You finally got the interview for your dream job, but there are lots of questions running in your mind, do I have the right experience? The right qualification and skills? Will I be able to answer all their queries? Will I make a good impression? What should I wear? All these questions are valid especially the one about your interview attire! The goal of an interview attire is to make you look professional, competent and respectful towards the interviewer and the company. The people interviewing you don’t know anything about you personally except for what is stated in your resume so it is imperative that you make a good impression, dress such that you blend in the environment so they can focus on what you have to say and who you are rather than remembering you for our outlandish outfit!
While planning your interview attire there are many considerations to be taken into account:
- The position and the industry in which you’ll be interviewing – every industry and organization has their own expectations of appropriate dress code. It is a good idea to do a bit of prep-work beforehand – online or asking with contacts there and get to know about the dressing culture of the organization you are going for interview and the industry.
- Geographic location and climate – It is important to choose your interview attire based on the climate and time of the year. If you wear a thin dress shirt with a tie during Scotland’s colder winters then that is not going to be practical or comfortable. Likewise if you wear a dress sweater in the hottest month of the year in London, that is going to be very stuffy and you will come across as someone who has no idea how to handle himself.
To help you put together an interview outfit we have cumulated our findings according to different industries and their varying expectations for what candidates and employees should wear:
CORPORATE OFFICE / TRADITIONAL ‘WHITE COLLAR’ JOBS – GO BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
First impressions are powerful. Before you even say a word you already have made an impression and the interviewer has created a perception about you. Now your task is to make sure that perception makes you look like a professional, proficient and cultured person. This largely depends on what you wear and how you carry yourself.
GOOD QUALITY DARK COLOURED SUIT
As a general rule when you are going for a corporate job, then nothing looks better than a good quality well fitted dark coloured suit. To look good in a suit, the suit has to be perfect in fitting – make sure the shoulders lay flat, your sleeves cuff exposed around half an inch, the hem of your trousers lightly grazing the top of your shoes, the jacket closure just right, not too tight nor too loose.
Dark colours convey authority so choosing a dark coloured suit like navy, or charcoal grey makes you look formidable in a good way. Also it is easier to pair shirts with these neutral dark colours. Do not wear any light coloured suit; also black suit should generally be avoided since it can look intimidating.
Light pastel coloured dress shirts
Pair your dark coloured suit with any light preferably solid coloured dress shirt like light blue or a crisp white colour. Very subtle striped shirts can also be worn but stay clear of patterned shirts of all sorts. Use a classic semi-spread collar or a French collar with French cuffs. Do not go for your buttons down shirt in your professional interview.
Ties
If you are wearing a subtle striped dress shirt then go for a knitted cotton or silk tie which will give a bit of texture to your outfit. If you are wearing a plain solid coloured dress shirt then go for a very light patterned tie like motif pindot or micro-patterns. Muted shades of green, burgundy, and blue look better than bright flashy colours. Choose a standard width tie, not skinny and not extra-wide.
Belts & Shoes
Wear a belt that matches your shoes. Leather belts and matching shoes look the part. Shoes should be well-polished and in good condition, not scuffed or run-down at the heels. Shiny shoes signal that you pay attention to detail. Belt should be in good condition, no creasing or tears in the leather.
Socks
Wear dark coloured vertical ribbed over the calf socks so they don’t show your skin when you are sitting. Invest in good socks that are tight and which won’t slip down.
Accessories
Keep it simple. Nothing should jump out and be too noticeable for the interviewer. However good accessories perfect your interview attire e.g. a slender briefcase or a structured envelope bag gives a very professional vibe to the whole attire. Just be mindful of not being over the top with any accessory. Make sure to follow the same colour scheme, silver or gold, throughout your accessories. Your cufflinks, watch, belt buckle, shoe buckle, tie bar all should have the same polish.
Grooming
- Your clothing should be neat, clean and pressed.
- Have a shower on the day of interview and maintain your shave or if you grow a beard or moustache then make sure it is freshly trimmed.
- Your hair should be neat and styled and nails should be trimmed.
- Wear deodorant, no cologne or aftershave in case the heavy fragrance causes an allergic reaction for someone. Plus nothing should be overpowering or distracting.
- Make sure you have fresh breath, don’t smoke before your interview.
- Before the interview inspect your attire for any issues such as loose threads, holes or marks because you do not want to look careless.
ARTISTIC / STARTUP /TECH JOBS – GO BUSINESS-CASUAL
For more creative industries and start-ups, it is usually not necessary to wear a suit and a tie. In some cases if you do turn up in a suit then it makes you look too uptight for the laid back culture of the organization which works against you. Casual interviews therefore allow for more freedom in dressing up but you should still aim for looking smart and professional.
Casual Shirts
Select your buttons down slim fit shirt in traditional pattern or in solid colour. Depending on how casual the workplace is you can fit right in with a comfortable smart fitted polo shirt in dark muted colour like navy or grey.
Casual Chinos or Trousers
A slim-fitted chino, cords or linen, twill, cotton trouser look good if chosen in the right classic colours that give a smart casual look e.g. khaki, navy, beige or olive green. Ensure your trousers are a comfortable fit, not too tight and not too loose, also not too long. You should look in control of what you wear. Choose a high-quality belt to finish the look.
Jackets, Blazers & Sweaters
Jackets and blazers can finish off any smart casual interview attire in a good way. The layered look gives more depth to your personality so invest in a good blazer. For colder months, a cable knit sweater is a nice touch with the shirt/chino combination.
Grooming
- Your clothing should be neat, clean and pressed.
- Have a shower on the day of interview and maintain your shave or if you grow a beard or moustache then make sure it is freshly trimmed..
- Your hair should be neat and styled and nails should be trimmed.
- Wear deodorant, no cologne or aftershave in case the heavy fragrance causes an allergic reaction for someone. Plus nothing should be overpowering or distracting.
- Make sure you have fresh breath, don’t smoke before your interview.
OUTDOOR JOBS – GO CASUAL
If you are going for an outdoorsy job interview then see what others on the job wear. Dress up a bit more formal than that. Relaxed-fit khakis or dark-wash jeans, and a comfortable t-shirt can be suitable attire for a gardening or truck driving job. Regardless of what you wear, you should show the same level of seriousness and professionalism in your attitude if you were wearing a suit.
Hope our guidelines for interview attires will help you all.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
The Cotton Team!
