How To Dress to Impress at a Job Interview

How To Dress to Impress at a Job Interview

The email arrives to tell you that your CV has made the grade - you've got an interview for your dream job. What's your next thought? In more than 50% of cases it's going to be 'What do I wear?'

The majority of us think about how we'll present ourselves long before we worry about how to get to the interview or what we'll say when we get there! There's a job and money at stake, not to mention a rung on your career ladder to secure. But there are a fail-safe ways to impress a future employer when it comes to clothes, and they don't have anything to do with expensive outfits and accessories.

It doesn't matter whether you're going to be flipping burgers or presenting keynote addresses, the interviewer will employ someone who looks like they take the job seriously. It will take him just 15 seconds to assess whether he thinks you're serious - starting with your appearance. Sofollow these top five tips and you'll have a head start against the opposition!

1. Look Like You Mean Business

If you're looking to sell boards in a surf shack, a T-shirt and jeans are perfect as long as they're clean. But if you're going anywhere near an office and desk it needs to be a suit for men and tailoring for women.

The interviewer will spend his time (hopefully) looking at your head and shoulders so if it's a choice between a better quality jacket or bottoms, always focus on getting the top right. For men, a sober tie is usually called for and for women, a neckline that isn't in the least bit distracting should be your aim - you want to be employed for the right reasons, after all.

2. Groom, Groom, Groom

Women should have a run through with their hair and make-up and men should always arrive shaved unless their facial hair is clearly a style look rather than a novelty (a pink beard may look great at a festival but the joke will wear thin for most employers).

'Classy' is almost always the ideal word for an interviewer to describe you after the event so take a leaf out of Vogue magazine rather than the National Enquirer and stick to simple, elegant looks.

3. Don't Forget the Coat

When you arrive at your interview you need to look polished from the outside in. There's no point wearing a fabulous new suit if you bury it under a mud-stained cagoule. Your new boss may want you to represent the company outside the building so keep the outer layer slick too.

4. Always do a Dry Run

Try on the complete outfit including shoes, bag or briefcase several days before the interview. Don't leave out the grooming - this is your chance to try out your make-up of a new hair look with lots of time to spare in case the whole thing bombs.

Polish your shoes and get them re-heeled if necessary. Treat your clothes to a lint roller and brush to get them into peak condition.

Then take a long hard look in the mirror. Would you employ the person looking back at you? If the answer is 'yes' move on to the final step.

5. Get a Second Opinion

Once you're feeling confident about the way you look, present yourself to a friend or trustworthy other for a second opinion. And don't forget to ask them to check your rear! Whoever interviews you will have a good look at that bit of you as you leave the interview room.

Good luck!

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