What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

The interview is one of the most important steps during your job search. Make sure that you have researched the company ahead of time, practiced answering interview questions, and printed multiple copies of your resume. Also, before you walk out your door, make sure you have allocated enough time to pick out a professional outfit to wear to the interview. Not setting aside enough time to pick out what to wear can leave you rushed at the last moment. Even if you’re the perfect fit for the position that you’re applying for, showing up to the interview disheveled may be the only thing the hiring manager remembers about you. So take the time to figure out what you should and should not wear to the interview to ensure that you leave a positive, lasting impression.

Too Casual?
You have spent countless hours creating a well-crafted resume and applying for positions online. Now a company that you would love to work for has called you to schedule an interview. Before the day of your interview approaches, make sure you have picked out an outfit that showcases how serious you are about this job opportunity. Pick out an outfit that is tailored, conservative, and polished instead of wearing an outfit that may come across as too casual. You don’t want to end up dressing down while the hiring manger is in a full suit.

Too Flashy?
You absolutely want the hiring manager to remember you. At the end of an interview, you want to stand out and leave a strong impression. However, what sort of impression do you want to leave? Do you want to come across as professional or do you want the hiring manager to remember you by your cheetah print shirt? Although you want to stand out, make sure you avoid wearing anything too flashy. Instead, have the hiring manager remember you based off your great communication skills and strong skill sets.

Too Showy?
When you have an interview coming up, it’s always safe to stay on the conservative side when picking out what to wear. You want the hiring manager to know you are taking the interview seriously the moment they see you. Avoid wearing anything risque. Take the time to pick out a professional outfit keeping the hemlines and necklines in mind.

Too Much Scent?
If you’re a cigarette smoker, try and refrain from smoking until after the interview. If the hiring manager doesn’t smoke, you don’t want the smell of cigarettes to be overwhelming while you meet. The smell of cigarettes isn’t the only thing to avoid. Stay away from any strong scents as much as possible. Too much perfume or cologne can also be distracting during an interview. Avoiding strong scents is the best strategy during the interview process.

Too Many Accessories?
Finally, you don’t want to walk into the interview with a large bag and your cell phone in hand. Choosing the bare essentials will leave for less distractions in the interview. You don’t want your cell phone to start vibrating on the table when the hiring manager asks you why you are interested in the position. Instead, pack a pen and pad of paper and leave you cell phone and Bluetooth in the car.

The interview is a crucial part in obtaining a job. What you wear to the interview is just as important. It can cost you the job if you don’t put effort and thought into what you’re going to wear. Pick out a professional suit, make sure it’s wrinkle-free, and any tags left behind have been cut off. Taking the time to pick out what to wear will only help increase your chances of landing the job.

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