subject: Dressing For A Job Interview – Getting It Right [print this page] Dressing For A Job Interview Getting It Right
Are you going for a job interview and you want to know what you should wear? Well you have come to the right place because I will talk you through what you should and shouldn't do to make the right impression.
Gone are the days when if you wore a suit then you knew you were dressed correctly for a job interview. Although for certain jobs that is still the right thing to do, knowing what to wear for which type of job interview is the trick, so let's take a look at the different situations you might be faced with.
Have you heard of the term 'business smart'? This is the term that is used when people expect you to look as though you are a professional in a fairly formal setting. So if you are going for a job in an office or a bank then you will need to dress in 'business smart' style. This does not mean wearing a suit, necessarily, but it is more about what you don't wear. For example jeans, trainers, t-shirts (especially with logos) are not appropriate for this category of interview wear. Neither is lots of obvious piercings or tattoos.
You may feel that this is slightly discriminatory, but unfortunately there is no law that prevents discrimination against personal preference when it comes to these things, so if you really want the job, then your best bet is to cover up or remove the potentially offending tattoos and piercings.
For business smart, if you think about what you might be expected to wear to your children's graduation day or your parents 50th wedding anniversary you can't go far wrong.
But obviously there are other types of interviews where you are expected to be 'different' and to express your individuality. This might be a job in the fashion industry or in the creative arts. The important thing to remember here is that 'different and creative' does not mean scruffy and inappropriate. So you have to find that fine line between dressing as if you were going out to a rave (unless that is where your job interview is!) and looking as though you have a bit of personality and character about you.
Just remember, clean, tidy and above all else something you are comfortable in. There is nothing worse than looking the part in a brand new outfit when all you can think about is how uncomfortable or hot or overdressed, or underdressed you are. If in doubt, play it safe. And don't be tempted to wear something outrageous just so that you will be remembered. Believe me, if you are doing well at the interview, the interviewer will find a way to remember you and will take note.
