Getting The Right Look For Your Interview

Interviews are nerve-wracking experiences. But the most important thing is the words that come out of your mouth, not how you look, right? Sadly, this isn’t the case. First impressions count for everything, and you need to look the part, as well as act it. If you’ve got a big interview coming up, here are a few tips to help you nail your ‘business style’.

Interview fashion – top tips

• Think smart. Everything about your look should say that you’ve made an effort; from your shoes (polished, not scuffed) to your wristwatch. Now is not the time to team up a comfortable jumper with a skirt, no matter how at ease it makes you feel. A blazer or jacket is a good option, combined with tailored pants or a skirt. A dress can also work, but keep it formal, not floaty.

• Research the company. Before you go, browse their website. This will give you a good idea of their ethos and the sort of look that constitutes ‘smart’ for them. Obviously, you don’t want to turn up in a sharp suit if the company has a ‘dress-down’ policy. It’s all about getting the right balance. If you’re unsure what their ethos is, err on the side of caution – dress up, not down.

• Don’t go overkill. Now is not the time to wear those towering stilettoes. They might look phenomenal, but they probably won’t strike the right note. This is especially the case if the employer wants to give you a tour of the building and you fall on your face! Keep it relatively sensible, without veering into ‘frumpy’ or boring.

• Think about make-up. Just because you’re attending an interview doesn’t mean that you have to go bare-faced. However, neither does it mean slapping on the bright red lipstick and black kohl eyeliner! Keep it subtle, fresh and relatively sensible.

• Wear something you’ve worn before. Wearing new clothes is always a bit risky at an interview. For example, the shirt might make you sweaty (and no-one wants unsightly patches under the armpits!). The skirt might feel uncomfortably tight or your shoes might pinch. Road-test all your garments first, to check they’ll be suitable on the day.

• Avoid flashy clothing. Generally speaking, it’s best to keep your interview fashion fairly muted (unless you’re applying for a job in the creative industry). Darker shades are more appropriate, and avoid over-bright blouses or lurid neck-scarves. If you want to incorporate some attractive detailing, wear some subtle jewellery (a little pendant necklace is perfect).

• Don’t forget fragrance. Humans are powerfully affected by scent, so your perfume could effectively make or break it for you! Choose a fragrance that’s powerful and authoritative; preferably something with strong citrus or peppery notes. Alternatively, choose a men’s scent – there are many out there, like Aventus, which are ideal for this sort of scenario.

• Avoid making a statement. Your interviewers will be looking at you and trying to gather clues about your personality, based on what you’re wearing. As such, the studded dog-collar should definitely stay at home, and the statement hoop earrings are probably best for another day.