Dressing for an interview
Posted 22 June 2009 - 8:05pm by WikiJob
Think. What do your clothes say about you?
Someone once said that an interviewer knows within the first minute of meeting the candidate whether or not they will be suitable for the vacancy. Whether this is true or not does not matter, because is it really worth the risk? The employer should know immediately that you are taking the interview process seriously and should recognise your effort in wanting to be employed. Dressing in a well-fitting suit tells this to the employer, before any words have even been spoken.
What else should your suit say about you? Are you creative? Are you organised? Are you a confident person? All of your positive attributes should be reflected in your suit. I would always suggest that you arrive to an interview in a conventional coloured suit a navy or dark grey, however you should maybe consider some individual detailing to really make the suit yours, as well as making you stand out from the other candidates. Why not have an interesting lining of the suit as this will add to your individuality? Something contrasting, something fun. I would advise wearing a plain white shirt, but individualise your look with bold tie and matching cuff links and possibly a matching pocket square. Remember you want to look the part, but you don't want your look to steal the limelight, they are interviewing you.... not your suit.
Always make sure that your suit is a good fit. Trousers should end at the wood of your shoes and the sleeves of your shirt should end where you thumb bone meets the wrist, with your jacket sleeve ending approximately half an inch above this. Bespoke suits ensure a perfect fit, and are specifically tailored to your body so are the preferred choice for an interview suit. The better the fit, the more comfortable you will feel and the more comfortable you feel the more confident you will come across. The last thing you want to be doing in an interview is fidgeting because your suit is a bad fit.
Lastly, make sure that your suit is neat and pressed, and that your shoes are clean and polished. If you wear a suit and shirt that is scruffy and dirty, it will appear that you don't care about the role you are going for. The interviewer may not recognise the extra effort you have taken to get your suit looking perfect, however they will notice your lack of effort if the suit looks dirty, creased and slovenly.
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3 April 2010 - 5:35pm
LawStudentManc
I just attended an AC for
I just attended an AC for Centrica- I was the only girl in a suit but I really did feel much better dressed the the other girls and felt far more professional. I would definitely say to any girls attending ACs to wear a suit, especially if it is something like finance or law
14 March 2010 - 2:58pm
Roger.West
Dressing
I think the days of "over-dressing" may be over but I do think that dressing as if you mean business is important. At some point, your skills and education should come into play more so than how you are dressed. The online casino of choice for me is right here because it is perfect for my gambling budget and it is full of online casino deutschland casino excitement any time you want to play casino games.
17 March 2010 - 6:13pm
colonelvirus
"I think the days of
"I think the days of "over-dressing" may be over but I do think that dressing as if you mean business is important. At some point, your skills and education should come into play more so than how you are dressed."
So true. You have to be practical about your attire. You have to research the company and the job you are applying for, as going for a creation position where everyone wears jeans and a t-shirt to work, you'd look a complete fool turning up in a full on suit. It would also show the employer that you haven't done any research into the company/ role and that you might not be interested.
If for instance your applying for a job with a professional working environment, a very outward corporate image, then yes, turning up in a suit would be the best bet. If however your applying to something like a creative art position, then generally the interviewer wouldn't care what your wearing, as long as your presentable (i.e smart trousers/jeans, shoes, casual shirt).
Just go with that you think would suit the occasion, it's all about the research.
13 February 2010 - 4:38pm
hellohello
I don't think the detail of
I don't think the detail of this blog is correct.
No way is a suit judged that much for an interview.
7 February 2010 - 7:00am
dezarray
yah my friend's classmate
yah my friend's classmate wore short, SHORTS! to an interview and still got the job.. sometimes we have to agree that luck plays a part in job apps..
6 February 2010 - 9:12am
lavajyami
I know someone who wore
I know someone who wore hoodie at interview and still got the job.
2 February 2010 - 1:13pm
IBD_Haunter
A true story
Let me tell you a true story.
This happened sometime in 2006/7. For the purpose to anonymity, I wont name the person, but please be assured that it is not me!!!
Since this post is about dressing up for interviews, I guess, my comment is valid. A friend of mine got invited to Barclays Capital IBD Assessment Centre in London. This is what he wore to the AC, and at the end, HE GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!
- No suit
- He wore JEANS
- Normal shirt
- Just a casual blazer
Result = he got the job.
Now, this is an exception. I would never be this bold!!!!!!
6 April 2011 - 7:22pm
shadey
I'm not sure and I always get
I'm not sure and I always get confused...I was told wearing a trouser shows a shift of power and some employers son't like women wearing trousers for an interview. I myself have always worn a dress and that's worked out well so far....only casual job and not a reap professional job. Then again there's nothing wrong with wearing a skirt, I guess whatever makes you feel comfortable at the end of the day you should wear.
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I would put it this way:
If you are at a disadvantage in terms of knowledge - that is, there are other candidates better qualified for the role than yourself then, dressing immaculately should help. At the same time, I don't think any amount of good dressing etc. can make up for a lack of knowledge especially in investment banks and ESPECIALLY if you are interviewing for a non-client facing role.