without some accessories. That being said, you don’t want to overdo it. When it comes to jewelry and hair accessories, less is more. Pieces should complement your look and not create a distraction. For instance, one ring per hand is the kind of simplicity you should go for. Rings and earrings are the right kind of accessories and don’t draw attention away from you. Make sure that none of your accessories are too big. Remember, subtle is good here.
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Last but not least, you can’t forget about the shoes. Here you can show off your style a bit more. As long as you stick to more muted colors and designs, feel free to break away from traditional colors. Greens, reds, and yellows can be a refreshing pop of color contrasting to the darker color of your suit. Don’t let the colors get out of hand though. You don’t want them to be distracting. Needless to say, when in doubt, traditional colors are still a smart option.
As for designs, basic pumps are the route to go. Avoid anything with an open toe or back. While these can come in more office friendly designs, they’re still less professional than a closed look is. Instead, go for something like pumps. Pumps are classic, versatile and perfectly professional. When it comes to your heels, they shouldn’t be too tall. A few inches are probably more than enough.
Your interview starts the moment you walk through the door. How you’re dressed can make a big impression. Some forethought and adherence to conservative looks will yield you the best results. With our interview attire guide and JobSource working for you, landing your next job has never been easier. Register online to browse current jobs or come into one of our branches and talk to our recruiters about getting to work today!
