How To Dress For A Job Interview

Your clothes show a lot more about yourself than you think.

Here we share some suggestions that may help you with dressing for a job interview.

Dressing for an interview

People form impressions in the first few minutes they meet you. Independently of what you say, much of such impressions is based on your appearance, that is how you dress, and how you groom yourself.

1. Research the institution you are applying for, and learn what staff is expected to wear.
2. Wearing professional attire shows respect for the interview process.
3. Dress professionally. It does not mean you should dress formally or in a certain way for every position.
4. Your clothes should be appropriate for the kind of job you are applying for.
5. Clothes should be clean, neat, and well ironed.
6. Do not try last-minute garments.
7. Avoid those that are too loose or too tight.
8. Match jacket and pants for positions that require a suit. Clothes should also be clean, well-fitting, and wrinkle-free.
9. Colors like black may be too much; earth tones, charcoal gray, and navy blue are more expected. Avoid flashy colors.
10. Shower or bathe before the interview and avoid overuse of cologne or perfume.
11. It is suggested to wear deodorant.
12. Be sure to have fresh breath.
13. Do not eat or smoke right before the interview.

In the case of teachers, some school districts are becoming more strict in terms of dress code not necessarily because of inappropriate staff clothing but because they want to set a tone for the school.

What to wear to an interview man:

• It is advisable to shave the same day of the interview. If you wear a mustache or beard, it should be trimmed and neat-looking.
• Do not overuse aftershave.

Some educators feel that more formal clothes will convey an air of authority, while others think that more casual clothes will let them connect more easily.

For example, some believe that ties show seriousness, while others think that they are just uncomfortable. Again, research the institution rules to adapt your preferences.

What to wear to an interview female:

• It is advisable, when wearing a skirt instead of pants as part of the suit, that it be neither too long nor too short, just at knee length.
• The blouse should be conservative as well, avoiding bright colors, animal print, too lacy, or low-cut.
• When choosing make-up and nail polish, neutral colors that go with your skin tone are the best bet. Keep make-up from minimal (natural) to moderate (professional). Long nails in flashy colors are not the best option.
• Keep your hair off your face.
• In terms of jewelry and hair accessories, always follow the rule of "conservative." The less, the better. Just the essential ones for your hair that go as unnoticed as possible and one ring on each hand may be the best choice.
• As for shoes, not too high, not too low-heeled are suggested. Wear the kind of shoes you would choose to give a conference. Leave the comfortable ones for class. If possible, skip open toe or back ones.
• If you choose a dress or a skirt for your interview, your hose should be as the make-up, neutral, and match your skin tone. Keep an extra pair handy, to avoid using the polish trick to fix a run.
• Just as mentioned before, hair scrunchies or bright barrettes may be too much for an interview.

You also may choose to dress less formally for a second interview. If that is the case, just keep professional.

And also, keep in mind that your appearance is your packaging. So, spend what is necessary on new clothes and time to groom yourself, and do not pretend to be something that you are not, by wearing something you do not feel comfortable with or behaving in a way that you are not used to.