Dress for an Interview

Before You Get Dressed for a Job Interview

The big job interview is coming up and you are feeling rather confident. You have anticipated the questions they might ask and have prepared some great answers. The research is done and you have a fresh cv in the back pack, …. Wait a minute. Did we say backpack? Are you really going to walk into .a job interview carrying a backpack? Next thing you'll say is that you're planning to wear jeans and your favourite t-shirt. Uh-oh!!! You better ask yourself these questions before you get dressed.

What should I wear?

Generally, it's a good idea to wear a suit or black pants and a good dress shirt for a job interview. Go with something simple. Keep away from what you wear on a night out. The more conservative your field is, the more conservative your outfit should be.

What if my interview is for a job in a more casual setting?

If you are applying for a job working on a warehouse floor, you will look out of place wearing a formal suit. Keeping that in mind, dress a little better than you would for a day at work and make sure your clothes are tidy and clean.

My interview is for a job in a legal firm. Traditionally this field is more professional , but this particular firm may be a little more casual. How should I dress?

You can't go wrong in a suit, but if you want to give more of an impression of "fitting in" then you need to find out how people actually dress for work at that company. If you are going through an employment consultant check with them first. One other way to do this is to observe people arriving for work. Choose any day other than a Friday, which is when some companies have a mufty day – casual day, so don’t be fooled. Again, follow this rule of dressing better for the interview than you would for a typical day at the office or workplace.

Do I have to buy a new suit?

As long as your suit is in good condition and not outdated, you don't have to buy a new one. If you do decide to purchase a new suit, buy the best one you can afford and make sure you don't get anything too trendy. You want your investment to last. You can stick to a simple pair of black trousers with a business shirt and smart co-ordinating jacket…..but arh no not the jacket you wear to the rugby games or out on a night out.

What shoes should I wear?

In all instances, wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals / Jandals are never appropriate for a job interview, unless you are applying for that position down on the beach. Black shoes match everything . Stick with a conservative style. Women should not wear very high heels.