Forget the catwalk when choosing your interview wardrobe
With Fashion Week now well and truly underway in the capital, I've been speaking to We Are The City about how to nail interview dressing without losing your own sense of style.
Below are 5 tips to help you select a winning look for your next interview.
Consider the corporate culture
When it comes to interview attire, one size does not fit all. The conservative, dark-coloured suit that you wore for your interview at Barclays won't earn you high marks with an interviewer at a hot start-up. Consider the company's dress code when selecting your outfit. Your goal is to dress as though you already work at the company and are attending an important meeting.
Search for clues online
If you're uncertain about the company's dress code, take a closer look at its corporate website, particularly the "About us" and "Employment" sections, for clues. Check if the company publishes a blog or uses social media as part of its recruitment efforts – these resources can be especially helpful. In addition, research sites like Glassdoor for company reviews written by other candidates and past and present employees, which can provide insight into an organisation's culture and its interview processes.
Leverage your network
If you know someone who currently works or previously worked for the organisation, now is the time to reach out! Not only can this person help you to navigate the hiring process with greater confidence, but he or she can also ensure that your interview attire is on point.
Take on trends with care
Whilst it can be tempting to incorporate the latest trends into your interview look, always err on the side of caution. You should always feel confident about being yourself and presenting your true self, but if you're not interviewing at a fashion house or a high-fashion magazine like Vogue, being too trendy could detract from what's important and sabotage your chances of landing the job.
That said, injecting personality into your interview wardrobe is no bad thing. But, use your accessories to do so. A scarf, handbag, pair of socks, or cufflinks can be the perfect way to inject your personality without going overboard.
Do a dress rehearsal
Try on your entire interview ensemble a few days before the appointment to make sure that everything fits you properly, is clean, pressed, and ready to go. Do you need to tighten a loose button or shine your shoes? Take care of these details ahead of time so that you can focus on more important items the day of the interview.
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