Dress for interview success
28/08/12
Here at Yolk Recruitment we provide our candidates with as much support and guidance they need in order to prepare them for their interview. We believe that preparation is the key to success and encourage all our candidates to conduct as much research as possible before their interview. However even the most prepared candidate armed with their facts, figures and greatest achievements will a simple yet important question - “What should I wear?”
An article on Style hybrid discusses how “clothing will always communicate something, whether we want it to or not. If we ignore this reality and let social perception create meaning for us (this includes being slaves to fashion trends), then our behavior can easily be ruled by what we wear”. If clothing has the ability to communicate a message and determine our behaviour, what does your clothing say about you?
When choosing what to wear for an interview, remember that this will be the first face to face encounter with your potential employer. An article on Forbes, Dress for interview success, discovered that “According to a study by Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, within the first 10 seconds of meeting your interviewer--otherwise known as the meet-and-greet--that person has decided whether or not you're right for the job. Those who come across as polished and pulled together are quite simply more likely to be hired than those who are seen as putting in less effort”.
It is vital to create a good impression from the moment you walk through the door. Your clothes should first and foremost be clean (leave the crumbs on your plate not on your top) and ironed – even a tailored and expensive shirt will loose its appeal if it is not ironed! It is all about presentation, a crumpled shirt or blouse will give the impression that you are a careless and rushed candidate. An ironed shirt/blouse demonstrates you well prepared and you manage your time effectively.
Tailored/ good fitting clothing will communicate that you have taken time to select an outfit that showcases you in the best possible light. It was also gives the impression that you are composed individual. You should wear clothing that fits you properly, something which is neither too loose nor too tight. Ill fitting clothes will appear that you do not belong in your own clothing. Steer away from items which are too small. By wearing an item which is too small you will appear that you have squeezed yourself into something that does not belong to you, this will make you feel uncomfortable and in turn make you look uncomfortable. On the opposite end of the scale if you wear an item which is far too big for you, it will appear to be drowning you, making you look overwhelmed and lost or that you have borrowed your dads shirt (unless your same size of course!).
Another tip to remember is do not wear any garments that are faded, instead wear something that looks fresh. You want to show your potential employer that you are a shiny new asset to their company, not that you look tired and worn like the old top that you've chosen to wear.
Overall to answer the question “What should I wear to interview? Remember that your clothes make a statement about you. Looking well presented will broadcast to your potential employer that you are a professional. Consider the industry you are interviewing for and the type of setting the interview will take place in. Dress up or down appropriately.
A good outfit at interview will create a positive effect meaning your interviewer will see you in a positive light. They will remember the effort you made and that you came well prepared.
Give yourself the best possible opportunity and dress to impress!
*We would like to thank our Company Director, Dale Williams, for posing for the main photo. Thanks Dale.