What to wear to a job interview
We recently met with expert image and personal branding coach Katie Day and asked her to share with us her top ten tips about what to wear to get that job or promotion. Katie told us that creating the right impression in the workplace is vital if you want to be taken seriously by your colleagues. And it boosts your confidence too.
-
Katie Day
If you're going for an interview it could also give you the edge over someone who, on paper, might be the same as you. If you don't look the part, you probably won't get that job even if you have the skills. However, don’t rush out and buy a formal business suit if it doesn’t fit your chosen career.
Dressing with authority and presenting a professional image is about choosing an outfit that’s appropriate to the environment you work in, while still retaining your individuality.
Here are ten essential tips for making the right impact in the office or at an interview for a new job:
-
A flat shoe is a career no-no – anything from a ½ inch to a height that you feel comfortable in while still maintaining professionalism will boost confidence and stature.
-
Scruffy jeans and t-shirts never work in the office. It presents a sloppy appearance to colleagues and can decrease productivity and morale. If jeans are appropriate to wear in your industry, make sure they are smart and dark-coloured.
-
Always wear a necklace, or a shirt, to cover the jugular area of the neck. Keeping this area covered makes you appear less vulnerable because if colleagues are going to attack you, the first place they go for is the jugular.
-
Ensure what you wear does not detract attention from what you have to say. So avoid very low cut tops, long and dangly earrings, floating scarves, visible underwear, mini-skirts and heavy perfumes.
-
A suit is a good investment for career advancement. Depending on your profession, the jacket and skirt/trousers don’t have to match. However, for maximum personal impact and authority, a skirt suit ticks all the boxes. If you are wearing trousers make sure they are smart and tailored.
-
Always wear a jacket when meeting a client or for important internal meetings because it instantly gives an impression of power and responsibility.
-
Accessories are vital because they bring an outfit together. Keep earrings and necklaces to the size that suits your face and frame, and the number of rings to a minimum of one or possibly two per hand (excluding wedding and engagement rings). Make sure your handbag or briefcase is functional rather than slouchy.
-
Choose colours that suit you. Wearing the wrong tone can immediately make you look washed out.
-
Remember the triangle of influence. The most important part of your body is from the top of your head to your chest as this is the area people concentrate on when talking to you. So keep your top half smart and make sure your clothes are well-ironed.
-
Always wear make-up, even if it’s just a slick of lipstick or gloss. And remember personal hygiene, so use a good deodorant and have fresh breath, clean hair, neat nails and polished shoes.
Katie Day is an associate coach at Unlimited Potential. She regularly runs workshops for businesswomen keen to advance their career.
Stylist? Join our Directory
You receive leads straight into your inbox which you follow up at your earliest convenience. This is your chance to speak directly to prospective clients and increase your chances of getting those bookings.
Recent articles
-
How to get the most out of your lingerie
We all know it’s the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off at night; so it’s essential that your lingerie is the correct size and fit and is properly cared for!
-
Am I a compulsive shopper?
Shopping is a chore for some, a joy for most but for some it’s an addiction identified by varying labels, and commonly understood as compulsive shopping. This condition mainly afflicts women and a trawl through the net gives myriad reasons for the disorder.
-
How to Choose the Correct Foundation for Olive Skin Tones
Our make up artist extraordinaire is BACK! Yep, Melissa is going to be sharing some fantastic new videos with us over the next few weeks, starting with this one 'How to Choose the Correct Foundation for Olive Skin Tones'. Enjoy.