What to Wear To An Interview (including a Zoom Update!)

We’re asked a lot about what to wear to an interview – it’s the source of much anxiety at a time when you are likely to be already nervous. We aim to keep it simple so there are generally two things to remember:

1. Dress for the occasion and environment.

A great rule of thumb is that you should dress in a way that makes you look like you already work in the organisation, but you should be looking like a sharp employee! We believe that showing that you understand the organisation is really important – and providing by dressing appropriately – you are providing a physical example of your understanding and connection to the company also.

Showing up in jeans and t-shirt for your interview with a bank is probably not a great start, but neither is turning up in a navy suit for your tech role with a start up.  

Getting advice from your recruiter is really important on this – if they are decent, they will have been out and met with the company, seen the environment, observed what people are wearing and will be able to advise you accordingly.

2. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident and yourself.

There is nothing worse than looking amazing in your flash suit with matching heels, but to be incredibly nervous, because the last time you wore heels was your high school ball!

So, make it easy on yourself – you are there to portray your best you. Don’t dress up to be something that you are not. You want to be wearing something that gives you confidence, that you know you look good in and that presents you well.

Common traps:

• the suit that is too large or small (or from fashion in the 90’s!)
• The skirt that feels too short when you sit down
• If you sweat a lot – steer away from dark coloured shirts, which can show perspiration
• Anything that is not clean or ironed is a big mistake

It’s really important to recognise that when you put an effort in to look good, Hiring Managers ‘read this’ to mean that you will put the effort in to do a good job and be a good employee.

What about online interviews?

While it’s great social media fodder to have the shirt up top and the shorts down below where you can’t see them, it’s a smart interview technique to wear the same outfit that you would wear to a normal interview.  

We say this for two reasons:

• You just never know if you need to stand up for whatever reason
• Psychologically for you and your confidence – you are likely to have a better interview performance if you are wearing your entire interview outfit

Again – like it or not, appearances matter, and this is your only opportunity to make it count! Online meetings are a new skill we’ve all had to learn, and online interviews need a bit of your focus also.  

The reality is that right now – there is a lot of competition for jobs, so make the extra effort to stand out from all the other candidates. Getting what you wear right is a crucial part of this!

Good luck and if you are not sure, please give your Consult / Halo Consultant a bell to discuss with them!