How to dress to impress for a job interview

First impressions are everything, and anyone with an exciting job interview on the horizon will want to make theirs count. According to Forbes, a perception is created in just seven seconds, so there is no time to waste in showing that one is the best candidate when trying out for a new role.

While credentials can get a person into a room, once they’re there, any success comes down to presentation and communication. And a large component of this is, of course, based on how they look: they’ll want to be putting a best-polished foot forward to secure a new position.

So, what should one wear? Here are three top tips for dressing to impress during a job interview.

Research the company’s dress code

Dressing for the job you want is an effective tool that can help with being hired. With that in mind, it’s important to prepare wisely: most businesses have some kind of social media presence, so it should be easy enough to work out their dress code online and get a feel for the corporate culture in advance.

As a general rule, a dark suit or smart shirt and trousers or skirt are recommended for interviews in traditional office-based roles, such as in finance, business or consultancy. When applying for a smaller, agency-based role or something a little more creative, like advertising or graphic design, a smart-casual look might be the wiser choice – perhaps a smart button-down shirt and trousers, dark jeans or a knee-length skirt.

It’s important to know when to dress up and when to dress down so that employers can visualise applicants in the role. Recruitment specialists Robert Walters have found that “90% of employers say it is very important to find candidates who are a good cultural fit” for improved job satisfaction, performance and retention rates, therefore researching the company dress code can pay dividends.

Wear something comfortable and confident

So a job hunter is not always going to be wearing the same style of outfit for an interview, but one thing that should remain a constant is that they feel like themselves, no matter what they’re wearing. Selecting clothes that feel comfortable so that body language communicates security and confidence is key, even if nerves are a problem.

After all, it’s only natural to feel nervous. In one survey, it was found that 93% of people report feelings of anxiety before an interview. If that stifling suit and tie are making an applicant itch, sweat and pull at their collar before they’re even in the meeting room, they might want to consider switching them out and buying a new fit. But shopping can get expensive, and this is where spreading the cost of buying new clothes can help. As Zilch explains: “You’re probably tempted to just wear the same outfit you’ve worn to previous interviews. But wouldn’t it be nice to wear something new and feel your best?” By considering “buy now, pay later” for clothes, one can spread the cost and go into every interview feeling a million dollars. It’s worth noting however, that it’s only ever a good idea to spend what one can afford to pay back.*

Add the finishing touches

With the wardrobe ready to go, it’s almost the moment to head in and ace that interview. But before leaving the house, it’s time for one last check in the mirror. Beyond the right outfit it’s necessary to make sure grooming and final flourishes tie the whole look together – not least because workers rank personal hygiene among the most important factors when meeting somebody for the first time at work.

Firstly, it’s important to check that one looks well-groomed and tidy, with no stains or big creases showing. It might be possible to get away with a stray pet hair during a Zoom interview, but now that we’re back to the real world, every detail counts, and office lighting is considerably less forgiving. This is a good occasion to accessorise with smart, subtle jewellery choices, such as a tasteful watch or belt, and scrub up those shoes ready to take on the world.

For those who wear makeup, an understated, clean aesthetic is best in this context. Brighter shades of lipstick or dramatic bronzer strokes should be avoided in most cases as research has shown that professional makeup positively affects a recruiter’s perception. It’s also better to go easy on hair styling products and accessories to ensure that hair looks fit for the workplace.

And that’s it! Final checks are done and the presentation will tick every box the interviewer is looking for. Next, all that’s needed is a firm handshake and talking the talk – but that’ll feel so much easier looking the part!

*Spend responsibly – spending more than one can afford could seriously affect financial status. Credit subject to status, 18+, UK residents only. Representative APR 18.1% (fixed) based on total spend: £240 (+£2.50 fees). Total repayable: £242.50 paid over 6 weeks, 1st payment £62.50, then 3 payments of £60.00 every 2 weeks. T&Cs apply.

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