What to Wear to an Interview

The interview is a very basic part of the application process. If you have been fortunate enough to have earned an audience with your prospective employer or the HR manager, then you're closer than ever before because now you have the opportunity to ask the company what you need to ask and want to know. And because it is a very vital part of one's application process, one should approach the interview in an extremely professional manner, to say the least.

There have been candidates who have worn outrageous clothing or have exhibited outlandish behavior in the past. Interviewers across the country have experienced the best and worst in their careers as people who meet other people.  

There have been experiences when the candidate was wearing jeans or brightly colored sweat suits or even sneakers. Other people were not a bit hesitant in showing body piercings or even mohawk-styled hair.

Whether it's chewing gum, rumpled clothes, mini-skirts or falling pants, interviewers have seen them all. It just goes to show that people are not as educated as they should be when it comes to proper attire in an interview.

These types of people think that if they just show up and answer the questions that they are asked, everything will be fine. These ignorant people don't know any better of course.

People don't realize that there is so much that goes into an interviewer's mind the first time they see an applicant. A study at Image Dynamics by consultant Kim Zoller says that 55% of a person's perception of you is based on how you look. In short, appearances count. And even more in the corporate and professional world.

Of course, in some jobs, there are those employers who couldn't care less about how you look for as long as you get the job done. The important thing to remember in an interview is that it is better to err on the side of conservatism.

For the women, their look should sport a conservative suit with a solid color. Their blouse should be well coordinated and their shoes should not be flashy at all. The hair should be well-kept and professional and if they are wearing any hosiery, it should be light or tan. Barely put on make-up as well as perfume.

You should also have your nails manicured and lastly, have a portfolio. Men, on the other hand, have to worry about pretty much the same things and should focus on making their tie look conservative. They should wear dark socks and professional-looking shoes. They should also put sparse aftershave and should remind themselves to keep their nails trimmed and carry around a portfolio or briefcase.

So there you have it, the essentials to wear in an interview. Be careful not to overdo it and to remember that you are actually investing in your future if you follow these steps. Constantly remind yourself before an interview that if you try to look professional, people will treat you like one.