You’re hired! How to dress for a job interview

As crucial as skill set and qualification for a job opening are, interview candidates should also bear in mind the importance of dressing right.

The first thing an interviewer takes note of is how a candidate is dressed.

And while the issue of dressing formally might be debatable for certain job structures, it is still important to dress smartly as no one ever goes wrong doing so.

It should, however, be noted that a candidate must understand what the hiring company requires of them in terms of dressing, taking into consideration the location, company type and the industry.

The question now becomes, how can one be best dressed for a job interview?

For women

As women are likely to have more styling complications than men, the number one rule when dressing for a job interview in any industry is minimalism. Every clothing item should be kept simple and smart with simple accessories.

Generally, the choice of a blouse should be one that is well coordinated, simple and mostly sticking to basic colours.

Matching skirts, dresses, trousers or suits should also stick to basic colours.

When accessorising, it is important to keep it simple. Opt for studded earrings, simple shoes, necklaces, and bags that are big enough to contain important documents.

Hairstyles should be kept simple and neat while makeup should be light and as natural as possible.

Nails should be well-groomed and very importantly, smell nice.

Smelling nice does not mean shocking your interviewer with heavy cologne.

For men

Some HR experts believe men should stick to suits for interviews but depending on the company and industry, wearing a shirt might be sufficient.

Try as much as possible to stick to basic solid colours like white, blue, and grey as opposed to heavily-patterned shirts.

Make sure your outfit is well-ironed and your shirt is properly tucked in. Also make sure to go for trousers in basic colours.

For men sporting elaborate hairstyles and beards, it is important to schedule a barber’s appointment before the interview to get properly groomed.

Ties and socks should also stick to solid basic colours. Make sure your nails are properly manicured and use little or no jewelry.

Carrying a briefcase, portfolio or backpack might be a plus.

Note: An advantage of dressing correctly for an interview is that it boosts your confidence and presents you as a serious candidate.