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Most companies are looking for an employee with fresh, but workable ideas. How you dress yourself can reinforce that idea or betray you. You want your appearance to say that you are aware of what goes on around you, that you can be trusted to represent the company and that you have an eye for the details. All of these messages can be communicated without saying a word, solely based on what you choose to wear.
The suit
If you’re wearing a suit to your interview — and if it's for a professional position, you almost certainly should do so — there’s a lot to know about getting it right. Mainly, does your suit actually fit? Too many times, men buy a suit off a rack without even knowing what to look for. You don't have to get a tailored suit, but at least check out this chart from Esquire to see if what you're planning to wear is too big or too small.
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The shoes
Once you've chosen a solid suit, make sure to wear the right shoes. When you want to look professional, shoes are not an afterthought. For help in choosing the perfect pair to match your suit, check out this guide created by Slaters.
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The dressy casual interview
If you're interviewing for a less professional position, you can still pull off a put-together look without a suit. Pairing the right shirt and a complementary — not necessarily matching — tie goes a long way. Consider patterns and colors. The conservative white shirt — or other solid color — is easy, but maybe you can do better. Check out this tutorial from Beckett Simonon to see if your sense of style is hitting the mark or over the top.
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What not to wear
You should never, under any circumstances, interview in jeans, shorts or sneakers, even if that's the attire worn on the job. Never. There will be a time to fit in later, the interview is your time to stand out.
Finishing touches
Get ready for your interview by taking stock of your resources, whether it's in your closet, in your mirror or in your inner circle. If you don't have the right clothes, it's worth the investment. But since you're looking for a job, maybe cash for a new outfit is out of the question. At the very least, borrow something nice.
On the day of, make sure everything is cleaned, shined and well pressed. When you think you have it all together, check the details in a full-length mirror to make sure it works coming and going. Also recruit someone you trust to give it an outsiders' look.
There are plenty of people around you who can set you on the right path. Even if you have to pay for professional advice, consider it an investment in your future. It's worth the effort and money to make sure you have at least one top-notch, go-to interview oufit.
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Confidence in your interview attire will translate into confidence in yourself. You know that "everybody's crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man" so look the interviewer in the eye and answer each question with poise. You've got this.
