Is there anything as nerve-wracking as dressing for an interview? Do you wear slacks and a blouse or a black suit for interview first impressions?
And why is it so important to consider what you’re wearing for an interview? It’s the first impression you make with a potential hiring manager, and if you mess it up, it’s hard to come back from. So, it’s normal to be stressed.
But it’s also more than what you’re wearing; it’s how you look and behave during that first meeting. Beyond just picking out an outfit, here are some ways to get prepared for your interview.
Prepare The Night Before
There’s so much on your mind the day of an interview. How do you get there? When should you leave? How long will it take you?
The last thing you want to do is add one more stressor to the big day. Set your final outfit out the night beforehand. Ensure everything is pressed and cleaned, so you’re not rushing to change your options in the morning.
When you wake up and already have your outfit checked off your list, you’ll be relieved you have one less thing to worry about.
Go For Classic and Polished
It doesn’t matter if you wear a black suit for interview first impressions. What matters most is that you look polished and professional.
Go for crisp, clean lines. Avoid anything that doesn’t fit right or will make you uncomfortable. Neutral colors, like gray or beige, tend to take the focus off your outfit and keep it where it belongs — on you.
Take Time To Relax
It seems impossible when a new job is on the line. But when you wake up that morning, take some to stretch, meditate, listen to music, and do some self-care. Whatever it is that eases your mind and helps you relax, get some of that in before an interview.
The more time you give yourself, the more refreshed and clear-headed you’ll be when you walk into your interview. That will help immensely with your first impression.
Don’t Forget Hygiene
This might seem obvious, but don’t forget to do the usual hygiene things. Brush your teeth, make sure your hair is neat, and keep your nails and hands clean.
You’d be surprised how often people miss these steps when preparing for an interview and inadvertently cause a bad impression.
If All Else Fails – Ask
If you don’t know what kind of atmosphere the company has, it doesn’t hurt to ask. A tailored suit might work for a corporation, but if you’re interviewing at a fun start-up, it might be too much. You want to dress in a way that shows you’d fit in without being too relaxed.
Generally, a hiring manager is happy to tell you what they expect from an interviewee regarding their attire. So, send off that email and get prepared to put your closet to work.
An interview is more than what you’re wearing. You’re bringing your whole self to the table and trying to convince a hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. Still, you want to look the part.
With these tips, it will be impossible for you to leave a bad first impression. Good luck!
