Nailing It: How to Dress to Impress at Your Next Interview
We all know that first impressions are crucial.
Whether you’re being introduced to your boyfriend’s parents for the first time or trying to dazzle a prospective client, you’re well aware that it takes just a matter of seconds for those you’re meeting to form a positive or negative opinion …
… and the same goes in an interview situation.
Consequently, if you turn up to meet your potential new employer looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards and then taken a shortcut through a car wash, it’s unlike you’ll walk away having aced the audition.
Indeed, how to dress for an interview has puzzled women since time immemorial – and although fashion trends seemingly change on a daily basis, the importance of style will never be eroded by the hands of time.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a few tips to help you nail that next interview …
Keep It Formal
Being invited to interview for a new position throws up a combination of excitement and fear – not least at fluffing your lines in front of the interviewer or walking into the room with a string of toilet paper stuck to your shoe.
Mostly, however, you’re worried about what to wear. In all cases, it’s best to stick to the tried and tested methods by wearing either trousers, a skirt or a nice dress. When wearing a skirt or dress, though, make sure the hemline is no more than one biro length above your knee.
Avoid Patterns
In any interview situation, you should avoid dazzling the interviewer with the kind of patterns you’d typically see when you look through a kaleidoscope. As a result, it’s important to keep it simple and make sure your outfit doesn’t ruffle any feathers.
To put it another way, you wish to create an impression on the interviewer with your confidence and suitability for the role, not because you look like a cross between Timmy Mallett and Lady Gaga heading to a fancy dress party.
Steer Clear of Overly High Heels
If you’re shorter than Verne Troyer, it’s tempting to dig out the highest pair of high heels you own – but unless you’re confident you can walk, talk AND charm the interviewer, these expensive stilts are best avoided.
After all, you may look great in your high heels, but nerves can do funny things to a person, which may mean taking a tumble and breaking your leg before you’ve even had a chance to shake the panel’s hands. Not a good look.
Whatever way you slice it, however, if you look good on the day, there’s a better chance you’ll nail the interview, so keep our tips in mind and be sure to hold your head up high, maintain eye contact and wear your best smile.
Good luck!
