First impressions are very important in an interview. An employer is judging you from the moment he or she lays eyes on you. This first impression can be based on your clothing, the handshake you give him or her and many other tiny things. This is why how you dress is very important.
There are several rules one should follow when picking out clothing for an interview.
Men’s Interview Attire
- A nice suit in either black, navy or dark grey.
- A long-sleeve, button-down shirt. Preferably white or one that matches the suit.
- Black belt
- A conservative tie
- Conservative leather shoes that match your suit.
- Dark socks
- Limited jewelry
- Professional hairstyle
Women’s Interview Attire
- A nice suit in either black, navy or dark grey
- Suit skirt should be just above your knees
- Blouse that works well with your suit
- Conservative leather shoes (no 3 inch heals)
- Limited jewelry (no large earrings or bracelets)
- Neat hairstyle
- Matching pantyhose
There are a few things you should also avoid when interviewing with an employer. You should not bring your phone or iPod with you to the interview. It just provides a distraction. Gum chewing or coffee sipping can seriously irritate an employer, leading the employer to not listen to you. You should take out all of your piercings, except your conservative earrings. Try to cover all tattoos. If there is a tattoo you are not able to cover with clothing, a little tip is to use a band-aid to cover it up.
If you follow these rules and tips, you are sure to impress an employer with your first impression. Now you just have to impress him or her for another 30 minutes!
