One of the most common mistakes people make when going for an interview is under dressing for the company they are interviewing with. In my time I've had guys looking to do interviews in banks with a pair of ripped jeans, I've seen skirts so short the candidate can't sit down without needing to blush. I've walked into a room 20 minutes after someone has interviewed in it and the smell of BO and the smell of perfume was still hanging in the air.
Common sense needs to prevail when choosing what to wear for the interview if you are a man the following is generally recognised as a rule of thumb:
· Solid colour, conservative suit
· White long sleeve shirt
· Conservative tie
· Dark socks, professional shoes
· Very limited jewellery
· Neat, professional hairstyle
· Go easy on the aftershave
· Neatly trimmed nails
· Portfolio or briefcase
If you are a woman:
· Solid colour, conservative suit
· Coordinated blouse
· Moderate shoes
· Limited jewellery
· Neat, professional hairstyle
· Tan or light hosiery
· Sparse make-up & perfume
· Manicured nails
· Portfolio or briefcase
In most cases now companies are conducting a minimum of 2 interviews per hire so you should have at least 2 professional outfits to wear. Grooming is imperative, minimalistic jewellery, clean nails, polished shoes, fresh breath are all things that give off a professional air.
The key question you may ask is if I'm dressed correctly will it get me the job the answer is no, you still need to interview well and be suitably qualified however that won't mean a thing if you are not dressed correctly.