Interview Wardrobe Essentials

For many, this is a time for job interviewing and I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly this season when it comes to dressing for success. The first impression is made within 30 seconds before you utter a single word so your professional image speaks volumes about how you will be received as a candidate.

Candidates should do their research and dress appropriately for their given industry and organization. But, the job interview is an opportunity to dress a notch above the job you seek. When you land the position you can dress the part that reflects the company culture. For the interview – keep it conservative and dress to impress.

I conducted multiple interviews for a variety of positions this summer. One very impressive-on- paper candidate showed up in a nice pair of jeans and a button down shirt. I was immediately struck by his lack of professional attire and my impression of him was cast before he even got a chance to sell why he would have been a value-add to the organization. Interestingly, I saw the same person a few months later at a community business networking event and he was in a suit. What gives? Did he not want the job for which he interviewed or did he simply miss the mark on appropriate interview attire?

Here are some basic rules to keep in mind when you are selecting your interview wardrobe:

• Dress a notch above what the work culture dictates. It’s ok to be the best dressed person at the interview. It shows you care and that you are a serious professional.
• No room for wrinkles. If you are not accustomed to ironing yourself, invest in a dry cleaner that will press your clothing so it looks neat and presentable for the interview. Looking messy can be a deal breaker and this is very easily avoidable.
• Save your club attire for going out on the town. Your interview suit is precisely that – a professional outfit you will wear when you are seeking a job. Dressing provocatively or inappropriately for the respective work culture will pull focus from your brilliance and employability.
• It sounds like a no-brainer but, comb/brush your hair and wear it in a style that is no maintenance for the interview. Make sure your eyes are visible so you can communicate with positive eye contact. The wind-swept look might be all the fashion rage but it will not create the best impression for the hiring committee.
• Skip the cologne or the perfume. In addition to preventing your hiring committee from an allergic attack you don’t want to create smell associations. Perhaps you wear the same perfume as your future boss’s ex. Not a good olfactory association to make so keep it clean and stick to deodorant.

Bottom line, you need to feel fabulous in your interview outfit. Choose one that gives you self confidence so you can really impress them with why you are a terrific fit for the new opportunity. If you match your attire to the industry you will be able to focus on your interview stories and not your outfit.