Nail that interview, guys: how to dress for your dream job
Palms: sweaty. Legs: twitchy. Stomach: gurgling. Job interviews are nerve-racking affairs – especially when you really, really, really want the job.
Aside from prepping for questions like, ‘If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be?’ and making sure you know your CV inside out, there’s one other thing that’s vital in making sure you’re on the top of the shortlist pile: clothes. Yep, it’s time to nail interview wear – and to do that, we’ve broken jobs down into categories…
Creative
Dressing for an interview for a creative role can be a tricky balancing act. Appear too wacky and you could scare potential employers off, dress too formal and your interviewers may wonder where all that creativity is lurking. Here’s how to get it right…
- Always look like you’ve made an effort. Yes, creatives may like the laid-back look, but an interview’s an interview. The main rule to remember is, don’t turn up in jeans – even if you’ve ironed them.
- Add interest to an interview outfit with a statement pair of shoes, a stylish tie (no cartoon designs), and a great bag. A few key pieces can speak volumes – too many and you could risk looking like a clown.
City slicker
You want to look professional, smart, and like you mean business, so it goes without saying that you need a great suit. Don’t borrow one from a friend – spend some cash and make sure you treat yourself to a suit that fits. It’ll soon earn its keep by becoming a go-to outfit for weddings, dates and birthdays too.
- Keep your suit dark. Navy, dark grey, black – they’re all inconspicuous enough not to draw too much attention. This means you’ll be able to wear your suit often without people thinking you only have one in your wardrobe.
- Don’t attempt pinstripes unless you’re over 50. Pinstripes date, and wide pinstripes are just a cold hard ‘no’. Unless you’re Sir Alan Sugar.
Practical
If your dream job is something where you’ll be out and about ‘doing’ stuff, you won’t want to turn up to your interview looking like you’re much too immaculate to actually get your hands dirty. Obviously, we wouldn’t dare suggest turning up wearing a tie where most of the pattern is made up of tomato sauce; however, you may want to consider wearing something a little less ‘stuffy’ than a full-on suit.
- Suit trousers, shirt and tie, and a v-neck jumper can look super-smart without coming across as too ‘done’.
- Opt for shoes which are more about the walking than the wow. Ditch anything overly pointy or polished, and choose something classic and sturdy like a Doc Marten.
Whatever the job type, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If it turns out that you are too overdressed, you can always whip off the tie, take off the suit jacket, and mess up your hair a bit in the loos before you meet your interviewers. But there’s no way anyone can ever make jeans and a t-shirt look impressive.
Pictured product is the French Connection Slim Fit Grey Check Suit from Moss.
