Did you know that 33% of HR Managers know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone or not. 55% of the impact comes from the way the person dresses, acts and walks through the door and 65% bosses indicate that clothes could be a deciding factor between two almost identical candidates.
Your dress gives an idea about who you are as a person even before you open your mouth. It will take the HR Manager just one look to decide your reliability and competence. Knowing what to wear for a job interview is half the battle won. As it is rightly said, ‘First impression is the last impression’.
Your interview meeting is not only your first but can be your last meeting with the HR Manager not because you were not qualified or experienced for the job but because you could not form the first impression through your clothing.
The industry you are interviewing for should be taken into consideration. The dress code for a corporate company will be different from an advertising company. So whether to wear a professional or business casual outfit for the interview is the most important decision. You can use social media to research.
You should wear clothes that suits you and keeps you comfortable, matching the dress code of the company. Even if the company has a casual dress code still you avoid wearing casuals at interview and stick to a combination of formal casuals. Avoid wearing denims instead wear clothes from smooth or textured material. Business suits are good only if you are interviewing for senior-level positions. Else they will make you appear overqualified and highly ambitious.
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It’s always advisable to wear branded clothes to interview and not the cheap unbranded ones. You may have to invest in them but branded clothes will make you look good and impactful. It is also advisable to buy a few and keep in case you are asked to return for a follow-up interview. But never go in for luxury high-end brands like an expensive watch or cell phone. This will give an impression to the HR manager that status and people’s opinion play an important role in your life.
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Your intention to impress the HR manager should be through your work and not your boldness and fashion mindedness of your attire. Some companies require women to wear only skirts. Never wear mini-skirts. Once a woman wore a red skimpy dress for an interview and she could hardly sit down comfortably in it. She was never called back by the HR Manager. Short hemlines and plunging necklines are not acceptable in an interview. It’s always a good idea to try out the interview outfit at home and see if you can walk and sit in it comfortably.
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The colors that we choose to wear for an interview sends a strong message. So its utmost important to pay attention to the colors we are wearing. Blue is the most preferred color and even recommended for job interview because it symbolizes loyalty. People are considered to be more productive in blue color. Maroon color depicts intelligence and respect that can be a choice. While dark clothes like black will make you look reliable, serious and competent. Avoid loud, floral or busy prints on your attire. It does not give you a look of a serious leader. But if you have applied for any creative jobs then you can wear busy prints. Men should avoid novelty ties and socks.
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Wrinkled, dirty and faded clothes give an impression that you are not good at management. Ill-fitted clothes can make you appear shabby. Look clean and hygienic with fingernails properly cut and fresh breath. You will be shaking hands and you don’t want the HR Manager to see the dirt under your fingernails. For women nails should be manicured with clear or nude nail polish.
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Hair should be neatly styled. Fidgeting with your hair and trying to keep it at place during an interview is a strict no-no. Best style is to keep it pulled back from your face. For women hair should be above the shoulder or in a ponytail or bun. Men should give their facial hair a trim and comb before the interview to appear neat and tidy as possible. Your hairstyle should strike a balance with your clothing.
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Natural make-up shades like pink, peach or plums are fine. Avoid bright colors make up like orange, green or yellow. Keep your look natural. Avoid dark eyeshadows, bright lipsticks or heavy foundation. Best is to stick with light mascara and a tinted lip balm. Perfume or aftershave should not be overpowering. Light perfume and cologne is a good choice as the HR Manager might have an allergy to strong scents. If you wear glasses then opt for neutral color eye frames.
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Accessories are important. Wearing too much of jewelry can be distracting. Women can wear small and elegant pieces of earrings, bracelets and watches. The jewelry can be of gold, silver, diamond, platinum or pearl. But cheap and flashy jewelry can divert the HR Managers attention from what you are saying and give a bad impression. For men a watch and a belt are enough.
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If you are taking a bag with you, a smart satchel, briefcase or handbag would be a better option over a bag pack. The bag should have a clear shape and not look like a sack. Carry classic style bags made of leather over creative ones. Bag should be of leather and conservative color than bright ones.
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Many people do not give importance to shoes. They do not realize that the HR manager is judging your shoes too! Your carefully selected clothes will lose its impact if you wear dirty or tattered shoes. Shoes should be new and clean. For men dress shoes are perfect and for women, conservative ones that do not expose toes are the best. If you decide to wear heel keep it at a sensible height so that you can comfortably walk in them.
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