The Elements of Interview Success – Tip 1: Dress Impress

Your carefully crafted CV is what landed you the interview, but once you walk in the door of a

prospective employer’s office, you can no longer rely on just your list of specialised skills or

impressive work experience. In part 1 of this series, we offer top tips on how to dress for success so

you do yourself justice.

Why first impressions matter

Like it or not, your interviewer will make up their mind about you within 30 seconds of first meeting

you, and this decision will be largely based on your appearance.

Many people will think that this is an unfair way to assess people, but this is your chance to gain an

edge on your competition. If an employer has a group of candidates who are all qualified, with

similar skills and work experience, how do they decide on which person to choose?

By dressing well, you will make a good first impression on your interviewer, which will set the tone

of your interview. The way you present yourself will make you stand out from other applicants, and

in a fiercely competitive job market, any advantage you can give yourself could be the difference

between landing and losing the job.

The planning stage

Just like any other stage of job hunting, research is imperative to your success. What is the company

culture like, and how does this influence the dress code? Call the organisation in advance to see

what they expect you to wear, or do some research on their website. If you dress like you already

work there, then it will be easier for your interviewer to picture you in the role.

Make sure to prepare in advance. Choose a few outfits that may be suitable and then try them on,

assessing each look based on these factors:

Do you still look like yourself?

Do you look like you could work for the company you’re interviewing for?

Do you feel confident?

Do you feel physically comfortable in the clothes?

Are the clothes in good condition, and do they fit you properly?

If you answer yes to all of these questions, then you’ve found the right outfit. Prepare in advance by

making sure it’s washed, pressed, and ready to go.

Need some help? Tips for interview-friendly attire

For the ladies:

Keep it professional by choosing high necklines and low hemlines

If you’re known for your accessorizing, try to tone it down. Lots of jewellery is just more to

fiddle with, which could be distracting for your interviewer

Suits look smart on any body type

If you go with a dress or skirt, wear tights

Put on some makeup: use a little foundation, blush, mascara, and lipstick. This will create a

polished look and draw attention to your face, allowing your potential employer to focus on

what you’re saying

If you’re comfortable walking in heels, then choose a modest, business-appropriate pair. If

you have a hard time keeping your balance, a flat shoe in patent leather will work since they

look smart with a suit

Make sure your nail polish isn’t chipped – this always looks messy and will reflect negatively

on you

If you twiddle with your hair, tie it back so it doesn’t distract you in the interview.

For the gentlemen:

Wear a fitted, dark suit. The fit is important; if your jacket is too big, it gives the impression

that you’re playing dress-up

Make sure your shirt is lighter than your jacket and tie

Choose a tie with a subtle pattern

Refrain from mixing any patterns

Shine your shoes; studies have revealed that women check out people’s footwear when they

first meet you. This is a great chance for you to make a good impression on your female

interviewer.

For everyone:

Outerwear: This is the first thing your prospective employer will see. Make sure that your

coat and hat look professional as well. Show up in a classic-cut pea coat or modern trench,

but leave windbreakers and other types of casual coats at home

Have glasses? Put them on: A study by Henleys eyewear revealed that 90% of people

believe that those with glasses are attractive, intelligent, and approachable, while 1/3 of

adults think glasses make people look professional

Keep it simple: Don’t wear any items that are unnecessary or may be a distraction to you or

your interviewer

Your success is in the bag: Refrain from colourful backpacks with logos that may make you

appear juvenile or unprofessional. Sport a bag that is neutral, compact, and complements

your outfit.

Anxious about your upcoming interview? In part 2 of this series, we’ll discuss the different types of

interview styles you should be prepared for, and offer tips on how to best handle each one.

For more interview tips and for the latest HR jobs please visit Changeboard.com