Attending an interview is a nerve-wracking experience, and there’s a lot that you need to consider. From the time you arrive to what you take with you, there are so many decisions you need to make, and each has a bearing on the outcome of your interview.
One of the most common focuses for job candidates is their outfit. It’s a well-known fact that your outfit has an impact on the first impression you make, but many candidates don’t understand exactly why their chosen ensemble will have such an important role in the success or failure of their interview.
As such, we’ve put together a list of some of the reasons why your outfit for a job interview needs to be carefully considered.
First Impressions Matter
The first impression you make at your interview is vital to your success, or lack thereof, with your interviewer. As such, you need to make sure that you show yourself to be a professional individual. In the first few moments that you’re in the presence of your interviewer, the main thing that they’re going to notice is what you’re wearing, and therefore the clothes you wear have an impact on the initial impression they form of you. Make sure it’s a good one by wearing appropriate attire.
Dressing Appropriately Shows That You’ve Done Your Research
If the organisation you’ve applied for has a relaxed dress code, and you arrive at your interview in a formal suit, you’re going to prove that you know very little about the company you’ve applied for. By dressing the part, you’ll show that you’ve done a check on the firm and taken the time to explore every detail of it before you arrived at the interview. This proactive attitude will be seen as a positive by your potential new employer.
Beautiful Clothes Show Good Taste
An important part of any job is to have discernment and good judgment, so the clothes you wear to your interview need to reflect that you have this and apply it to every aspect of your life. Try to find a garment or accessory that will show you as the epitome of style and good taste, such as a Saint Laurent bag from SSENSE. Carrying such an incredible piece of craftsmanship will show you as an astute consumer who has what it takes to make smart choices.
Your Interview Outfit Is A Reflection Of Your Personality
With talent in such short supply across many industries, most companies are looking for more than just a candidate that can do a good job; they also want someone who will be a good cultural fit for their organisation. Your outfit will show them a lot about you as an individual, meaning you’re your interviewers will be able to make an assessment of you and determine if you will make a successful addition to their team.
People Still Judge You For Your Clothes
Over recent years, there’s been a push towards reduced judgment on every aspect of a person’s life, and this has led to many organisations introducing relaxed dress codes, but that doesn’t mean that you’re now completely free from scrutiny. If you appear slovenly, then your interviewer will probably believe that you are this way, even if they have no other evidence. However, dressing well can help them to view you as a respectable individual. It remains a well-known fact that people still judge you based on the clothes you wear, so it’s important that you take the time to put together a great interview outfit.
It’s Important That You Feel Comfortable
When choosing an interview outfit, it’s easy for you to think exclusively about your appearance, but you also need to think about your own comfort as well. If you’re uncomfortable then you won’t come across well, so your clothes need to keep you feeling comfortable as well as presentable. The fabric, fit and style that you select will have an impact on your comfort during your interview, and as such this is another way in which your outfit will help you to show yourself in the best possible light.
Looking Good Makes You Perform Better Under Pressure
The outfit you wear does more than just influence the person interviewing you; it also has an impact on your performance. Research has shown that your clothes can have an effect on the way you think and behave, meaning it’s important that you dress in a way that will make you look good and feel ready to go out there and earn yourself your dream career.
Putting together a perfect interview outfit takes time and skill, but the results will be worth it. This article shows you the importance of creating an outfit that shows you in the best possible light and gives you some insight into how to go about creating the perfect interview ensemble.
