Dress to impress! has been placed in the field of romance, for dates and parties. Mention job interviews and people will suggest black and other neutrals like grays and khakis. Black is impressive, isnt it? It can be. In the right field. But then everyone else is wearing black and youre just another one of them. And the message you want to get across to your potential employers isYou. Are. Special. And they should hire you.
You should make yourself memorable to the interviewer on your job-to-be. Dress to stand out, but nicely. Not outrageously. Wearing Superman tighties might work if youre applying for a position in comics, if then, but otherwise, heres a to-do list to help you on your way to nailing that interview at first sight, before you even wow them with your gift of gab.
Learn about the company.
Is it casual, artistic? Or is it traditional, corporate? Dress accordingly. In this day and age, many companies are laidback and democratic, and youre overdressed if you show up in a suit, even sans jacket. More on dress codes later. But dress as if youre already working there, and maybe the doorman will even do a complicated handshake with you. What better way to say, Ill fit right in!
Learn your colors.
You probably know already. Or not. Finding out what colors best suit you can give you more time to tinker with your rsum than trying on different shirts or skirts.
Colors can make you look good. Have you ever wondered why hospital gowns are the color they are? Colors can make you look healthy or ill, or reveal the truth if youre on either extreme ends of the spectrum. So choose your colors well. Does this make me look pale? Does this make me look like I ran a mile and did a headstand? Thats what you should ask. Not, Does this make me look fat? Although yes, we all know colors are that powerfully slimming or fattening, too.
Apply the science of colors in marketing to your resume too, not just your outfit.
Depending on your field, certain colors will sell you effectively or make you disappear in mediocrity. Creative jobs certainly expect, if not require, their applicants to demonstrate flair and personality. You dont show that flair and personality at all with a boring rsum and by wearing neutrals. Choose professional resume template here that match you and your jobs subtle identities and qualifiers. On the other hand, solid, understated colors like black and gray show dependability and skill for jobs that trade in trust and numbers. This is why lawyers and accountants are always wearing black.
Dont accessorize. Much.
Job interviews should focus the spotlight on you, not your shiny new bracelet or watch. Less is more. Subtle is best. Never wear dangly earrings and bangles or charm/chain jewelry that makes noise. Place your sunglasses back in your pursedont perch it on your head. And speaking of purses, choose good sturdy leather. Presentation is everything, and even if its a casual, creative company and youre wearing jeans, leather is good at conveying stability. In fact, boys in college are told leather band watches are preferable . Match your watch to your belt and you’ve got bonus points. Black watch bands with white faces are professional and elegant and silver or white gold is better than yellow gold.
Add a touch of red
Now, there are other great, bold colors, but red is something unique. Red is the color of strength and passion. Many shy away from wearing itits such a bold color! But when tested in marketing, more people clicked on a red button than on green . And wearing a touch of red in an interview adds to your odds because of the interviewer will remember looking at you and wanting to hire you. If wearing a red top seems too strong for your field, opt for a red tie (guys) or wearing a red belt and shoes (ladies). No tie required? Make sure the shirt (tee or button-up) you wear has red in it. It will make you stand out and project your confidence instantly. Red is bold and strong. You are, too.
Know smart casual and business casual.
The most common dress codes youll decode for interviews. Jeans are allowed for smart casual. Choose dark jeans with no patterns of stonewashing. Well-fitted trousers or a nice solid-colored skirt for business casual. Flip-flops or open-toed shoes for neither. Never show your undershirt.
Actually, just ignore the dress code and look professional and intelligent in your field.
Do your homework and match yourself to your potential workmates, preserving your own personality. Show everyone you have an eye for detail and an aptitude for working in a team while being aware of your individuality. Thats how you dress to impress.
