Tips On How To Dress For A Job Interview

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – 1st Peter 5:5

A job interview puts you center stage, and in the spotlight.

One of the first things that a potential employer will notice when you walk through that door for an interview will be how you present yourself…specifically how you are dressed.

Your clothing says a lot about you:

• Are you modest?
• Are you outgoing?
• Are you confident?
• Are you a team player?
• Are you professional?
• and so many other things depending on who you’re meeting with…

Needless to say, how you dress for a job interview is very important, so use these tips to put your best foot forward…remember you are competing with others for the position and you will want your first impression to be one your interviewer will remember.

How to dress for a job interview:

• Understand the culture of the company you are applying with – is it casual or highly professional? This can help you choose the type of clothing to wear.
• I think the biggest thing is to know the organization and what is appropriate for that particular company. Coming overdressed can be just as damaging as too casual because it shows the candidate has not done the research.
• If you cannot figure out what to wear, it’s best to just call HR for the company and tell them you have an interview and ask what is appropriate to wear. They will be glad to help.
  • If your interview is for senior management or above, both men and women should wear a suit
    • Your suit should be clean, pressed and well fitting
    • Women’s suits can have a skirt or pants
  • For most other interviews, business casual is totally acceptable.
    • Men: khaki pants or slacks, open collar dress or polo shirt, sport coat and tie are optional
    • Women: Modest dress, knee-length  skirt, blouse or sweater or possibly a blazer
• Don’t be excessive, it’s distracting:
  • Avoid loud colors
  • Avoid too much jewelry
  • Wear simple accessories
  • Use conservative makeup
  • Wear neutral fingernail polish
• Make sure your clothes are well fitted and comfortable, so you’re not worried about them, but they will help you be more at ease and comfortable (both of which are very important during a job interview).
• Even your hairstyle is important, be sure it’s clean and simply combed…refrain from extreme styles.
• Avoid wearing perfume, cologne or aftershave – you don’t want to overpower the interview with your scent, and you don’t know who might have allergies.
• If you happen to be a smoker, don’t smoke just before your interview.

Your clothes and appearance speak volumes, make sure yours are saying the right things.

If you would like to explore working with a Christian centered Career Coach, Contact me for a no-obligation consultation and we can discuss your situation, what you would like to achieve, and structure your job search to fit your uniqueness. I am also available to speak to groups.

“While dress is important, even more important is your attitude and demeanor. As the verse above from Peter says, humility is a great virtue.”