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No matter how experienced you might be, or how many degrees you have, when it comes to job interviews, everyone gets nervous. The more they want the job they are interviewing for, the more nervous they will be. Although quelling these nerves is all but impossible, being prepared will help you feel better.
As well as having a good idea of what is written on your resume, researching the company you are interviewing at, and having a few questions ready to ask at the end of the interview, having an outfit ready to wear is something that will help you feel prepared and more at ease. Leaving your outfit selection until the morning of your interview and only then discovering that something needs to be put into the laundry, or that your heel is broken, for example, is not going to help with your nerves – it will even make them worse.
Choosing your outfit with plenty of time to spare, getting it cleaned, ironed, and laid out ready to wear for your interview will put you in control and make you feel more confident. Yet choosing that outfit can be difficult; there are just so many options, and it can be hard to know what to wear. Read on to get some ideas that will help you pick the ideal interview outfit for you.
Be Comfortable
When you are interviewing for a job, you need to look smart and professional. Your clothes need to fit well and be clean, and you also need to be comfortable in them. Keeping these important elements in mind will help you choose an outfit that will work for you.
You should never wear high heels and a dress if you dislike wearing them; you can wear lower heels and a smart pant suit instead. If you are feeling uncomfortable, you won’t be able to answer the questions properly as you will be distracted. There are no rules as such in place for interview clothing which is why it can be hard to pick something, but stay away from jeans, tennis shoes and sneakers, and t-shirts and wear clothes that you would wear to the office for work if you want to stand out for the right reasons.
Your Hairstyle
Clothing is one thing, but it’s not everything. You should also consider how you will wear your hair for your interview. Again, a distracting hairstyle is not going to be a good idea as you want the potential employer to pay attention to what you are saying; if they don’t, they won’t really remember you once you leave the room, and you won’t stand a great chance of getting the job.
Ideally, your hair should be neat. If it is long, it should be kept out of your face. You might choose to wear it in a ponytail or a bun, for example. If you like to wear it loose, that’s no problem, but brush it well beforehand and ensure it is not in front of your eyes. Don’t fiddle with your hair either; it can be a nervous habit and not a good look for an interview. If you think you might keep touching your hair, then pull it back even if this is not your usual style – it will take the temptation away.
Accessories
Accessories such as jewelry and hair clips can help or hinder your interview outfit. If you always wear a specific ring or necklace, for example, check that it will go with your outfit – for example, you can research what necklace to wear with what neckline to be sure. If it’s not going to work, take the jewelry off for the interview and keep it in a pocket or purse. You can put it back on afterwards. Too much jewelry is another distraction, so pare it down if need be. If you wear a watch, make sure you don’t check it during the interview as this will look impolite.
