How to Dress for the Job You Want - Get Ready for Your Interview with artil

When it comes to job interviews, there are unwritten rules about what you can and cannot wear to an interview. To help you not break these rules, artil brings you outfit tips for stress-free interviews. Well, at least no stress about your outfit!

I grew up watching shows like “Sex and The City” and “Friends”, looking up to Carrie and Rachel’s outfits, dreaming about how one day I too would dress that way for work. Even today, seeing Emily wander around Paris in her obnoxious yet bold outfits, I dream of walking to an office as if I just stepped out of a runway.

When it came to job interviews, I thought I could just dress amazingly, and it would be fine, right? Well, wrong, as my mother happily informed me when it was time for my first job interview. It was an online interview with a big corporate firm for an internship, and I was a sophomore at university. Learning that I couldn’t just wear any of my good clothes threw me off guard, caused me to stress both over my lack of appropriate clothing and over my lack of experience. I was about to have my first interview, and I didn’t even know how to dress. So, why would anyone hire me?

That’s the reality of job hunting, isn’t it? You are not judged only by your talents but by your appearance as well. The moment you enter the room or turn on your camera, you make a first impression. Whether consciously or not, the interviewers look at you and make assumptions. So, I’ve learned that you should always dress for success, make sure you look polished and professional.

The most important thing to know is that the professional look can vary between different industries, or even in different companies. You should research the company’s dress code before the interview to make sure you look like a perfect fit for the company in every aspect possible, even with your clothing. For instance, a fashion magazine may require you to look trendy, while in finance, the interviewers would prefer a sharp look. If you are not sure about their dress code, you can check the company's LinkedIn page to understand more about their general vibe. We can break down the types of companies into three based on their dress code: business professional, business casual and casual. Here is my best tips for the perfect job interview outfits, adjusted to the company’s dress code:

The Business Professional

Companies with a strict dress code may sound overwhelming to you at first, but believe me, it’s easier to dress for them. Thanks to their limitations, you know what to wear and what not to wear. And if you are still feeling overwhelmed, just go with an all-black ensemble! Pair a black dress with black tights and black shoes. Remember, you are not an extra in Sex and the City, it’s not appropriate to wear mini dresses for job interviews! Also, avoid big jewellery pieces, try gold stud earrings instead. A black monochrome look is always sharp and is very easy to put together! If you are feeling bolder, try a pencil skirt with a blouse or a shirt. Going for a dark-coloured skirt paired with a contrasting top would help you achieve a polished look. I advise you avoid anything with big patterns since they can look unprofessional and be distracting. Try different materials to give yourself a change like a wool skirt for the winter or a silk shirt for the summer.

The Business Casual

Companies with business casual as their dress code are the best places to show your style with confidence. This dress code perfectly merges professional with casual, leading the resulting outfits to be comfortable while also looking sharp. Combine high waisted skinny pants with a blazer and a high neck sweater. Blazers are great to have in your closet because they are extremely versatile. When combined with different pieces, they can look like anything from strictly business to very casual. Or you can try soft coloured palazzo cut pants with chic blouses and if you are comfortable with them, throw on some heels! Business casual is a limbo, giving you the chance to mix and match different clothing items, do it wisely, and you’ll look unstoppable!

The Casual

Companies with a casual dress code may feel like a bliss until you are in front of your closet the day before your job interview, making yourself go crazy over what to wear. The lack of a strict definition can be confusing since you can never be sure what is appropriate to wear. Jeans are certainly not, try a pair of pants instead, such as chinos or corduroys. You can choose shirts or blouses with subtle patterns if you want to make your look more joyful. And if it’s colder, go for a sweater or a cardigan on top. The key to balancing a casual outfit is your shoes. I believe sneakers are too big of a risk since you can’t be fully sure the company is okay with them before the interview. Bet safely and invest in a pair of Oxford shoes or loafers. Avoid any heels if you are not comfortable with them. Contrary to what these movies and TV shows tell us, being a professional adult doesn’t mean you have to wear heels. Just make sure you are walking comfortably and confidently in the shoes you pick.

And no matter which type of business you have an interview with, make sure everything fits you perfectly. Good fitting clothes are the key to looking professional. If you can’t find something well-fitted in the stores, consider tailoring. The cost of it may be a bit over your budget, but keep in mind that this is an investment for your career.

The last and most important thing is to wear everything with confidence. You can’t dress for success if you don’t believe in yourself. Keep this in mind, and good luck with the job hunt!