10 Tips to Dress Well for an Interview

By Ethan Pang
Managing Coach 

The reason for you to send job applications is so that you can get an interview. Some companies call this “a chat”. Whatever it is called, it is an opportunity for you to promote yourself and sell yourself!

The interview really starts the second you walk into the company reception. The interview ends only when you leave the office. Many people think that their interview happens only face-to-face with the interviewer(s). Wrong. So, please make sure you behave professionally throughout the entire time – yes, even while waiting and speaking with the receptionist.

People form an impression of you within 5 seconds of seeing you. The rest of the time, they are simply testing and validating that impression from what you say and how you behave. This is why dressing up to look your best for the job is of vital importance. Still, knowing how to dress is only putting cloth to skin. The next step is to know how to move with finese in that dressing. Some people can dress in very professional, nice-looking suits but their body language and behaviour in that suit remains amateurish. Interviewers can tell this mismatch very quickly. It is, therefore, absolutely important that you practise behaving professionally in your interview clothing! It should never be your first time wearing your suit on the interview day.

Here are 10 fashion tips for you!

1. Be safe rather than sorry.

Dress the part for the position, the company and the industry, erring on the conservative side. Most times, you will not know how the interviewer will be dressed, so wear a more formal, layered attire that can become more casual if necessary.

You will rarely be faulted for being slightly overdressed. When you wear layers, you can always take off a jacket, tie, scarf or jewellery to appear less formal. Safe doesn’t mean boring.

You can make your attire interesting by adding a dash of colour, like a pink top beneath a grey jacket, or matching striped tie.

2. Project a personal fashion style.

This can help differentiate you from the others. The fact is you can create a positive impression even if you are not feeling particularly charming.

As long as you have a sense of who you are and wear what looks great on you, you will convey self-assurance and charisma.

For example, if you’re not used to wearing skirts, don’t. Nothing is worse than fidgeting in a tight skirt while trying to concentrate on the questions asked. Stick to a pair of nicely tailored pants. The key is that you must be comfortable yet projecting a professional image – dress like the top person in the industry.

3. Check that your clothes fit you well.

You don’t want to turn up in clothes that are one size too small or too large. If that jacket is from 10 years ago when you were 8kg lighter, please get a new one.

4. No overpowering fragrances.

Interviews are held in offices or discussion rooms which can be pretty small. You are likely to be sitting very close to the interviewer and the last thing you want is to suffocate your potential boss with some off-the-counter fragrance. Stay fresh and clean by having a bath before you leave home. If possible, choose a mode of transport that will take you to the venue without you perspiring excessively.

5. Look groomed.

Ensure that you are neat and tidy, not scruffy and unshaven. Iron your clothes well and make sure they are spotless. Polish your shoes and do a final check in the washroom before you go into the interview room. Don’t tease your hair with too much gel. Keep it simple. Unless you are applying for a funky designer’s job, it is best that your hairstyle is groomed professionally. Forget about the “out-of-bed” hairstyle, keep that for parties.

If you are a female, tie your long hair into a bun and if you must let it down, tame it properly. Fingernails must be clean and trimmed. No nail art or over-the-top colours, please.

6. Wear neutrals.

Choose subtle, earthy colours instead of bright ones. You will never go wrong with black, white, cream, navy, grey and brown. However, if you fancy a dash of colour, say red, you can pair it with a more sombre colour like navy blue. A word of caution: Don’t throw too many colours together if you’re not an expert. Stick to the basics.

7. Wear black sparingly.

Many people mistake black as the natural choice for looking formal, but black can make you look severe and unapproachable. Avoid wearing black from top to bottom or in big proportions. Instead, go with dark charcoal grey or navy blue. If you must wear black, opt for textured material to soften the effect.

8. Choose simple accessories.

For guys, there isn’t much accessories to choose from other than your watch, cuff links, and tie. If you belong to some professional group which has a pin, consider wearing that pin. You won’t know if the interview may also belong to that group.

For girls, small pearl earrings or simple ear studs are fine, but avoid dangling or chunky ones that scream for attention. If in doubt, don’t wear any.

9. Safe materials only.

Cotton is always a safe choice as it is comfortable and presentable. No satin, chiffon, sequins or anything you’d wear to a club as these are too showy. And that means no inner wear doubling as outer wear, either.

10. Be plain, not gaudy.

Don’t wear clothes with bold prints or too many details that may distract the interviewer. Let the focus be around your neck area so people will remember your face. A little frill or ruffle will do the trick. Keep the rest of your outfit understated and subtle.