Top 10 Interview Dressing Tips

You must have heard about the adage "First impression is the best impression." This is very much true in the case of job interviews. According to a recent survey, it was found out that an interviewer decides whether a particular candidate he is interviewing is suitable for the said position or not in the initial 100 seconds of the interview. Apart from how you answer, how you dress for an interview is taken into consideration. Therefore, dressing is given equal importance as how you prepare yourself for the interview. Check out the top ten interview dressing tips.

Tip #1 - Dress above normal:

This is the mantra for dressing up for an interview. If you are going to attend an interview for an executive position, dress up in a way you are suitable for a position higher than yours. This will send a positive sign to the interviewers and will increase your respect.

Tip #2 - Dress conservatively:

Few employers prefer suits while few prefer casual wear and this largely depends on the work culture and the environment of a particular organization. If you are not sure of the dress code the company follows, it is always safe to dress up conservatively. I mention this to people also, if you can, go sit in the lobby for 10 minutes and see what people are wearing.

Tip #3 - Dress optimally:

Don't dress in a way it looks like you are going to a party or shopping. You can wear jewels, shoes, coat, etc., but they should not look like as though you have overdone it. Wear gentle and pleasing make-up. Dress up in a way you look dignified.

Tip #4 - Brush your hair:

Will you look great if you just wear proper and neat clothes with associated accessories? No, you must also comb your hair properly and at the same time, your hair should be neat also. Just imagine what the interviewer will think of you if you are going to constantly correct your hair. Won't this divert the interviewer? Manicure your hands and ensure they are clean as hands will be clearly visible to the interviewer.

Tip #5 - Wear clean shoes:

Ensure that your shoes are clean. Don't wear shoes that look untidy, as this will leave a bad impression of you. For women, closed-toed shoes are recommended as they give a professional look. Open-toed or backless shoes are generally worn for casual and therefore it is better to avoid them. Wear shoes that are comfortable to you when walking. If you are not used to wearing high-toed shoes, don't try them on the day of interview, practice a few days before.

Tip #6 - Avoid black suits:

In general, black suits give a serious look and appearance. Therefore, go in for light colors. If you are very particular about wearing dark colors, opt for gray or blue.

Tip #7 - Materials that are to be avoided:

Choosing the material for your outfit is as important as the outfit. Avoid materials like leather, denim, satin and any other materials that are shiny. Such materials are ideal for a party but not for the interview. Similarly, don't wear jackets made of jeans for the interview.

Tip #8 - Grab the interviewer's attention:

Speak in a way so the interviewer is concentrating on what you speaking. Don't wear heavy jewels, low neckline dresses, flashy hair-do, heavy perfume or anything that would distract the interviewer. You are not going to a function; you are attending an interview.

Tip #9 - Try various outfits before the day:

If you have an interview on say, Monday, try out various outfits for the interview a couple of days earlier. Look yourself in the mirror and ensure you look neat. Press the clothes cleanly and don't wear clothes that will wrinkle very easily. Choose your outfit depending on how you travel for the interview place. If the place of interview is going to be far from your location, avoid wearing light colored clothes, as those tend to wrinkle easily.

Tip #10 - Be professional:

Avoid chewing gum, tobacco or objects that will make you look unprofessional. You are not in college, so hide the tattoos (If possible) and remove the piercing. You are now attending an interview. This doesn't mean you have to give up your hobbies. However, don't show them on the day of interview. Wear clothes that fit you perfectly. Don't go for too tight or too loose fitting clothes that can make you look dumpy.

If your dress is appropriate for the interview, you have set the stage to attend the interview and start off on the right foot. Take these top ten interview dressing tips as guidelines, follow them appropriately and success in the job interview may be yours. Ignore these tips and you may have no chance at all!

Source:

www.career.vt.edu/jobsearc/interview/appearnc.html

jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-7-2006-104858.asp