It is found that 55 percent of another person’s perception of the type of person you are is based on how you look.
The first impression you make on your prospective employer is the most important one. This is going to be based on your physical features and what you are wearing. You will want your first impression, to be not just good but a splendid one. It is but natural that a job candidate wearing a suit and a tie, with well polished shoes, is going to make a much better impression than one in scruffy jeans, t-shirt, sneakers and a stud in the ears to match.
The norms for men’s interview dressing haven’t changed much over the years and more or less the same standards are being followed, irrespective of whether you are applying for your first job and are just seeking one at the entry level, or something higher up.
The entry level first timer may have a limitation in the number of dress choices he has and may not possess the formal attire require for such occasions. Moreover, such attire does not come cheap and he may not have the money to buy such clothes.
There are some basic guidelines to follow, pertaining to colors, fabrics and presentation. Follow them and you can’t go wrong.
It’s Okay To Seek Dress Code Information
Some companies have a dress code and it would not hurt to ask during your preliminary phone discussion to ask if the company has a dress code and what you should be wearing for the interview. If he says, where anything you like, don’t take him for his word, because he most certainly be well dressed for the interview. It’s better to be overdressed rather than underdressed.
Dissecting The Suit.
When you are applying for a senior position, you should have at least two suits. Preferably they should be navy blue and a solid dark gray in color. Don’t wear a pinstripe, it gives the impression that you are over-confident and conceited. A plain suit, in either of the two colors, I suggested earlier, are easy on the eye and you will not appear too showy.
Also avoid a double-breasted suit, single breasted ones are not only in vogue, they are always safe. Opt for a two-button suit, even though it is all right to go for a three button suit. Two-button is normally the preferred choice of the sartorial conscious.
While it is nice to dress well, you will not one to come out too strong and outshine your interviewer in your dress senses. You should let your competence, background, experience and personality speak for you, your attire should just be a supporting appendage.
Be careful with the material that you get your suit stitched from. It should be of a good quality and appropriate for the season that you are going to wear it in. A woolen suit in summer will make the interviewer feel more uncomfortable than you. Also ensure that your suit is clean and nicely ironed and is crisp and neat.
For the first interview, I would recommend you wear the navy blue suit and follow it up with the gray suit for the second interview. It is seen that many job-applicants opt for a black suit and a russet suit. While these colors may make a fashion statement, they are not right for an interview. They are too starry and more suited to jobs in the glamour industry. Looking good is not the only measure, looking impressive is.
If you have to go for a third interview, wear a third suit if you have one, failing which wear the one, that the person has not seen.
A blazer or a sports jacket tends to convey an impression of being too casual. However, they can be worn to a social invitation that many interviews are followed by. However, the safest bet is to stick with the classic and traditional. There can be nothing better than a navy blue coat, gray dress pants, a blue shirt, and a lightly hued tie.
Shirts And Ties
For the first interview, a white shirt is the right choice. The shirt collar should be simple, with traditional straight points. Avoid the button-down style, tab collars or wide English spreads. Ensure that the collar does not have any monograms. The shirt should be 100 percent cotton; they breathe better and will be more comfortable. It should be well ironed and as white as possible. The white will go well with your navy blue suit.
If you have to buy new shirts for the interview, invest in a blue shirt for the second interview, it will go well with your gray suit.
Choose your tie with the utmost care and diligence. The tie is among the first things that a person notices about someone’s attire. Nothing puts off the interviewer more than a loud tie. Ties, should be subdued and not brightly hued. Classic striped are the best for formal occasions, though it is all right to wear one with an all-over design, a neat pattern, or a small dot. Bow ties are out, so don’t even consider wearing one.
Avoid Jewelry
Don’t wear jewelry. Ear studs will give the impression that you are too flippant and frivolous. You must, however, wear a watch. It should not be one of those sporty ones with huge dials and multi-hued, nor a Rolex.
Shoes And Socks
It is said that a man is known by his clothes, but a gentleman is known by the way he is shod. What you wear on your feet will either make or mar all your sartorial leg-up efforts. Nothing creates a better profession image than black lace-up shoes.
Strictly avoid casual penny loafers or anything gimmicky with buckles or straps. Polish your shoes before you venture out and don’t wear socks of any other color than black. Moreover, socks should be ankle length and should not snag. You may have to cross your legs.
Stay Well Groomed
Trim your nails, comb your air, preferably have a facial at a parlor the day before your interview. Keep a pen handy along with a clean handkerchief in your pocket. The most important part of your attire is to wear a smile at all times.
Mobiles
Mobiles should ideally be left behind in your vehicle, or if you have to carry it, switch it off until the interview is over.
Every individual has his own personal choices of what he’d like to wear and his wardrobe contains clothes that contain clothes that express his personal style and individuality. But here you are not to show attractive you are, or your flair and elegance, your goal is to get that job.
Dressing conservatively reflects on your personality in multiple ways, it shows that you are making an effort not to offend and that you are polite and respectful. Proper attire for an interview will create a radiance of serious intent around you, making your interviewer will see you in a positive light and overlook any unintentional gaffes you may make.
