As your important interview approaches, you scramble for something to wear. Your red jacket shouts, “Wear me!” “Attend your job interview wearing a black, simple professional suit,” you remember reading. Pinstripe, solid navy, gray, or black.
Choose your colors and outfit based on your activity, audience, and message. Would you want to be the interviewee in orange, turquoise, or chartreuse? Don’t blend in—stand out. Job interview clothing tips are here.
Color
Colors can convey meaning. Red and black are strong colors and lucky in Chinese culture. Contract negotiators and executives are possibilities. If you’re applying for a nonprofit administrative assistant position, wear a more muted color like blue, brown, or neutral. White clothing symbolizes cleanliness, purity, and honesty. Colors affect others subconsciously.
Combination
To look professional but stylish, wear a dark suit with a bright blouse or shirt. Wear the red jacket with a gray outfit and black business-casual shoes. Wear a colorful scarf or tie. If you love purple, carry your purse. The purple blouse, shoes, and pocketbook “may be excessive,”
Consider your audience
Apple and Google interviews may require more conservative attire than Wall Street investment bank interviews. If you’re speaking with creative people or want to work at Chico’s, a woman’s clothing company that mixes colors and designs, you might be okay wearing jewel tones or a rainbow of colors.
Meeting with the CFO or legal department head? Dress down. Present yourself as a group member here.
Consider your market.
If you’re interviewing at a Wall Street investment bank, dress more conservatively than at Apple or Google. If you’re speaking with creative people or want to work at Chico’s, a woman’s clothing company that mixes colors and designs, you might be okay wearing jewel tones or a rainbow of colors. Meeting with the CFO or legal department head? Dress down. This situation requires demonstrating company fit.
Consider self-confidence.
If it inspires courage and self-confidence, that red jacket may be useful. A lucky necklace, family watch, or other item in your pocket is the same.
Being genuine and realizing that your social and professional presences may differ are important.
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