How to dress for a Job Interview

Perhaps you have read many articles, and listened to the advice by your family, friends and maybe even a recruiter... But somehow you do not feel satisfied and you want that one post, that one advice that will just tell you the truth.

I say, "Put comfort above everything else".

Forget comments about "Being absolutely formal" or "wearing a suit, heels, a skirt, a pink shirt," or "dress as if you are going to church" advice. No! No! No! I understand the lengths one should go when looking for  job, but the one thing you shouldn't be worried about when heading in for an interview, is how you look.

It is a fact that how you look does count when you go in for an interview. That is why when some people dress inappropriately, they end up not getting the job. So, rather put yourself in the interviewers shoes and ask yourself, if I were offering a job for ABC company, servicing or selling ABC products, how would I want the person I am going to interview (or the potential employee) to look like, so think industry.

If you are interviewing for a job in a corporate environment, dress for the part. Google how people in that certain industry look like.

If you are a woman going to an interview, make sure that you look decent. A simple skirt or formal pants (Preferably black) will suffice. Be neat!

With a nice simple jacket to cover up your shoulders, you can look amazing. Another worry is also shoes for women. If you are not sure about wearing heels, rather wear pumps or those 3 inch office heels.

See Examples Below: 

For men, dressing for an interview is simple. A suit and tie, with formal pants and black formal shoes will do you justice. But once again, it depends on which industry you are going to. If you will be working in a media environment, neatness is a fuss (so don't go there looking like a hobo); but it is more chilled than a corporate environment, so you can get away with wearing much brighter colours, and formal but casual pants.   

See Examples Below: 

Going for an interview is already stressful, so another thing I can say is, dress as though you already work for the company. Find out how people at the company dress, and imagine yourself in that role. But it really is important that you dress for comfort (by comfort I do not mean sweat pants).

So its important  to always remember that the interview is a much closer step to getting the job. It means they loved you on paper, so bring your awesome personality and decent wear and you can get the job. 

Lastly, sometimes I guess it is better if you know what you shouldn't wear. Find below a list for men and women on the DON'TS of interview attire:

The DON'TS for women: 

Do NOT: 

• Wear open heel/sandals 
• Wear high heels if you can't walk in them
• Wear anything you would wear to a club
• Wear something that will reveal your cleavage (less is always better) 
• Wear summer dresses for an interview (that is, the kind you would wear to a family brunch) 
• Wear a tight shirt/skirt

The DON'TS for men:

Do NOT:

• Wear white formal shoes 
• Wear light shirts if you sweat when nervous, rather opt for a darker colour
• Wear flops or anything that will expose your feet
• Wear different colour socks, always wear the same colour  

If you remember these than you will be fine. Also, you can remember to do the following: 

• Keep your nails clean and short (or long enough for women)
• Keep your hair neat, plait it or keep it neatly combed and tied (bald for men)
• Do not wear too much make up that you end up looking like a circus clown, keep it it simple and posh (men and women)
• DO NOT use too much perfume or cologne that it ends up seeming like you were swimming in the bottle
• If you want to keep your breath fresh and smelling good, remember to brush your teeth and rather go for sweets than Bubblegum (And before your interview, just throw it out). 

Anyway, Good Luck. I do hope you get the JOB