There is no doubt that our outward appearance is very important and job interviews are probably the best reminder for that. Along with good manners and good qualifications, employers usually evaluate the overall impression you leave on people and the clothes we wear can be crucial in situations like these. According to some studies, a person needs around seven seconds to form a first impression for another person. In case there are several candidates that meet all the criteria and they have “passed” the job interview, the employer will most likely choose the person who makes them feel comfortable and relaxed and a person who looks professional at the same time.
Clothes don’t make the man is an old saying, but the truth is that clothes can tell a lot about some person especially on a job interview. Every interviewer can confirm that besides the experience, knowledge and personality they also evaluate the appearance of every candidate. What we wear is crucial for the way we look. That’s why you need to follow some tips that can help you increase your chances on a job interview.
First of all, when you start trying outfits for job interview, make sure to ask some of your family members or friends for an opinion. Try to ask a person that you consider to be knowledgeable when it comes to fashion. Tell them that they need to be as objective and honest as possible. If they think that you look too old or too young or maybe old fashioned or even unprofessional there is a great chance that you will look in the same ways in the eyes of the person doing the job interview. So, be prepared to accept the advice of the people close to you and create an image that is as close as possible to the image of the company where you want to work.
Remember that the worst mistake that you can make is to go badly dressed up on the job interview. Make sure you take care of everything – hair, nails, shoes, purse etc. All these things need to be tidy and clean. You need to leave an impression that you are well-organized and responsible.
Don’t save money if you need to buy clothes. Of course, you should buy the best quality clothes that you can afford. You can find affordable classic business clothes even in every store. You can also check the internet and look for some discounts.
The color of your clothes should be linked to the position you are applying for. For example, if your work involves direct contact with many clients you should definitely avoid dark colors. If you are doing an interview for a job that involves a lot of creativity avoid neutral colors and add something in your clothing that can make you stand out from the crowd.
Finally, find a combination that will fit you perfectly. If you feel comfortable in your clothes you won’t be distracted on the interview.