Here at Lily Shippen we are all too familiar with the stress of deciding what to wear for an up-coming interview. So much so, we’ve written an article to help you avoid making any major fashion faux-pas on the big day.
Whether you like it or not, the moment that you step foot into an interview you will be judged on your appearance – it’s a harsh reality but after all, it’s human nature. Although how you’re dressed is only one aspect of how you present yourself, it is the first thing that your interviewer will see, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. If your interviewer makes a negative first impression based on how you’re dressed, you may find that from then on it’s an uphill struggle to win them round. First impressions really do count, and, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so be sure to make the right one.
When starting to plan your outfit, you need to make sure that you have a good understanding of the role that you’re going to interview for. It is important to bear in mind the industry the company belongs to, day-to-day responsibilities and, the office environment. Every organisation is different and so too their dress code. For some companies that will involve wearing a suit and tie, but for others this would be too formal. So research the dress code beforehand because sticking out like a sore thumb at your interview could cost you the job. Searching for current employee profiles on LinkedIn or looking on the company website should give you a good idea of a company’s dress code. Or if you live locally, you could even take a walk by the company’s office at clocking off time.
It’s worth noting that if you’re working with a recruitment agency, then you’re in safe hands. Your recruitment consultant will have met with people from the company and possibly placed candidates there in the past so they will be able to advise you on what to wear to you interview. That’s not to say that your recruitment consultant will act as your personal stylist, but if you need to you can always run them by what you’re thinking of wearing to make sure that it’s suitable.
After doing your research, you will likely find that the dress code can be categorised as one of the following:
The Business Formal Interview
When dressing for a formal interview you should always aim to be one notch smarter than what the company’s current employees would wear. You should keep your look basic and conservative. Whether you’re male or female, this will usually mean wearing a suit.
Men
Keep the colour of you suit neutral. Black is (and always will be) timeless, but other dark colours such as navy or grey are also suitable. If you already have a go to suit you should try it on before your interview to make sure that it still fits you correctly. Suits that are too tight or too baggy are a big no-no. Equally, you should avoid suits that poorly made or dated. By no means is that suggesting you buy a flash designer suit just for your interview, but its worth bearing in mind that it’s easy to spot a cheap suit.
Team your suit with a crisp white shirt, tie and smart leather shoes. When it comes to ties, avoid garish colours and patterns. As for your shoes, black is your safest bet. Shoes can be a big turn off for your interviewer so make sure that yours are scuff free and polished.
Women
You have the choice of wearing trousers or skirt. When wearing a skirt avoid inappropriately short hemlines at all costs – as a rule of thumb they should be no shorter than 5 inches above the knee. Practice sitting in your skirt to make sure that you feel comfortable before your interview.
You should always opt for either a white or a light coloured shirt or blouse underneath; spaghetti straps, sheer fabric and plunging necklines are not appropriate for such a formal setting so steer clear.
Accessories are a great way to inject some personality into your look. Opt for an elegant necklace or a delicate silk scarf. Keep your shoes simple, they should be closed toe and smart. If you’re going to wear heels, make sure that they are a reasonable height and that you can walk comfortably in them – sore feet won’t be welcome on the day.
It’s not just your outfit that should be conservative, but so too your make-up. Make-up is a great way to enhance your natural beauty and to show your interviewer that you take pride in your appearance. Just be mindful not to go too far!
Starting with the base. Pick a foundation that matches your skin tone – having a prominent line where your foundation ends and your neck begins is not a good look. It’s also a good idea to check there’s no make up on your collar before you leave the house!
If you’re thinking of applying eye-shadow and lipstick, stick to neutral tones colours that complement your skin tone. No matter how fabulous they make you feel, false eyelashes, smoky eye shadow, highlighting, contouring and bright lips should be saved for nights out.
If you decide to wear nail varnish, make sure that it is not chipped and in a classic colour. In the run up to your interview you should make a conscious effort to stop biting your nails if that’s one of your bad habits.
The Business Casual Interview
Don’t let the name throw you off – this dress code is definitely more business than casual. As with the business formal dress code you’ll want to look a little bit smarter than the office you walk into. You aren’t obliged to wear a suit which means you have a bit more freedom with your choice of outfit. Be mindful that how much freedom you have depends on how casual the dress code is.
Men
Wearing a casual jacket or blazer, smart shirt and smart trousers is a safe bet. Ties are optional. If you arrive at the office and feel too overdressed in your jacket you can always take it off and hold it. In winter team your shirt with a smart V-neck jumper or alternatively opt for a turtleneck jumper. As for shoes; loafers, desert boots and leather deck-type shoes are all acceptable.
Avoid trainers, jeans and t-shirts. Despite what you may think, wearing a t-shirt underneath a blazer isn’t appropriate for a business-casual interview.
Women
Opt for a casual jacket or blazer with trousers, skirt or a dress. If you choose a dress make sure that the print is simple and chic. Your neckline and hemline should be relatively conservative. When it comes to shoes, make up and nail varnish follow the same advice given for a business formal dress code.
The Start-Up Interview
Start-up companies are known for their more relaxed office environment where t-shirts, hoodies and trainers are the norm. If, like most people, you’ve only attended formal interviews, it can be challenging to know what to wear to a start-up interview. When selecting an outfit its important to bear in mind that many start-up companies hire based on your personality, so dress as a smart version of yourself.
Men
There are ways of making casual look professional. A casual trouser is your best bet but smart jeans are okay too. Team them with either a collared shirt or a smart t-shirt. As far as footwear is concerned, you can choose whatever you’re most comfortable with as long as it is closed-toe. It’s absolutely fine to wear t-shirts and trainers but you must make sure that they are in good condition. Tatty trainers and scruffy t-shirts won’t give your interviewer the right impression so avoid at all costs.
Women
If you’re female and going for an interview at a start-up company, pretty much anything goes as long as you’re clean, presentable and modest.
A casual blazer is a staple item. Pair it with a dress or jeans. Depending on what you will feel most comfortable in you can choose from smart heels, flats or trainers. You have more freedom when choosing what to wear for a start-up interview so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.
The Fashion Interview
If you’re heading to a fashion industry job, then it’s essential that you look the part.
That doesn’t mean that you have to dress from head to toe in designer gear but you need to show your interviewer that you understand the aesthetic of the brand and are knowledgeable about the world of fashion. Before your interview research current fashion trends and the brand’s most recent collection and tailor your outfit accordingly. You don’t want it to look like you’ve tried too hard so don’t try to change your style completely just to be in line with the latest trends. If in doubt wear black and add a statement accessory like a bold necklace or chunky belt.