The first impression is one of the most important parts of an interview. Your resume and cover letter may get you in the door, but your in-person meeting will be the make or break factor. Since we know that putting together a stylish and professional outfit doesn’t exactly come naturally to everyone, here are a few guidelines to follow when preparing for an interview.
Dress for the Job
You want to dress for the job that you are actually interviewing for; if you’re interviewing for a barista job at the new, hip coffee shop in town, you don’t need to show up in a business suit, but if you’re in a more professional setting, you’ll want to look the part.
Add Details
Add elements into your outfit that reflect specific traits that you can bring to the position. For instance, does the position require someone who is incredibly detail-oriented? Then maybe add in a few impeccable details to your look that will stand out, like a perfectly placed pin on your blouse or a pair of polished cufflinks. There’s one statement piece you can’t forgo: the statement watch. Everyone needs a staple timepiece—look punctual and polished in one easy step. Browse the selection of gold watches for men and women from MVMT to find something that complements your new office-worthy digs.
Wear a Blouse that Fits
If you’re opting for a blouse, keep it simple with a neutral option that fits well. Women often make the mistake of getting a blouse that’s too tight or too loose. Tight blouses can pull in the chest and make moving difficult, while loose blouses look baggy and unflattering. If you find it difficult to pick out the right blouse, purchase a larger size and get it tailored to fit you perfectly. Pair it with a sleek pencil skirt or ironed trousers to complete the look.
Add Shoes
Whether you choose to wear heels or flats, make sure your footwear is clean and polished. If you want to wear a pair of heels, make sure they’re not scuffed from your night out. Wear a pair that’s comfortable to walk in and won’t distract you while you wait for your interview. Nobody wants to think of pinched toes or blisters during their interview, so make sure your shoes are worn-in before the big day.
Wear Appropriate Makeup
Unless you’re interviewing for a fashion job, keep it simple with the makeup. Save the intense cat eye makeup and red lipstick for nighttime and go for a subtler look. Stay away from distracting colors and wear neutral tones that accentuate your features. One simple way to keep your makeup from looking too dramatic is to apply it in the natural light. Hold a vanity mirror up to the window and apply your makeup accordingly.
Accessories
Keep your accessories understated. Choose a simple bracelet, stud earrings, and delicate necklace to pull your look together. If your outfit is neutral, choose accessories with a little more sparkle or color to give your look more interest.
Manicure
Your interviewer likely won’t be looking at your fingers with a magnifying glass, but nobody likes to see dirty nails. If you’ve been neglecting your nails, it may be time for a manicure. Go for neutral nudes, pinks, or even red for a pop of color. Your nails need more than color; they also need to be trimmed and filed.
Hair
Check your hair before your interview. Leaning your head against the car seat, a gust of wind, or fluffing your hair before an interview can lead strands astray. Bring a hair tie, hairspray, or bobby pins just in case you need a quick touch up.
Follow these style guidelines and you’ll pull off a cool, professional look sure to get you noticed for all the right reasons. Nail the first impression and walk in with confidence so you can land your job.
*Collaborative post.
It’s been ages since I’ve been to a job interview. I’d probably add though to wear something comfortable (of course appropriate for interviews). If you’re uncomfortable with what you’re wearing, it will show and add to your nervousness 😉
Yes it would.
I try not to wear makeup and always dress for the job which for me has to be everything comfortable
Ah nice.
I couldn’t agree more, first impressions are so important. Great tips x
Thanks Cathy x
These are such great tips! I never really know what to wear for an interview. I usually just do a suit (I work in marketing). I think now that I have a little work experience next time I interview I may change it up from the traditional suit.
Glad you like the tips x
They’re all great tips Stella. However, although my science jobs were relaxed affairs on the clothes from with jeans and t-shirt acceptable under a lab coat, I always wore a suit to the interview. I doubt I’d have been hired rocking up in jeans!
Thanks for reading.
Great advice! I haven’t had an interview in years, I wouldn’t have a clue what to wear!
Thanks Laura.
There are some really good tips here and I am especially a fan of polished shoes at an interview. Those details matter! xxx
Yes they do. Thank you.
Such a good post. I agree on wearing a blouse that fits and dressing appropriately for the job x
Yea. Thanks Kerry x
I have sons that are starting to look for jobs and some (not all) of your tips we’ve been trying to impress on them. It’s great that most of your tips can be for everyone…
Yes Stephanie. Thanks for reading.
That’s so very true! I’ve seen people overdressing and underdressing for their interviews. While the looks are definitely not everything, it certainly does count a lot! Devil’s in the details and if you forget something, it might cost you that precious dream job!
Yea. Thanks for reading.
First impressions are so important at an interview. I do the interviews at my work and you wouldn’t believe how some people turn up for them!
I can imagine. Shocking what some people wear.
These are all good points for dressing for an interview. Simple, minimalist accessories is so key! x
Yea it is Ana x
First impressions last forever
It takes 7 seconds to nail it
Great post
Yes it does. Thanks for reading hun xx
I haven’t had an interview for years, but these are great tips – that first impression is so important!
It is so important.
Awesome advice! The last time I got ready for an interview was for my American visa application, but the same rules and dress code applies here as well.
Yea it does. Thanks.
Very good tips for dressing for interview. I am planning to attend an interview in a fortnight, so these points are very helpful to me. Thanks for sharing. I love your blog always.
Glad you do Osimeno xx
It’s been a long time since I attended an interview, great tips
Thanks Sarah.
Great tips. It doesn’t matter if you are the best candidate for the job, no-one is hiring you if you look like you are incapable of getting dressed.
Thanks Jayne.
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