Suit ? Shirt ? Jeans ? Basic t-shirt ? Sneakers ? Fancy sweater? In front of your dressing room, you are already visualizing yourself wondering what you are going to wear for your job interview. A basic outfit? Something to stand out from the crowd? At a job interview you want to make a good impression and at the same time you would like to feel comfortable in your clothes and that they are consistent with your personality. So what should you do? How do you choose your interview outfit? Here are some tips.
Clothes make the man
Yes, the phrase "clothes make the man" is clearly judging on dress, but that's what most recruiters will probably do. It's what most of us do when we first meet someone. In an interview, the first impression that recruiters will have of you will be based on your posture, the way you say hello, the tone of your voice and your clothing. André Guittet, a specialist in human sciences and organization explains it like this in his book L'entretien - Techniques et Pratiques* : "We see before we listen. We have not yet spoken a word and yet we have given essential information about ourselves."
What is annoying is that this first impression influences the rest of the interview, the way the recruiter may address you and the way you will address him/her in return;
So what if you are used to wearing jeans with holes, short skirts, have tattoos or very colorful outfits that are out of the ordinary? Our advice, knowing the influence that this first impression has, is that to put all the chances on your side, it is better to adopt sober dress codes or those of the organization for which you are applying.
Choose your outfit according to the company
Often, the outfit will be more or less adapted to the company you are applying for or the sector of activity you choose. Here are some examples:
If you're applying for a job in fashion: you can pick a more or less sophisticated and original outfit from your wardrobe.
To work in the luxury sector: a strict and classic outfit is preferred.
For an engineering job in a startup: you can choose a basic outfit, raw jeans, sober tee shirt in navy blue or beige. You can even go all Steve Jobs with a black turtleneck!
For an executive or department manager position: in some companies a suit and tie is not necessary but the timeless white shirt is often a must have, especially for men. For women, a blouse, a suit, a skirt or a pair of smart pants will go very well.
For a graphic designer job: originality could be a plus and show that you have your own style. Colors, prints, oversize style... dare !
For a position in the field: it is better to opt for sober clothes. Being too apprehensive (jewelry, a lot of make-up for women, heels...) for a job in the field, in construction for example, could be a sign of lack of seriousness.
Dress soberly for an interview
Dark jeans, plain tee shirt, shoes in good condition. It's better to go for a basic outfit or even a stricter one than to try to be too original if you're not sure what to wear for your interview. At worst, the company will have a more casual outfit than yours, but you will be able to find this style if you are hired and join the team. On the other hand, an outfit that is too original could make you stand out as well as make you look bad! So if you don't know what the company codes are, choose sobriety, it's a safe bet!
Opt for the original outfit in maintenance
On the other hand, if you know that originality will help you stand out, especially in a creative job, in art or fashion, give yourself that freedom! You can choose an outfit with original patterns, flashy colors or fancy jewelry for example.
Where to find out about the company's dress code?
To find out how to adopt the right dress code for the jobs you want:
#1 Look at how team members are dressed on social media or the organization's website.
#2 Ask the HR before the interview what the internal dress code is. This will show that you want to do the right thing.
#3 Ask the recruiting firm you are working with what the dress code is at their client's.
#4 Do an internet search on the preferred outfits in the targeted sector of activity, on the image of the profession.
#5 Look at the company's annual reports, which often include photos of the managers and employees.
#6 Go out of the office at lunchtime or in the evening to observe the employees' outfits, like Sherlock! 🕵️
What shoes to wear for maintenance?
Whether you're a man or a woman, new shoes at an interview are a risk! Who wants to walk away from an interview limping, with 3 blisters on their feet? 😳
Here are some shoes suitable for a maintenance :
For men
- Moccasins
- Derbies
- Boots
- Sandals in summer, they can pass in some sectors or casual companies with well-groomed feet.
- Sneakers, in start-ups, small and medium-sized companies, creative sectors, they are often accepted without problem. They are also increasingly tolerated in companies, even if some, the sneaker remains a freedom of "casual Friday".
For women
The same styles of shoes as for men are possible and also:
- Boots
- Heels and pumps
What to wear for a summer interview?
Who hasn't felt drops of sweat beading on their body, not because of the stress before the interview but because of the heat? When it's hot, what dress code should you adopt for a job interview?
For women
It is possible to wear a dress in summer for a job interview. However, be careful with its transparency, its neckline and its length. If the dress is strapless, low cut and/or has little coverage at the top, it is best to wear a small jacket or blouse over it. You can also choose light linen pants or loose pants that won't get too hot.
For men
When it comes to light clothing, you can opt for fluid materials: a short-sleeved T-shirt and light pants. On the other hand, although very comfortable, shorts, even in summer, are not recommended for men. They are even forbidden!
⚠️ Whatever happens, summer or winter, even if it is very comfortable, avoid sportswear! Sweatpants, hoodies and jogging suits for a job interview are not the best.
*source : *(André Guittet, L’entretien - Techniques et Pratiques, 2013, Chapitre 2 : Intéragir)
To go further
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👉 10 tips to ace your job interview
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