The best advice experts give when asked how one should appear to a job interview is that, a potential employee or job applicant should dress or appear in a way that indicates that he or she is ready to go to work today (i.e., immediately). Which means, you need to dress as though it’s your first day at work, your appearance is also being observed by someone in the hiring committee without your knowledge of it.
According to an American human resources consultant; Steve Cohen, because: “Research suggests that the decision to hire or to deselect a candidate is made within the first 90 seconds of the interview”, your physical appearance is what people see first and base their immediate judgments upon.
Below then, is a summary on how best to look to an interview.
For Men:
• Necktie should have a conservative pattern (i.e., not showy with flamboyant designs), to be on the safe side however, you may wear ties without designs.
• Dark shoes with black lace-ups are best, and they should be clean and polished.
• Dark socks, especially black, is the best.
• Short hair always fairs well in interviews
• Take care of a stubble, mustaches should be trim and neat
• No earrings
• No heavy body sprays, or cologne.
For Women:
• Please, do think twice about any eccentricities, because, although some people might be able to look past red hair and black nail polish, it will still affect their hiring decision. So, go on black hair colour instead and a clear conservative colour for nails, as they will afford you a very smooth ride.
• Always wear a suit that has a jacket, and wear the ensemble complete.
• Do not wear extremely high-heeled or platform shoes
• Do not wear open-toe shoes or backless slippers/shoes also known as mules—strange as it may sound, research shows that these shoes often appear as casual wears.
• One set of earrings, simple neat jewelry.
• Conservative makeup
• No heavy perfume.
On a general note, both men and women should…
• Wear clothes that have been neatly pressed
• Wear conservative two or three-piece business suits (solid dark blue, grey or black is best)
• Wear conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white colour is best, the next best colour will be pastel, i.e., a shirt/blouse having a soft pale colour)
• Wear clean, polished conservative shoes
• Wear clean and well groomed hairstyles
• Appear with clean, trimmed fingernails
• Empty pockets of noisy coins, keys etc
• Be without gum, sweets or cigarettes in mouth during the interview.
The above list may be quite helpful in giving you a little idea on how best to look on your interview day. But the best, cheapest and important accessory to wear will always be a relaxed, confident look on your face, with a little smile.
Thanks.
