What Not To Wear To An Interview
How you dress to an interview can change the whole course of your interview, positively or negatively. So, you want to dress properly to leave a favourable impression on the interviewer. This increases your chances of getting that job because the clothes you wear play an important role in communicating your personality, dedication, and commitment to the interviewer.
What not to wear to an interview
Can you separate your social and professional presence in a job interview while showing off your unique and creative style at the same time assuring a good first impression?
Your aim should be to send a message that you are confident and serious about the role you are there for.
What message do your clothes send?
Your effort: A job interview is the first step towards building your career path, hence, an interview is a big deal. Dressing the part shows your effort and tells the interviewers about how serious and dedicated you are to the job.
Your behaviour on the job if you are selected: If you dress casually to an interview with a sloppy attitude, it may create an impression that you will carry over the same attitude at the workplace. So, it’s a big “NO”.
Professionalism: The size of the company, big or small, does not matter. While you are at work you are expected to dress professionally and respectfully.
Now that you know the importance of dressing professionally for your job interview, let’s get into what not to wear to an interview
Don’t dress casually: Casual dress is different from person to person. Wrinkled clothes, jeans, yoga pants, shorts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, and t-shirts can all be considered as casual wear and are definitely not suitable for a job interview.
Don’t be flashy: Basic, soothing colours such as white, muted shades of blue, grey, etc. is what you should prefer for an interview except in cases where you have an interview for a fashion magazine, as an artist or model, etc.
Avoid wearing tight and ripped clothing: Ripped jeans and shirts, bodycon tops, tight and revealing clothes should be nowhere near your list. Anything that shows too much skin is not acceptable.
Avoid planning your outfit without company research: Corporate culture varies from company to company. What may be professional and appropriate in one company may not be so in another. Researching before the interview can help you avoid situations of feeling underconfident, out of place, intimidated, etc.
Don’t wear too many accessories: Distracting accessories can be a major turn off in an interview. Large, shiny jewellery, too many unique piercings on the face, tattoos, strong perfume, heavy makeup etc. are all considered distracting and not professional.
Avoid unnecessary headwear: Hats, beanies, caps, earphones are advised to be kept as far away as possible from the interview. Headwear for religious and cultural reasons is an exception. Dressing to impress without violating corporate culture guidelines is what you have to keep in your mind at all times.
Don’t forget your shoes: Sandals, flip flops, and flashy designer shoes are what you should avoid. Your shoes should match your outfit. Men should prefer formal or business casual leather lace-up shoes in black or brown. Women should consider leather or fabric shoes that include styles like flats, block heels, etc preferably in black or white or anything that complementary to the colour of your outfit. After your shoe selection, you must also consider your socks and stockings options. Avoid sneakers and old torn and dirty shoes, socks and stockings.
Avoid wacky and graphic ties: When in doubt, keeping it simple should be your mantra. Crazy wacky patterns can give a negative vibe about your individuality to the interviewer. Keep them off the options of your list and play safe.
Avoid patterns and chose solids: To not divert the interviewer's attention from you to your clothes is an important task. Small thin stripes and checks are however considered acceptable.
Avoid non-leather belts and shoes for men: Men should opt for leather shoes and belts and avoid flashy, trendy sneakers. Men should avoid rusty and funky, beaded belts.
Visible undergarments: Making sure that your undergarments remain under your clothes is your duty. A bra strap peeking out of your top could turn into a disaster. Your outfits should be comfortable for movement without running the risk of any inadvertent wardrobe malfunctions. Transparent clothes should be off your list.
Avoid Uncomfortable clothing: Job interviews can make the most confident people nervous. Follow everything to be as comfortable as you can to avoid lack of confidence, distraction and nervousness. Make sure your shoes are easy to walk and fit correctly to avoid discomfort and tripping. Avoid itchy, loose, tight clothes allowing you to be more confident and less paranoid and conscious.
Avoid wearing clothes that are off-season: Make sure what you wear is suitable according to the weather. Avoid wearing woollen and thicker suits during warm months. During warm months like spring or summer opt for lighter fabrics. Cotton and linen are preferred.
Your outfit during your interview contributes to the success rate of you being shortlisted for that particular job. We at Unito promise to provide what you need for the perfect interview. We believe in providing the best and timely services to our customers.