subject: How To Look Good Naked In An Interview [print this page] I knew the title would grab your attention, but of course, I wouldn't want you turning up to your first interview actually stark naked, that be a nightmare right? Not only for you but also for the interviewer.
How to look good naked in an interview. My Belief and Definition- the action of stripping away any unessential clothing or accessories which cover, prevent, obstruct and distract from the honest representation of an individuals talent and personality within an interview.
I am not Gok Wan although if I wear my glasses I do often get mistaken for him. I cannot compete with the fashion knowledge that Trinny and Susannah can offer to hundreds of women. I do however believe I have an understanding of what can be the most suitable attire to make that great first impression in your first interview.
Think of it as a portfolio or CV which requires:
1. Editing
2. Styling
3. Colour-schemes
4. Fit
5. Proportion
You are a canvas which requires at least one key piece of clothing. I usually envision that a key piece is usually embodied as a jacket, shirt or top. Enable a blend or even a contrast with other pieces of clothing whether you choose smart trousers or a skirt. If you have already established your key piece let the other pieces compliment it through colour and fit. This in turn creates a balance in clothing making the central focus point your face and upper body. This of course will be the most visible visual body language when sitting down in your interview.
Why is it so important to think about what you wear?
The creative industries yearn for a perfect combination of talent, individuality, experience and skill. All are part of your multifaceted identity as a creative professional. Employers search for professionals who are a suitable cultural fit within the company and they assess this through a candidates' previous work, how the candidate explains their career and ultimately how they present themselves.
If you were meeting your potential new boss tomorrow morning, would you expect them to come in with a shirt that has grease stains from the kebab and chips the night before? Would you expect them to wear odd socks? I know many would argue that odd socks are unpreventable circumstances which can happen early in the morning, but try not to let this happen! Expect that the interviewer anticipates YOU to be presentable. From your first interview, they will want to see how you would present yourself to clients and professionals outside of the team.
It is true to say picking an outfit for your first interview entirely depends on what role you're applying for and the specific industry. Saphia, our Branding and Strategy consultant explains, 'It definitely depends on the sector in addition to what role and level you're interviewing for. For women, I would definitely suggest having your hair up and make up to the minimum. The majority of Branding and Strategy professionals turn up sharp and stylish yet they are always subtle. I would note that dressing smartly can never go wrong.'
No matter what role you're applying for, there is a universal rule in planning your outfit. Your aim is to let your personality and skills shine through. Your appearance can overshadow and prevent your personality and persona from making an impact. What you wear to an interview can become a big factor in the impression you leave behind. This doesn't mean going for the extreme in mix-matching everything you've bought in Beyond Retro with your neon green leggings and topping it off with a Princess Beatrice styled hat. Be subtle in your style and you can create something which is timeless and unforgettable. Some of the best ways of cementing a successful outfit for your interview is through your choice of colour.
How to make an impression through colour
Clothing with colour has such a subconscious effect on how you feel emotionally and how others feel around you. Brighter and lighter colours are uplifting to the emotions and moods, while darker and more neutral colours are subduing.
Blue, If you want to establish trust and credibility, many people believe that blue is the most suitable colour to channel this. As the safest colour and universally liked it also alludes to a conservative approach to work.
Grey, Beige and Brown: Neutral colours such as grey or beige allow your personality to shine through, although these colours can be perceived as being too safe by some.
Red, As a very strong colour is often used on caution and warning signs. It is often associated with stop or 'beware' or the contrasting themes of love and lust.
Orange, As a bright and warm colour it represents fire, fun and warmth.
Yellow, As the brightest colour to the human eye. It represents youth, fun and is ultimately a cheerful energetic colour.
Green, The colour of nature and health. It represents growth, nature and safety.
Purple, Associated with royalty, nobility and prestige it also symbolises mystery, magic, power and luxury.
Black, A very powerful colour that also portrays one of class elegance and wealth. Black combined with other colours can have a very strong statement.
White is often associated with being pure, clean and positive.
Do
Wear solid colours. Solid colours make the process of putting outfits together easier.
Keep jewellery to a minimum. Jewellery should be limited to one or two key pieces; it becomes a distraction if there is too much. No big hooped earrings or rows of rings on fingers.
Wear neutral make-up. Do not go overboard with make-up; apply cosmetics which give a natural look with neutral tones. Men- don't wear man-liner (we've all tried it, don't try it for work!).
Go easy on the perfume, cologne and aftershave-you want your overall presence to make an impact not the strength of your scent.
Style your hair. Let your personality show. For women try a suitable hairstyle which compliments your face and allows it to shine. Try not to cover your face- you don't want to project mystery around yourself (they wouldn't call it an interview if they can't assess you). For men, make sure your haircut looks professional and well kept.
Do research about the company, to find out more about the culture and what people would wear on a normal working day, research their site and social media platforms. Ask your consultant on what to wear if there is no on line evidence on what they wear. Gemini consultants have a sharp eye on what to wear.
Wear a white shirt. If you want to play it safe, a white shirt welcomes the widest amount of options.
A suit jacket without a tie. A suit jacket is timeless and can easily be complimented with smart trousers and a shirt. Make suit that it fits well on you and try sitting down with it on.
Dont's
Do not be too flashy. You don't want to look like you're trying too hard.
Novelty socks are a no no. Even if it is Christmas, don't let the socks come in the way of your dream job.
Keep the trainers at home. No matter how retro or stylish they are, leave your hitops at home.
Do not wear jeans or denim. You haven't seen the company's definition of casual, don't jump into unknown territory of wearing jeans on the first interview.
Do not wear wild nail polish. You want the interviewer to look at your face not your hands.
Do not wear open toed or backless shoes. You're not on a beach and the weather is slightly chilly this time of the year.
Do not wear out-of-date suits. Lapels which are too wide or narrow, it looks like came from the 80s. Invest in a new suit whether it's personally tailored or bought from the high street-find a new suit which is timeless and is comfortable. Remember you'll be sitting down for the majority of the interview!
Do not wear short skirts. Hemlines should not be more than three inches above the knee. Never wear leggings or harem pants to an interview.
Do not wear leather jackets/blazers. Many people are against leather and you do not want to be known after the interview as the professional who looked like they needed a smoking pipe to accompany their leather jacket.
For men, do not wear turtlenecks. Are you a turtle? Do you need to pop your head in and out of the collar when the interviewer asks you a tricky question? If you are contemplating turtleneck shirts, do not. Covering your neck shows insecurity and apprehensiveness.
Do not bring your printed or trendy handbags. Purses should be conservative and inconspicuous. Do not give the interviewer an impression that your purchases are extravagant.
Do not pile on accessories or layers. Too many colours take away the attention from your face and what you have to say, avoid loud jewellery, hats and over layering.
Where can I get inspiration? Pinterest
Pinterest has made way for 24 hour online inspiration-a visual board of men and women showing off the latest trends and fashion. You can join via your Twitter account or alternatively through your Facebook account. Take advantage of this social media platform and create a visual board with what you think would be suitable to wear and colours which you think would suit you. If in any doubt send your board URL to a friend or even our consultants for more opinions. Although Pinterest is addictive, it can open your mind to different ideas on what you could wear and what pieces would create that perfect first interview outfit.
Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have
Concluding this article, you don't have to reform yourself and lose your sense of identity, far from it. You are who you are through your personality. Allow your work, experience and your portfolio take centre stage and let it become the main focal point of your interview. Your work and the personality you exuberate should parallel each other. Wear something comfortable which doesn't distract the interviewer. Be positive and confident, you'll shine like a gem.
