Whether you’re embarking on a new career path or hoping to advance your position in a career you’re already engaged in, interviews can be stressful. My 13 year career in HR taught me a lot about how to ensure you have a great interview every time. Now, as a stylist, I know the incredible power that comes with having the right outfit picked out and looking great on the big day.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional looking for a new position or a university grad applying for a first job; no matter what, you’ll want to prepare for the process in more ways than one. While the first step is to create an amazing resume and cover letter that gets you to the top of the pile, the next step is interview prep. You’ll want to present yourself as a polished and professional candidate, so the way you present yourself physically is just as important as what you say and what’s included in your resume!
In this blog post, we outline tips on how to dress for your interview so you feel confident and create an excellent first impression for a potential employer.
How Should You Dress for an Interview?
Confidence is key to dressing well for any situation, and confidence is much easier to feel when you’re prepared. It also helps to research the company culture and assess the work environment—consider the company's dress code, as some companies may have a more casual or formal atmosphere.
Finally, make sure your clothes tell the story of who you are and that you feel confident wearing them.
One aspect of dressing for interviews that many people struggle with is how formally they should dress. As a general rule of thumb, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for an interview.
Interview Clothing Tips for Men and Women
Dressing for an interview doesn’t need to be prescriptive. Some people might say “wear a suit” or “wear a dress,” but the reality is that not all positions will require the same type of outfit for an interview. Consider interviewing to work at a law firm versus a construction company—you won’t necessarily want to wear a formal suit to an interview with a construction company, but you certainly would for most law firms.
Instead, I encourage clients to wear something professional, comfortable, and suited to the company you’re applying to. Look at their website or social media to see if they have provided an indication of what their team wears. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that feels right for you so you can be confident in it.
Once you’ve chosen an outfit, make sure that it’s free from wrinkles, stains, or other damage. I recommend investing in a handheld steamer to easily remove wrinkles. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that are in good repair.
A Bonus Pro Tip for Everyone
There’s nothing worse than being distracted before or during your interview by decisions about clothing. I always recommend trying on your full outfit the day before, making sure everything is ironed or steamed, and laying the outfit out so you’re ready to put everything on easily before you go.
Discover Useful Interview Tips in Edmonton
If you’d like to dive deeper into strategies for landing an amazing job, consider taking my online course—The Art of Landing Your Dream Job. In this course, you’ll learn how to write a standout resume and cover letter from Danielle with Fine Point Writing & Editing, receive guidance for interview preparation, and get advice on how to dress for a job interview. This course is helpful whether you’re starting on your career journey or looking to move to a new position.
Connect with an Image Consultant & Build Confidence for Your Next Interview
As an image consultant in Edmonton, I’ve helped many clients learn how to dress for an interview, and how to create a functional and stylish professional wardrobe that helps them achieve their goals. This process can teach professionals and business owners how to dress in a way that reflects their personal style, while still making sure they are dressed appropriately for their workplace. If you’d like to start on your journey to dress for success and feel confident in your next interview, book a Discovery Call with me today!
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