How to Pull Off an Interview
Whether you are a high school student looking for a summer job, a college student looking for an internship, or a recent grad, you have all wondered the same question, “What the hell do I wear to this interview!?”
As you might have guessed, the answer clearly varies. But not to get confused, you must look your best at interview time. Clean cut, beard trimmed (if you were blessed by the beard gods), and whatever you do, do not look sloppy.
To start, the company you are interviewing for will usually tell you after your phone interview how to dress. Most of the time they will say “business casual.” This is your time to look sharp and make a statement. These five essentials tips will make that first impression go with ease, just make sure your handshake doesn’t throw it all to waste…
Dress for success, but don’t overdress
Overdressing is as much as a capital sin as underdressing. You don’t want to wear a suit to an interview where people wear jeans and a polo and vice versa. If you have no idea, play it safe and bring down a notch.
Find the middle ground
“Nothing that makes you look as though you’re trying too hard.” Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton’s menswear designer said it best, “If you’re going into a bank wear a suit, but if you’re doing something creative, wear what you expect you’re going to wear doing the job. Start as you mean to go on.”
Scope out the office’s dress code
If you’re feeling adventurous and truly have no idea what to wear, check out the office around lunchtime, except on [casual] Friday’s. Check out the best-dressed employees and do better. This will make it easier to stand out as you’re interviewing.
Pick out the right pair of socks
It’s time to show off your socks. Get them as funky as possible, but make sure they go with your outfit. The time where socks and pants had to be the same color is long gone. Make it pop and you may even get a compliment on your socks.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have
Last but not least, don’t let this cliché get past you. This is especially true if you are currently unemployed. Dress to impress.
Article submitted by Daniel Gonzalez.
