So, you have an important job interview coming up, and now you are faced with the arduous task of trying to find something to wear. As the adage goes,
you only get one chance to make a first impression, holds true in this circumstance. Dressing in the same casual clothes that you normally wear will reflect poorly on your work ethics and attitude, which will subsequently lower your chances of scoring the job. On the other hand, dressing appropriately in the right formal wear will have a positive impact on your image while encouraging the employer to hire you. But how do you know which clothes to wear to a job interview? This is a question that we're going to tackle head-on in today's blog post.
Is Attire Really That Important?
The short answer to this question: YES, choosing the right clothes for a job interview is incredibly important. According to a study conducted by NACE, employers were most influenced by job applicants' grooming and how well they dressed. Applicants who arrived to the interview poorly groomed and wearing the wrong clothes were generally turned away, even if they had the necessary skills and experience. Of course, this should come as little-to-no surprise given the sheer importance that attire/appearance plays in today's business world. Your choice of clothes says a lot about your personality and work ethics, so don't make the mistake of wearing the wrong attire to a job interview.
Survey the Company
If you haven't done so already, visit the company for whom you intend to interview to gain a better understanding of its culture. Contrary to what some people may believe, not all companies encourage their employees to wear formal suits and ties. And if you arrive to an interview wearing your best suit while everyone else is wearing shorts and t-shirts, it won't exactly yield a positive image. Before choosing your clothes for a job interview, scout out the company's headquarters and/or offices to see what other workers are wearing. Are they wearing formal suits with neckties? What colors are they wearing? Is anyone dressed casually? These are all questions that you should attempt to answer when deciding what clothes to wear to a job interview.
Men's Suit for Job Interview
Assuming other employees at the company are wearing suits, it's best to follow their approach by wearing a similar suit to the job interview. There's no other way around it: suits are the de-facto standard for men's formal wear. As such, they should be your first choice of attire when dressing for an upcoming job interview. Sure, there are certain cases in which a pair of dark-colored jeans, button-up shirt and blazer may suffice. But for the most part, it's best to err on the side of caution by wearing a properly fitted suit.
You can read through some of our previous blog posts here at StudioSuits for some helpful tips and tricks on how to wear a men's suit, but there are a few key points to keep in mind. According to the job-finding website
Monster, job applicants should avoid double-breasted suits, opting for a single-breasted suit instead. Single-breasted suits offer a safer and more modern appearance, making them the ideal choice for job interviews. You can choose either a two or three-button suit, but keep in mind that two-button suits are more classic. Whether you choose a two or three-button suit, however, it's best to leave the bottom button unfastened.
Something else to consider when choosing a suit for a job interview is the fabric. Monster recommends wearing a suit in a fabric that is "seasonally appropriate." What does this mean exactly? Well, certain fabrics are better suited for certain seasons and months than others. Wool, for instance, is ideal for the cool winter months, whereas twill and linen are better suited for the warm spring and summer months.
Grooming Tips for a Job Interview
Now that you know a little bit about what to wear, and what not to wear, to a job interview, you might be wondering how to groom yourself. See below for a list of grooming tips to better prepare for your a job interview while giving you the upper hand against the other candidates.
- Skip the five 'o clock shadow. Most career placement experts recommend a clean shaven look for job interviews. This doesn't necessarily mean that you can't work for a particular company if you have a beard, rather you should wait until you get your foot in the door before growing out your facial hair.
- Don't be afraid to use product in your hair. Whether it's gel, pomade, etc., adding just a small amount of product to your hair can help keep it under control while enhancing its texture and overall appearance.
- If you are going to use cologne and/or aftershave, it's best to follow the "less is more" approach. In other words, use a very small amount of cologne or aftershave, as too much could have an overwhelming effect that hurts your efforts to score the job. Some experts would argue that fragrances are not even necessary for job interviews, so don't feel like you must wear it.
- Remain confident throughout the interview. A little confidence will go a long ways in sending a positive message to the employer and/or interviewer.
- Wristwatches are a great way to enhance your suit, but you should only wear a wristwatch if it flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit.
- Don't chew gum.
- Brush your teeth before the interview.
- Wear socks that match the color of your trousers.
- Make your suit is pressed and wrinkle-free. If necessary, take it to a local dry cleaners a few days before the interview. There's no faster way to kill your chances of scoring a job than by arriving to the interview wearing a wrinkled, messy suit.
Following the tips outlined above will increase you chances of having a successful job interview.
