Oct 9

Written by: careers
10/9/2009 7:32 AM

 

By Kaarin Moore

 

Here’s the tough news: When you go on an interview you statistically have less than 10 seconds to make an impression. Now the good news: Your clothing is a huge factor in making that impact, and what you wear during an interview is a formula that can easily be broken down and deciphered. Here are some tips to make sure that you nail the visual aspects of an interview every time:

 

• Decide what you are going to wear the day before. Try on everything to make sure you don’t have loose buttons, stray strings, or stains that you didn’t notice when you pulled the outfit out of the closet. Test-driving your ensemble will make sure you aren’t running around the morning of your interview in a panic.
• Mind the details. Men, make sure your shoes are polished, your hair is freshly cut, and your fingernails are clean. Women, wear shoes with a small heel and make sure to pack your purse correctly the night prior to your interview. The last thing you want to do is dig for a black pen in an overstuffed bag while questions are being fired your way.
• Always go conservative. Men, wear a suit with a tie every time. Women, pantsuits are perfectly fine, but a black or neutral blazer with a skirt that goes to the knee is also a safe bet. This is not a time to get creative with clothing. Let your sparkling personality, your outstanding answers to interview questions, and superb portfolio be the way you demonstrate who you are and what you have to offer.
• Make sure your clothes fit. If you are shopping for an interview suit you don’t have to drop a lot of money, but you do have to be concerned with the way it is tailored. Make sure your outfit is neither too tight nor too baggy.
• Wear a suit even if the office is casual. Even if you know the office dress is informal, still wear a suit / your interview outfit. This is a frequent question from clients who are concerned they won’t fit in with an employer who is conducting an interview while wearing khakis and a polo shirt. There is a reason that you feel like you don’t fit in – because you aren’t a member of their group yet. When you land the job and are a part of the internal culture then you can dress in a similar manner to your colleagues. If the meeting is conducted in a coffee shop still come dressed in a suit, but feel free to take off the jacket and roll up your sleeves before you sit down.
• Think about the “props” that you are going to bring. Even if your industry doesn’t have many tangible products, always bring a portfolio with a copy of your resume. (Portfolios can be found online, in art supply stores, and I even found one once at The Container Store for less than $15.00). Make sure your phone is turned off. Consider getting a business card printed – even if you aren’t currently employed – which lists your name and contact information.

Clothing is a huge part of how we communicate in business life. What you wear can either ensure confidence or raise eyebrows. During an interview you want to come across as cool, confident, and collected even if you feel nervous. Dressing your best will reinforce your personal brand and will give nonverbal clues that you are the best candidate for the job.

 

(Kaarin Moore works with clients on questions of style and image through her DC-based business, Closet Caucus. For more information go to www.closetcaucus.com )

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