The Do’s and Don’t of Dressing for an Interview

April 22, 2016

First impressions are generally formed within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. In order to ensure your first impression is a great one, make sure you’re dressed the part! Here are the do’s and don’t of dressing for your next interview:

Do: Take company culture into account. Visit their website to get a feel for the image they’re trying to portray. On top of this, do your researching by talking with anyone you know who already works there, or by Google searching the company and scrolling through pictures that may exist of current employees at the office.

Don’t: Forget to consider the industry you’re applying to. Even if the law firm you’re applying to boasts a “laidback yet highly productive atmosphere,” that doesn’t give you the green light to wear sandals just because they said they are laidback.

Do: Err on the side of overdressed than underdressed. Brenda Ferguson Hodges, a California-based image consultant and career coach says, “Appearance affects hiring decisions and plays a major role. Hiring managers need to be able to visualize you in that position they are trying to fill.” You never want an interviewer to think you aren’t professional enough or serious about the job because of the way you dressed.

Don’t: Overdo your cologne, perfume, or makeup. As long as you’ve showered and put on deodorant, you will smell fine. You can add one spritz of cologne or perfume but never more than that. As for makeup, go for a natural look. Light foundation, blush, mascara and a little bit of lipstick if you usually wear it is all that you’ll need.

Do: Wear something you feel comfortable in. Try on your outfit the night before and practice sitting, standing, and moving around in it. If you’re fidgeting around to keep your skirt from riding up, or if your pants bunch uncomfortably when you sit, change.

Don’t: Wear prints that are too distracting. Even if you’re interviewing at a fashion or creativity oriented place, you don’t want to go overboard with the patterns on your clothing.

Do: Instead of distracting prints, choose a small statement piece. For men, this could mean a nice watch or a tie with a mild design. For women, a bright necklace or colorful shoes are enough to make you memorable without without overdoing it.

For more interview tips, make sure to keep checking our blog!