What your interview outfit says about you

Are you creative? How about logical? Dependable? Organized? Your interview outfit can reveal a lot about you during the hiring process. People tell you the first impression is the last one. The way you present yourself during the job interview is crucial to making a great first impression. But no one ever tells you what it is exactly you should wear to an interview.

If you’re wondering what to wear to a job interview, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you want to dress for the job you want. The hoodie culture of Silicon Valley may have replaced traditional suits but many industries expect you to be on you’re A-game when you come for the job interview. You could check a few of your potential employer’s press photos or blog page to see how people dress up to work. If the company feels corporate, then a suit and a tie for men and a dress for women is your best bet. If it has more of a laidback culture, then feel free to dress up in a casual shirt/t-shirt and pants.

In a 2013 survey conducted by job site CareerBuilder, results showed correlations between attributes employers most often associate with colors candidates wear to job interviews.

Black = Leadership
Blue = Team Players
Brown = Dependable
Green, Yellow, Orange or Purple = Creative
Gray = Logical/Analytical
Red = Power
White = Organized

Avoid picking your interview outfit on the day of the interview. Give yourself a week to decide on the outfit so you don’t have to make a rushed decision.

Once you’ve picked on the outfit, move on to the shoes. Prim and polished shoes are a sign of an individual who gives attention to detail. If your shoes are worn out or unkempt or covered in mid, it translates into your work habits.

Sometimes too much attention to detail can be distracting. As my colleague Diana Coker points out, perfume at work can also be seen as a way of seeking attention. This brings us to accessories…

Don’t wear too much jewelry. Too many necklaces, bracelets or bangles would make it appear as you’ve just taken the first flight available from Coachella. A classic watch, a pair of studs and a simple necklace are just fine.

So, now that you’re aware of these interview outfit tips, try to follow them always. Don’t let your potential bosses get the signals of you being unprofessional when it comes to work outfits.

The post What your interview outfit says about you appeared first on The HR Digest.

Source: New feed