Categories: Jobs & Jobs Hunting

What To Wear for A Job Interview

Going to a job interview can be very stressful. A lot of people worry about how they will present themselves or how they will communicate their strengths to the interviewer. With so many different things to already be worried about, it can be easy to leave your outfit for the very last second. When going in for a job interview you need to have an outfit that matches everything you are about. You need an outfit that shows professionalism and confidence. You need to show with your visual presentation that you are well put together and maintain yourself. There are a lot of pieces that go into an outfit for your job interview. Knowing how to properly add together the right pieces to make an effective outfit is crucial. There’s more than just a fancy outfit and some clean shoes that go into preparing for a job interview. Here are a few suggestions as to what to wear for a job interview.

 

Grooming

On a quicker note, grooming is a big part of your outfit. Visual presentation all collides with what you are wearing. Having your hair freshly cut or done will go a long way. If you’re a man, having your beard lined up and not too crazy also shows your cleanliness. Make sure that your fingernails aren’t too long or sharp. How you take care of yourself shows a lot about who you are as a person. Make sure you have your teeth brushed and face washed as well. If you’re a woman, you might wear some open toed shoes so if that is the case for you then make sure your toes aren’t peeling or chipped. The way you smell is also very important. Make sure you take a shower and are freshened up before you head in for the interview. Sometimes nerves can take over at the worst possible times. Taking a nice cool shower can help take away any last-minute nerves to help prevent and remove any sweating and foul odors that have occurred. Putting on a good cologne or perfume will also help. Smelling good can lead to a link on how the employer can remember you. Don’t over spray yourself but having just enough for where a handshake or hug is all it would take to get a good whiff of how good you smell.

Shoes

Shoes are meant to be a compliment to whatever outfit you have. Your shoes should match with your outfit but also not be too distracting. You must also know what type of shoes are appropriate and what types are aren’t. Showing up in a nice suit with a pair of gym shoes isn’t a good fit. Not saying that your shoes will make or break your chance, but visual presentation goes a long way. Another item that goes hand in hand with your shoes would be your socks. Make sure your socks are appropriate for your outfit. Don’t show up wearing your favorite superhero socks with a nice suit or dress on. Wear a pair of shoes that also make you feel comfortable. You don’t want to be stuck in a pair of tight and uncomfortable shoes that you’ll be able to walk around in and stand in for a good amount of time.

Suit or Dress

The main part of the outfit comes from your body and legs. Depending on the business you are going in for, the professionalism of your outfit can vary. Regardless of what the job is, you want to make sure that the interviewer knows that you are serious about the position, and you want the opportunity. Put together an outfit that shows formality and confidence. Wear a color that highlights your eyes or clashes with your skin tone very well. You want to be able to be complimented by your outfit rather than you complimenting it. A nice business dress or suit are probably the more popular options for going into a job interview. If you are not in the mood for a dress or suit, there are plenty of other combinations you can put together that send the same message. A nice pair of dress pants would work. I would avoid wearing a pair of shorts to a job interview as shorts seem more casual and unprofessional. Find a nice polo shirt or button down that will compliment your pants and shoes well. Avoid wearing muscle tees or plain color t-shirts. They don’t do much in the long run to make you stand out from the crowd. You want to wear a shirt and pair of pants that go together and make you look like you already got the job.

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Accessories

While accessories are always optional for a job interview, they never hurt if you know what is considered too much. Belts are definitely one accessory that could help up your style. Belts can vary in color, but it would be best to match them with your shoes. Having a matching belt and shoe piece is very satisfying. Watches are another accessory that could help with your style during your job interview. Watches add subtlety and class to you when you walk in there. In a society where everyone is on their phones constantly, it’ll be nice for an employer to see a possible employee have the class to check their watch for the time rather than take out their phone. It’s a small act that can say a lot about you. Ties are always optional. You don’t need one to show off professionalism but adding one if you feel it looks good then it wouldn’t hurt at all. Ties can be used to match with your shoes or belt as well. If you don’t want to match them then pick a color that compliments the main color of your outfit. Make sure your tie is knotted properly. There are a few different ways how to properly tie a tie so just make sure it looks nice and neat.

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Zachary Hernandez

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