Dresscode is an important part of job search. The question of what to wear to an interview to land a job drills many applicants’ minds. Indeed, the corporate culture, as well as workplaces, are variable, as is their dress code. The modern job market offers numerous positions, and choosing attire for each of them may be tiresome.
Your dress won’t affect the applicant tracking process, unlike your cover letter and the skills for the resume you should possess. Make sure that they are neat and look professional before landing an interview. You can use editing services like https://skillhub.com/resume-editing to be sure that your resume is perfect.
In the end, knowing what not to wear to an interview may work better than pinpointing an exact dress for each meeting with recruiters.
What not to Wear to an Interview: Corporate Style
Despite the variety of possibilities in different career fields, they can be summed up in two general directions: casual and corporate styles. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) may choose your resume among other job seekers, but an interview with a recruiter will determine whether you get a dream job or not.
Therefore, learn about the company you are applying to, its corporate culture, and dress code. If you engage in a traditional career field such as law, banking, or finance, then choosing a more conservative look would be appropriate.
For men, you should not wear jeans or sneakers for a traditional corporate interview. Your hairstyle should be a short haircut and nails well-trimmed. Following general hygiene is always a good idea when you are meeting a recruiter. Acceptance to the job position starts with a visual evaluation, and looking neat at the first meeting is one of the greatest accomplishments for an applicant.
For women, it would be wise not to wear too much jewelry and makeup. Generally, women have more options on how to dress up for an interview. Still, if you want to get more interviews, it would be wise to stick to a conservative style.
General advice for clothes to wear during an interview:
- Navy, dark grey, or black suit.
- Conservative hairstyle.
- Compact purse.
- Little or no jewelry.
- Do not overdue perfume.
It is hard to emphasize enough that a flashy image and strong scent may kill any interview. You may place your best photo in a resume, and ATS bots may swallow it with no problem. But if you rely too much on perfume, it would not be the brightest idea.
What not to Wear to an Interview: Casual Style
Not every business tries to be formal and professional. Many modern startups value the qualification and personal traits of individuals rather than sharp looks and matching ties. Still, there are some general guiding rules to follow for a casual look.
There is a business-casual style of attire that squeezes between corporate and casual dresses. You may feel less formal with it but still impress the population with good looks. If you want to make a good first impression for a hiring manager of such a company, you may still stick closer to the corporate style.
You may skip the suit part of your attire. However, a long-sleeved shirt, matching trousers, and conservative, polished shoes are your choice. Women may not wear a full suit also. Besides, they may choose not to wear pantyhose also. But a blouse and a skirt are perfect pieces for business casual attire. Even if employees do not bother much with the business casual style demands, you still want to look a bit better than the people who are already taking the occupations in the company.
What not to Wear to an Interview: What not to Bring to an Interview?
Besides the question of clothes, it is important to remember what you should and should not bring to an interview. In terms of miscellaneous items, you should also have the following things for an interview:
- A copy of your bot-beating resume. You may also take a copy of your high school diploma if it is necessary.
- A pen and a notepad.
- Copies of your certifications and key skills prove.
These may not be necessary for each interview you attend but having such items near you is always a plus.
However, it would be a bad idea to bring to an interview:
- A can of soda.
- Chewing gum or any sort of snack.
- Coffee and other soft drinks.
An interview may be a stressful occasion, and you may want to relieve the tension beforehand. However, you should not do it during the conversation. It will spoil the impression and make you look unprofessional.
Final Words
Despite the applicant tracking process automation, interviews are still an integral part of any job search. Even if you apply for an online job, you still need to land an interview. Therefore, you need to look good before recruiters and potential employers.
Looking good does not mean wearing expensive suits all the time. It is enough to look decent and have matching, conservative clothes. It would not affect your salary but will help you to invest in your career. In other cases, stick to the business-casual style.
After crafting a winning resume, make a few copies of it for interviews and hiring managers. Other proof of your qualification and training would be a bonus too. Do not bring any soft drinks or snacks to a resume. It may be a good idea to relieve some stress, but it would be better to do it outside of an interview.
Keep going, and you will receive the job of your dream.
