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How to Dress for Job Interview Success

While there are a variety of important events that will transpire during an individual's life, going on a job interview can be particularly significant. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that a job interview can be the first step towards attaining a position that entails economic stability and a sense of personal fulfillment. Because job interviews can result in these positive consequences, individuals who are preparing for them should do all that they can to ensure that the outcome is positive. One of the ways to accomplish this objective would be to dress for job interview success. Here are several strategies you can employ to make it happen:

  1. Avoid Dressing Too Casually
    One of the biggest challenges that people have when getting dressed for a job interview is that they find an aesthetically appealing and flattering outfit that does not fall within the "business professional" category. In recognizing the truth of the principle that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed, individuals who are preparing for job interviews should avoid choosing items like jeans, khakis, t-shirts, or any top that does not contain a collar, buttons, or another external signifier indicating that the attire is business professional. While a recruiter will likely forgive you for showing up in a three-piece suit if it wasn't necessary, she or he will probably be more scrutinizing if you show up in jeans and a t-shirt.
     
  2. Avoid Flashy Colors
    Although bright pinks and neon oranges are catchy and cool to wear when you go to the gym, these types of flashy colors are almost always inappropriate for a job interview. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that the recruiter can interpret them as a sign that you have an aggressive personality. Thus instead of opting for flashy colors, go with safer shades like black, navy blues, and creams.
     
  3. Dress Conservatively
    Dressing conservatively is almost always a good idea when you're preparing for a job interview. Although the term "conservative" can be used broadly, it here references wearing clothing items that cover rather than reveal the body. In general, recruiters are not interested in evaluating how physically attractive you are and will not view your level of beauty as a determining factor in whether you obtain the job. Thus wearing tight clothing or low-cut blouses is not a good idea. In addition to being distracting, it is generally viewed as unprofessional.
     
  4. Get A Second Opinion
    No matter how confident you are that the interview outfit you've chosen is great, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. Doing so provides you with another perspective and can help you realize things you didn't notice about how your clothes are fitting or whether they're really enhancing your appearance.

Although many people worry about what to wear when they go on a job interview, it doesn't have to be a stressful process. By implementing some or all of the strategies outlined above, you can be confident about your physical appearance during your job interview. Good luck!

Last Updated: April 15, 2015