Professionals dress for interview success

As a personal Colour and Image consultant, I help job seekers dress to impress. To pull off a really good look you often need to invest more money – and looking fantastic at your interview is definitely a great investment. When it comes to job interviews, there is no doubts that image counts. The return on your investment can be almost instant if you get hired on the spot! Here are my top 5 tips to dress for interview success:

1.Wear a quality suit

It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised. I have spoken to men and women that have not worn a jacket to a job interview. If you want to be taken seriously, a suit is a must. People who dress conservatively are perceived as self-controlled and reliable. This does not mean you should wear the suit you wore to an interview 10 years ago. Stay current and classic.  Here are some examples. The fabric should be in a natural fibre, 100% cool wool and in a fine weave in either matt or a very slight sheen. The colour of your suit should be in navy or dark charcoal. If you decide to wear a pinstripe you will have to make sure the stripe is very subtle. The silhouette of your suit should be semi fitted, clean, tidy and uncluttered.

Rhodes and Beckett are just one of the many retailers that offer a great selection of good quality suits, shirts and accessories for both men and women. 

2. Dress shirt

A good quality shirt, in 100% cotton or a blend 80% cotton and 20% Polyester. A dress shirt worn under a suit should fit snugly around the neck, allowing only two fingers to be inserted side by side. A perfect fit around the neck is essential. A solid crisp white shirt is considered the most professional in the business world, closely followed by the light blue.

3. Silk tie

The best ties are made of high quality silk. Superior quality ties are cut on the bias and are lined with superior grade linings. This ensures the tie will fall straight without curling. The length of the tie is very important. The tip of the tie should sit within the width of the belt buckle, maybe a tab longer, but never shorter. Ties need to be in proportion to the style of shirt collar worn and the width of the jacket’s lapel. Ties with solid colours or subtle patterns such as stripes are preferred. Tie bars/tie clips may be worn to keep the tie in place. Keep in mind, good quality, simple and non-distracting.

4. Quality belt

Selecting the right belt. Purchase the best quality leather you can afford. The darker and finer the leather, the dressier the belt will look. The belt should be in black and should match the colour of the shoes.

5. Shoes, socks and accessories

The overall style and weight of your shoe should be in harmony with the clothes you wear. The most versatile colour for shoes is black, because it teams so well with navy and charcoal gray. Lace up shoes are recommended and again in good quality and in good condition. The shoes should be polished. Your socks will need to be in a solid colour and match up with your pants. The next best thing would be to match your sock to your shoe. Make sure your socks are long enough so that your skin will not be seen if you sit down.

A watch is a powerful indicator of style and personal accomplishment. For your interview keep it in a classic style, without digital read outs high tech gadgetry or flashy diamonds. What ever your metal your choose for your watch, whether it is a silver or gold metal , the rest of your accessories worn on that day should be in the same metal. Briefcases – again in very good condition. Nothing makes as much of a good impression as a good quality briefcase.