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| Job Interview Tips and Techniques 2—Deciding What to Wear |
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What to wear, what to bring, what to say, what to do—these are the thoughts that prey on our minds as we prepare for a grilling at the hands of a merciless interviewer. In reality, the interviewer may be every bit as concerned about their image, paraphernalia, conversational skills and body language as you, and a pussycat to boot, but since there exists no way of determining this before the moment you actually meet, it's best to be prepared. Our latest array of job interview tips looks at issues one and two: what to wear, and what to bring.
Job Interview Tips on What to Wear—the Secrets of Appropriate Attire
Dress to impress: it's cheesy, but it's true. If you stroll into the conference room wearing nothing but a tracksuit and a smile (it happens), the only door you'll find open to you is the one that leads out of the building, no matter how shiny the suit, how dazzling the smile. Taking the time to put a look together—something that's both stylish and conservative, modern and structured—sends a subliminal signal to the employer: 'This is a very respectable interview applicant. This is clearly someone who knows exactly what they're about, a consummate professional.'
And best of all, 'This is somebody I could easily work with; this is a person I know can employ.'
Depending on the kind of position for which you are applying, and the type of organisation in which you will be working (find out more about organisational research here), you have two basic options open to you in terms of apparel. Whichever one you decide to settle on, the end result must always be same: clean (above all else) and neat (a very close second). And your choices? Classic, which works for just about every occasion, and Creative.
Choice #1: The Classic Look
The Classic look does not mean grey. Instead, choose a navy, brown, or black suit. Women may prefer a skirt suit to a trouser suit, adding a splash of (muted) colour with a blouse in a single, solid pastel shade. For men, a crisp blue or white shirt will work well, along with a non-synthetic, unpatterned tie—Spongebob Squarepants is out of the question. Your footwear should be new or, at a bare minimum, highly polished. And don't forget your hair, skin and nails—we can guarantee that the interviewer won't, especially if they seem in need of attention.
Choice #2: The Creative Look
Perfect for non-corporate positions, such as those in the arts, publishing, television and radio, the Creative look is defined by lighter, brighter, more comfortable attire. Try not to let things get too out of hand, however—the jeans/t-shirt/sportscoat combo favoured by 80s advertising executives and computer programmers has not yet made it into the land of mainstream acceptability.
A long skirt and flattering sweater for ladies—or a dress shirt and formal trousers for men—continue to appeal to most employers, and are unlikely to cause alarm in the same way that, say, a fluorescent miniskirt or purple satin shirt inevitably would.
By the same token that Classic does not mean grey, a Creative look does not mean scandalous. Obvious, really, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who fail to realise this until the moment they step into the board room only to be mistaken for a Eurovision Song Contest entry—by which point the job interview is already over.
Job Interview Tips on What to Bring: Top 5 Essentials
The first useful item to get hold of is the one that will contain all of the other useful items: a professional case. By 'professional', we mean a briefcase, portfolio folder, or messenger bag—forsake all thoughts of schoolbags and backpacks; they are unlikely to result in an attractive ensemble. Inside the case, include all of the following:
 Extra copies of your curriculum vitae on high-quality paper, printed in dark black type for perfect legibility;
Photocopies of your letters of reference from both previous employers and character witnesses;
The journal that contains the notes you took during your pre-interview research;
Chewing gum or breath mints (to be used prior to the interview, not during it);
Pens to take notes (and to sign your contract if you're offered the job).
The Moment of Truth—Entering the Interview Room
With the organisational research and interviewer profiling from phase one of your job interview preparation out of the way, a carefully orchestrated wardrobe, and plenty of breath mints in your professional briefcase, what can possibly go wrong as you enter the job interview proper? A great deal, sadly, which is why the next in our ongoing series of job interview tips will concentrate on the essence of every job interview: questions, and how to answer them in a way that showcases your skills with verve, panache, and employment-generating charisma.
But for now, don't worry: you know how to look like someone who can take care of themself—a non-verbal assurance to the employer of your ability to handle their needs and those of the performing organisation.
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