4 Tips For Dressing For a Successful Job Interview

First impressions are everything, particularly when it comes to a job interview. Yet make no mistake about it— there can be a lot of nerves and incertitudes involved when it comes to making the right outfit choice. Regardless, it’s important that you dress the part and that you make a positive first impression on your potential employers. To make sure your appearance is where it needs to be, here are some of the best tips for dressing for a job interview.

When in Doubt Go Conservative

Even if the company you’re applying to seems to have a casual company atmosphere, it’s important that you always err on the side of conservative rather than casual. For women this usually means wearing a pantsuit or a knee length skirt, a nice bag, and avoiding overly bright colors or patterns. The idea is to steer away from flashy or bright motives as they can distract from your qualifications, and potentially show a lack of professionalism.

Don’t Forget Grooming

While there is certainly a lot of importance around what you wear, there’s just as much importance surrounding your grooming! From hair style,to facial hair, to in a woman’s case, makeup. In addition to everything on your face and head, you also want to make sure that your nails are groomed and clean, and avoid putting on an excessive amount of cologne or perfume.

You never know when someone may be sensitive to smells, or put off. It’s always better to go on the lighter side. Lastly, don’t forget the importance of a clean, healthy, and minty smelling smile. Oral hygiene is a must if you want to make a good impression.

Don’t Overdo The Accessories

As much as you might love your favorite pair of brightly colored earrings, or flashy belt, you want to keep your accessories to a minimum. Too many jingling bracelets, dangling necklaces, or other loud accessories will ultimately only distract from your interview.

As a general rule of thumb, less is more. Choose subtle and professional accessories rather than overly loud ones. Remember, you always want to feel things out before you let your personality shine. A job interview is not about being overly expressive or forcing your personal style on anyone. While this may be acceptable in your personal life, the truth is that a job interview is a place to be minimalistic.

Choose Neutral Colors

Unless you’re going to interview for a fashion magazine, usually you should choose colors that are fairly neutral and basic. Opt for beiges, black, or white, and steer away from neons or colors that can be too obnoxious. Remember, once you get hired you can get more explorative with your attire, but your interview clothing should be as reserved as possible!