HOW TO DRESS UP FOR AN INTERVIEW

Research suggests that first-time impressions shape perceptions of professional competence. While you’ve prepared your impressive CV and Cover Letter, researched about the job you are interviewing for, now you’ll have to work on your appearance. Your options will vary depending on the type of job and company you're interviewing with. Selecting your interview attire is the final detail that pulls all your efforts together. You need to look the part you are interviewing for and make a statement about yourself that will get the hiring manager listening to what you have to offer.

        1. Plan your attire ahead of time

  Planning your outfit allows you to deal with any wardrobe issues in time. Try on your outfit before the day of the interview to ensure it’s in perfect shape and avoid any last-minute alterations. Avoid anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager. Make sure it fits and also ensure you feel confident in it.   

        2.Dress for the job

  Do your research, and find out what others in the company wear. Often, the industry itself can give you enough context to make an informed decision. Many offices and corporate environments operate in traditional business attire, in which case you should go for a conservative look like tailored suits. If it’s more of a creative or a start-up company with a casual edge, you can go for something a little more smart-casual. You should ensure that the attire you wear speaks volumes about your personality.

         3. Be comfortable in your outfit

  If you are uncomfortable in your outfit the interviewer can tell. Make sure your clothes are not too tight, too revealing, or too baggy.  Avoid wearing anything too short or too low cut as it might make you feel uneasy during the interview.  If you wear uncomfortable shoes, your walking style changes and as you walk into the interview room you will shift attention to how you walk rather than how you talk.

        4. Keep makeup and hair to a minimum

 Hairstyle should not distract the employer. Your hair should be professional and polished, like your entire outfit. As for makeup, think soft and natural. Tone down on bright colored eye shadow, lipstick hair, and nails.

         5. Check yourself before walking into the interview room

  Remove loose change from your pockets and turn off your cell phone. Check for any hanging cloth strings, unbuttoned or untucked shirt or uncombed hair.

       6. Smile

 Don’t forget to wear your smile. Putting on a smile and adjusting your body language can improve your mood and help you feel more confident. But not grinning wildly throughout the interview.

If you aren’t sure of what to wear, call the office and ask the person who scheduled the interview for advice. Your dress code should then be topped up with a mild perfume, cologne or aftershave.

“The clothes you wear and the way you groom yourself will change the way other people HEAR what you say” Tyler Tervooren