How to Dress for an Interview - What do I wear to that Interview?

You may ask, ‘Why do we put so much emphasis on job interviews?’ Your success at your next interview is a major concern. We understand that securing a call for an interview is not that easy because of the large number of qualified candidates that usually apply for any advertised position. If a job is advertised today, it is not too surprising that over three thousand qualified candidates may apply for the job. This is one of the challenges being faced by recruiters. Screening of candidates alone can take a long time. So, when you apply for a job and you are called for an interview, you need to do all you can to make most of the opportunity.

When it comes to interview, everything counts. Achieving success in an interview depends on many things. One of the factors that will determine whether you will succeed in an interview or not is the way you dress. A popular adage goes thus; the way you dress is the way you are addressed. To further stress the point, Kim Zoller of Image Dynamics mentioned that fifty five percent of another person’s perception of you is based on how you look. Another person remarked, “If people only knew that it can take two years to undo one negative impression, surely they would try harder.” So, if your appearance is that important, it means you need to take good care about how you dress for an interview. You make first impression about yourself with the way you dress. With your appearance, the interviewers will make the first judgment about you. Let’s look at the dresses that are appropriate.

For Men
1. Suit
A two-piece suit with conservative colour/fabric is normal. Except when the company has a particular colour, navy and dark grey are normal. Your suit should be clean and well pressed. Remember that some companies brand themselves with a particular colour. For example, MTN is known for Yellow while Globacom is Green. You have to be mindful of this. While it is not compulsory that you wear the company’s colour, be sure that you are not wearing the competitor’s colour. I remember an encounter my friend had with one of the leading telecommunication companies. He went to discuss a marketing proposal with the company. He has a diary from another telecommunication company with him. The Marketing Manager reacted furiously against it as if it was a war. So, the choice of colour can mean a lot. Watch out for this.
2. Shirts
Long sleeves shirt is appropriate. White or light blue always make you look corporate.
3. Ties
There are different types of ties. Ties are part of fashion; a particular style may be in vogue at a time. Ensure you wear the style that is not outdated. Alternatively, you can take note of what men in the industry wear.
4. Shoes
Wear a good pair of shoes to the interview. Don’t go with shoes that have suffered the effects of over-trekking. There is nothing bad if you keep a particular pair of shoes for interview purpose while you use other ones for daily activities. Black shoes are acceptable.
5. Belt
Wear a good belt and let the colour go with your suit/shoe.
6. Jewelries
Wear a conservative wrist watch. Don’t wear earrings to an interview. It doesn’t matter whether it is in vogue; it is not acceptable in the corporate settings.
7. General Outlook
Make sure you have a good hair cut. If you have beard/facial hair, ensure it is properly shaved or well trimmed.

For Women
1 Suit
As explained above
2 Suit Skirt/Trousers
Women can either go for suit trousers or skirt. If you are wearing trousers, make sure it has normal length and not a three quarter type and it should not be too tight. For skirt, don’t wear provocative skirt. Don’t wear a skirt that can cause distraction to the interviewers. A skirt that shows a lot of your thigh is not encouraging.
3 Shirts
Dress appropriately. See above
4 Jewelries
Keep your jewelries moderate. Remember you are going for an interview and not a fashion parade. Any jewelry that makes you look unprofessional should be avoided. Women have more accessories than men but make sure you keep your choices simple.
5 Shoes
Women have different types of shoes more than men. The heels of their shoes are of varying heights. Make sure that you wear the type that will make you walk comfortably. Shoes that make noise while walking should be avoided.
6 Cosmetics
Some women use cosmetics while some prefer to appear natural. If you are the type that uses cosmetics, you should keep your makeup conservative. Your nails should be well groomed. Make sure that the nail length is normal.
7 Handbags
Let your handbag be moderate in size. It should not be mistaken for travelling bag. The colour too should go with your dress
8 Perfumes
When you are going for an interview, you should have the interviewers in mind. Not everybody likes perfume. It is advisable that the use of perfume is avoided. When this cannot be avoided, please use it sparingly.