You’ve applied for your dream job and they’ve called you in for an interview… but now you have to pick out an outfit that’s going to knock your interviewer’s socks off. In order to dress to impress, here are some tips and tricks for looking your best for a job interview.
Know the company
The first thing you want to do is research the company you’ll be interviewing with. If you weren’t told a dress code, you can easily figure it out by assessing the aesthetic of the company. More often than not, you’ll want to dress in business casual. However, if the company is more avant-garde and artsy you could get away with even more casual clothing. Overall, the rule of thumb would be to dress a stitch above what the employees would typically wear (i.e. business formal).
Slim Fit Shirt from H&M, $17.95
Don’t be afraid of colour
Colour can be scary for most people when it comes to clothing, but it’ll help you to stand out in the eye of the interviewer. Don’t go overboard with a crazy print dress in magenta or a lime green blazer. Instead, opt for a pop of colour with a great tie in blue (to make your eyes pop) or a pale pink shirt beneath a navy blazer. For those with darker skin tones, jewel tones are the way to go. Also, avoid wearing red. It’s an overly aggressive colour and is known for its lusty implications.
HEAGY Pump from ALDO, $90.00
Put your best foot forward
When it comes to footwear, don’t wear anything you’ll be uncomfortable in. Men should stick to dark shoes that are neutral (i.e. blacks and browns). Women have a wider selection. Flats are a safe bet. If you’re capable of walking in heels, don’t wear anything too high. Three to five inch heels are ideal. That said, if you’re applying for a job in publishing or public relations feel free to get creative with your footwear.
Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater from Express, $69.90
Consider the season
It may seem like common sense, but you definitely don’t want to go for an interview in an outfit that’s inappropriate for the season. You don’t want to be sweating in a heavy suit during the summer or freezing in a pencil skirt during the winter. Consider lighter fabrics for the warmer weather and adopt a layered style for the colder months.
Be sensible
Before leaving the house, make sure the following things are NOT visible: undergarments, stomach, cleavage. You’re looking to land a job, not a date. Showing too much skin will give off the wrong impression. This applies for guys too. Pull up your pants, tuck your shirt in and make sure you’ve ditched the trucker hat.
Go scentless
Be considerate of the possibility that your interviewer might be sensitive to perfume or cologne. Avoid wearing anything that’s heavily scented so as not to irritate the person across from you. That said, make sure you’ve got your deodorant on! If your nerves get the best of you, the last thing you want is to be sweating bullets and not have something to cover it up. After all, stress-induced sweat is the stinkiest!
Front Pannel Pencil Skirt from Smart Set, $35.00
Respect the rules of fashion
Men! If you’re wearing a tie, it should touch the top of your belt buckle. The sleeve of your jacket should reach past your wrist but shouldn’t touch your thumb, while your pants should NOT have pleats (pleats are the enemy). For women, when wearing a skirt make sure it is no shorter than two or three fingers above the knee. Avoid wearing trendy ankle-high boots. They’ll make your legs look stumpy. If you’re wearing a white blouse, then you’ll want to wear a nude bra. Both sexes should remember that pant-legs should touch your shoes but it shouldnt pool at your feet.
Wardrobe Must-Haves
– A great tailored suit in black, grey or navy
– Three or four fitted button-up shirts
– A soft sweater for layering
– Oxfords in black or brown (for men), black pumps (for women)
– Pencil skirt
Resources
The unfortunate reality about being unemployed and looking for work is that the funds might not be there for a work-ready wardrobe. Retailers like H&M and Smart Set offer affordable and fashionable clothing. However, if your bank account has rolled into the negatives there’s an invaluable resource in Dress Your Best. Located in the Annex in Toronto, Dress Your Best outfits the economically disadvantaged with three complete outfits designed for snagging that dream job. For more information, visit their website at
http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng
