What to wear to an interview?

Here in the careers service we help students prepare for interviews. For many students it will be their first experience of the interview process and there is a lot to think about and prepare, job and company research, types of questions, logistics, outfit and practice.

Today we are going to focus on what to wear; a job interview is your opportunity to make a great first impression on your potential employer and your interview outfit forms part of this first impression.

If you are wondering what to wear to an interview, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of job you are seeking. While your interview attire depends on the job you are applying for no matter what the position you should come neat, tidy and well dressed.

Some more tips for dressing for success…

Because every company is different in what they consider appropriate workplace attire, here are some tips to ensure you dress for success every time.

Do your homework.

If you are not sure what the dress code for the interview is, we would always suggest you contact the company and ask. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident on the day. Most companies would be delighted that you have shown interest and asked what is appropriate to wear on the day. If you do not know the dress code and cannot find out before the interview, we would suggest that you err on the side of caution and dress formally in a traditional suit.

Pay attention to details.

Make sure you always look polished and professional. These may seen trivial but on the day, they have a huge impact. Ensure your outfit is not wrinkled, stained, ripped or ill-fitting and your shoes are clean and polished.

Keep it simple. 

We would recommend the simple approach to dressing for an interview. Avoid wearing strong colours and ensure the overall design of your outfit is conservative. Keep jewellery and make up to a minimum, and go traditional when choosing a tie. In this scenario its always better to play it safe.

Go light on Perfume and Cologne 

Be mindful when using perfume and cologne, as you never know if your interviewer might have an allergy or aversion to strong scents. Either way you do not want your overwhelming spray of perfume or dab of cologne to be the first or last thing your interviewer notices about you.

Have a dress rehearsal. 

We recommends always trying on your interview clothes before the day of the interview to prevent any possible wardrobe malfunctions. If things do not fit right anymore, if your go-to jacket is missing a button, or if the shirt you love is wrinkled, it gives you time to troubleshoot.