Everybody knows how important it is to make a good first impression. At a job interview, this is even more crucial, which is why your outfit should be appropriate for the type of interview you’re about to have.
At most companies, the days of a suit & tie or a dress & high heels are over. If you show up for your job interview dressed too formally, you might look out of place, yet dressing down to a very casual look might not be the best idea either.
Dress codes vary, so the key to choosing the right outfit is by understanding the culture of the company you’re looking to work for. If you’re going to an interview at a company in banking or insurance, a more formal attire will probably still be the best option. However, if you’re going for an interview at a creative startup, you’ll get away with a much more relaxed look.
The first thing you can do, to figure out which level of formality is required, is to visit the company website and social media pages. Look for pictures of employees taken at the office or at events.
Secondly, you might have someone in your network who works in a comparable position at a similar company that you are applying to. Don’t be afraid to ask them about the dress codes in their industry.
Now that you have a general sense of the level of formality that is appropriate, there are still some key pointers you should be mindful of:
- Try to choose clothes you feel comfortable and confident in.
- Avoid clothing that is revealing, or that doesn’t fit properly.
- Check your clothes for stains, holes or pet hair. Make sure you choose your outfit a couple of days in advance and that it’s clean before you wear it.
- Try to avoid wrinkles. Ironing your clothes is a first step, but hanging them up the night before your interview might help as well.
You’re all set now to start your interview successfully!
