First impressions count and they are usually formed within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. How you dress is a key influencing factor in making the right first impression and its power should not be underestimated in an interview situation. Unsurprisingly, appearance and presentation can play a considerable role in hiring decisions, so make sure you consider these 4 things when selecting your interview outfit:
1. You need to fit in
The interviewer needs to be able to visualise you slotting into the position that they are recruiting for and suiting the company culture. Your interview outfit should help make this easy for them. Do some research and find out what the company dress code is and try and emulate this. While you should always dress smartly for an interview, turning up in a 3 piece suit to a company that embraces a more casual style will make you look out of place.
2. Colours can speak volumes
Here’s what hiring professionals generally associate interview outfit colours with:
Black – Leadership
Blue – Team Player
Grey – Logical
White – Organised
Brown – Dependable
Red – Power
Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple – Creative
If you are meeting someone for the first time in a professional setting, the darker conservative colours are definitely your safest bet.
3. Dress appropriately
Common interview outfit errors include white shirts that have discoloured, clothes that are creased strained, skirts that are too tight or short, having too much cleavage on show and excessive makeup, perfume or aftershave. On the flip side not wearing any antiperspirant in a potentially nerve-racking interview setting will not have pleasant consequences!
4. Comfort and confidence
You need to bring confidence to your interview, so having an outfit that you can feel comfortable, confident and relaxed in will really help you to perform at your best.
Remember, if you are applying for jobs you should always have an interview outfit at the ready just in case you receive a phone call inviting you to interview the next day!
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