How do you dress for an interview and charm a future employer?
Are you about to change jobs, start your first job, or would you like to spend the holidays on an interesting internship? Great idea! You will probably have an interview. Do you want to present yourself in the best possible light? In that case, take a look at some of our tips on how to dress appropriately and stylishly for a job interview.
Find out the dress code
We assume that you have already made an overview of your potential employer or company, and you know whether you will be working in an office, operating in a shopping center, or spending time in important meetings with clients.
Each position requires a different dress code, but interview clothes should always be more modest. The outfit should say more about your personality, but not outrage. And what is the most important thing? You have to feel comfortable in it. You will probably be stressed enough about the interview itself; you don’t have to worry about a tight skirt, a tight tie, or a “biting” sweater.
Business interview
If you are going to an interview at a large corporation or for a higher position, it would be nice to choose a more elegant outfit. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw on a boring black jacket and white blouse!
Try to look for beautiful sheath dresses in pastel or other bold colors. You can’t go wrong with a floral blouse, which you complement with basic cigarette pants or a longer skirt.
For men, we recommend choosing a classic in the form of a shirt and interesting trousers. You can stand out, for example, with a shirt without a collar with an inconspicuous print or trousers with a rolled-up bottom. The trend also includes brightly colored socks, which lighten the whole outfit.
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Interview with creatives
Don’t know how to dress for an interview at an advertising agency, fashion store, or design studio? It needs an extra idea. In this case, you don’t have to worry about excessive elegance. Do your research on what’s trendy and choose pieces that will show everyone that you can turn your imagination into a style of dress and work.
Try combining a brightly colored jacket with a strappy crop top and cycling shorts, or a skirt with an asymmetrical cut and a batik jacket.
And you, gentlemen, can choose ordinary jeans, which you can complement with a T-shirt with a funny inscription or pun. You will show that you are up for every joke and that working with you is fun.
Feel free to complete the whole outfit with a hat; it will twist you.
Interviews in summer and winter
It is also important to distinguish whether your interview will occur in the summer or winter. Summer interview attire can consist of shorter skirts and dresses, but everything is in moderation.
Don’t be afraid to play with colors and patterns! You will shine among all the gray candidates. In case of great heat, they also have green and elegant shorts for men. However, to be sure, find out if the dress code of the given company allows it.
In winter, most people choose longer pants that keep them warm. Lace bodysuits, a blouse with a print, or shirt with embroidery are also the right choice for interview wear.
So that you don’t chatter your teeth in the room where the interview will take place, take a trendy coat or a longer cardigan with you. Do you want to embellish your winter interview outfit to perfection? Also, check out our other tips on how to dress for an interview in the winter.
Don’t forget the accessories
To complete your look to perfection, don’t forget to add a few accessories to it. Sometimes less is more, so if you opt for bolder earrings, don’t add a bracelet or necklace.
A watch is also a great accessory for a job interview. Sure, we all have them on our phones. Well, those on your hand will not only look great but will also create the impression that you are punctual and pay attention to every second.
A briefcase or a simple handbag in a basic shape without unnecessary trinkets and tinsel will also help you create the impression of seriousness. Always have a pen, pencil, and paper in them in case you have to fill out a test, sign a document, or write down a few notes at the interview. Once again, you will give the impression that you are always ready and will not miss anything.
Do you have an important interview coming up? Prepare for it, not only mentally but also outfit-wise! Clothes make the man, don’t they? If you are still missing some clothes for a job interview, choose the interview look that will help you land the job of your dreams.
How do I dress for an interview?
Are you going to a job interview and want to make the best first impression? So you’re probably wondering how to dress for an interview as best as possible. If you want to get a new job, make an impression on the job interview not only with perfect preparation but also with suitable clothes. First impressions can greatly affect your chances of success.
The matter of first eye contact is precisely appearance and demeanor, and thanks to them, you can gain an advantage over other candidates. What should you avoid when choosing clothes for an interview and, conversely, what pieces should you reach for? Read the following article to find out the answers to your questions.
General rules for an interview outfit
Before attending a job interview, familiarize yourself with the company culture and choose your clothes accordingly. A formal dress code is required for positions in banks, state administration, and corporations. A more relaxed informal outfit style, dress code casual, is suitable for creative professions, technology companies, startups, marketing, and media.
In general, the higher the position, the more appropriate it is to choose a formal outfit. Experts advise to come in more elegant clothes than the employees of the given company or company normally wear to work. In any case, you need to feel comfortable and confident so that you can focus on the professional side of the interview.
Clothes for a job interview for a woman
Betting on women’s weapons during an interview will certainly not help you achieve the desired success. On the contrary, you would appear cheap and untrustworthy during the interview. Therefore, avoid provocative clothes, such as short skirts, deep necklines, and things that are too tight. The length of the skirt should not be shorter than when you put your palm above your knee.
At the interview, it is desirable to look formal and serious. You can choose a skirt or trouser suit, or elegant trousers or a skirt in minimum length to the knees, with which you can combine a neutral top or blouse. A simple sheath dress with long or short sleeves is certainly suitable, but not with straps. If you still want to choose a sleeveless top or dress, complete it with a jacket.
For a formal dress code, avoid bold colors and patterns. Of course, classic black is suitable, but in combination with other colors, it certainly is not alone. Navy blue looks elegant on this occasion. Pastel colors are a good choice. When it comes to shoes, always choose pieces that you feel comfortable in and that have a closed toe.
Choose accessories and jewelry that are less noticeable, and the same applies to make-up. In case you have a tattoo on your body and the dress code requires a formal one, cover this body art with clothes, and choose a piercing. Do not use heavy perfume, choose a fresh, soft scent on the day of the interview.
What bag for an interview?
The question of how to dress for an interview does not end with the clothes themselves. We consider the outfit comprehensively, the individual elements should harmonize. Many of us underestimate the choice of the right handbag. Just like shoes and clothes, a handbag should be discreet, tasteful, and should appear formal.
Choose from neutral, mid-size pieces to keep it formal. Handbags that are too expressive, too big, or, on the contrary, too small, are not suitable. Also, watch out for handbags with bold inscriptions and metal elements.
Bring only one bag to the interview, otherwise it will look unprofessional. Keep things organized in your bag so that you can easily select everything you need for the interview. If your handbag lacks compartments, buy a bag organizer for it.
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Interview clothes for men
What about an outfit for a job interview for a man? In general, you should appear neat, tasteful, serious, responsible, and trustworthy at a job interview. For a formal dress code, it is advisable to wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and classic trousers. The first thing people notice about a man in a suit is a tie. Choose a rather conservative tie, i.e. not bright colors and bold patterns. Choose a tie only if you are wearing a suit or jacket.
For shoes, you should choose closed shoes, ideally leather in brown or black, which you match with the color of the belt. For the casual dress code, you can choose chinos, a cotton shirt with a collar, and ankle boots.
What should you avoid? Short-sleeved shirts, shorts, jeans, sweatpants, or sweatshirts are taboo during interviews. The same applies to sandals, flip-flops, or sneakers. Choose pieces that are neutral and monochromatic, as well as those without bold colors and patterns.
Are jeans suitable for an interview?
The answer is absolutely clear. No, jeans are not suitable for an interview, forget them, let alone ripped jeans. Even if the employees of the company you want to work for usually wear jeans, it is better to leave them in the closet and choose pants in which you will appear neat, and elegant, which will add to your charm.
How do dress for an interview in the summer?
On hot days, ladies have a big advantage, as they can reach for pieces that won’t keep them warm. They can wear a dress with short sleeves or a skirt with a short top. Unfortunately, gentlemen are not so lucky and should come to the interview dressed in long trousers and a shirt and when it comes to the formal dress code, a suit is essential.
How to dress for an interview in winter?
In colder weather, you can throw an elegant coat over your outfit. Ladies can wear a long-sleeved dress or skirt with warm stockings even in winter.
It looks very good if men combine a turtleneck with a jacket. Don’t forget the shoes. Ladies can go for high or ankle boots and men for winter boots.
Clothes for an interview in a bank and other institutions
How to dress for an interview for positions in financial and public institutions? In these cases, the business casual dress code applies. Ladies can wear a sheath dress, a skirt or trouser suit, a knee-length pencil skirt, and an elegant blouse with sleeves.
In addition to white and black, choose muted colors and subtle patterns. Gentlemen can choose a suit or long-sleeved shirt and classic men’s trousers, jacket and tie.