Job interviews are tough. They are nerve-wracking. It feels like there’s a lot on the line. Whether there is a lot at stake or not, the nerves make you feel like it’s the most important thing in the world. So much of job interviews is appearance. Not only do interviews determine whether you are considered for the job, they are practice for social and life skills in the future.
One important aspect of nailing a job interview is feeling good in your clothing. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to feel that you’re worthy of the job. You want to look good. Below is your interview dress guide for men and five tips for your appearance.
Make Sure You Are Comfortable
One classic mistake is that you dress in clothes you’re not used to. You might put on your fanciest suit or outfit, but you won’t exude confidence if you are uncomfortable. It’s pivotal to look good, but it’s crucial to make sure you are comfortable. Whether you really want the job or could care less, balancing the comfort and appearance is key. You should see to it that you are as comfortable as you can be in a nice outfit. Wear clothes you know you feel good in. It’s better to look comfortable than to be uncomfortable in expensive clothes.
Dress for the Vibe of the Job
Even if the job is a big opportunity for you, you should always dress for the vibe of the job. Are they stuffy and dressed in suits? Or are they more laid-back? You should do some research and put on an outfit for the atmosphere of the business. If you overdress, that isn’t necessarily a good thing. The interviewer and other employees may not think that you fit in if you are dressed for Wall Street when you should be dressed for Sunday brunch. When you dress for the job you are interviewing for, you’re more likely to be offered the position.
Go for Accessories
A great way to class up your outfit is to utilize accessories. You can wear a simple, clean, and comfortable outfit, but adding a nice watch or a piece of jewelry can elevate what you are wearing. People will notice the accessory, even if it is subconsciously. You can show that you are ambitious. You can show that you want more out of life and that you have the confidence to make it happen. It’s a great idea to wear a nice watch when you are dressing for a more laid-back job. It will help you strike the balance that you are looking for. When you are unsure which direction to go in, you can dress somewhere in between by utilizing accessories.
Choose Clean, Ironed, and Simple High-End Items
Another way to strike the balance is to choose clean, ironed, and simple high-end clothing items. When it comes to simple clothing, you can be laid-back and show that you are sophisticated. The people who know will notice. Whether you are into fancy brands or not, keeping a few expensive shirts around will help during the times when you want to show you can balance the buttoned up and the laid-back.
Research Business Fashion Trends
The tech field has changed the way people approach fashion in the office. Business fashion is more casual than it used to be, but it’s a specific kind. Before you go to the interview, you should do some research on the fashion trends of the industry. When you know how the trends of the industry have changed, you will be able to put together a better outfit. You’ll have more of a handle on the business fashion trends. It will help you find the best way to approach your appearance.
When you are going in for a job interview, so much of it is how you present yourself. First impressions matter regardless of your application for an in person or remote job. Whether you are underdressed, uncomfortable, or inappropriate for the vibe of the business, you might not be seen the way you intended. It’s important to strike a balance.
Interviews aren’t easy. They bring on the nerves. One of the most important things is to bring down those nerves, and you can do that through how you dress. You should be comfortable. You should wear nice clothes. But you should always dress for the job. How will you fit into the business? How can you show them that you understand the culture? You can always wear nice accessories, but the balance is key!
Images from Yasmin Le Bon by Olivier Yoan for D’SCENE Magazine
