A Fresher’s Guide to What to Wear to an Interview

We watched our parents getting dressed up for the office while patiently waiting for the day we get to dress up for our dream job. But it seems after receiving the call letter; we no longer remember what work appropriate or how simple it should be is. We all have the same question and wonder what to wear to an interview. Let us guide you through the same.

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According to research published in Social Psychological And Personality Science(2015), wearing business formals enhanced abstract thinking, creativity, and strategizing. In another study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology(2014), it was found that formal clothing helps win in negotiating deals.

What Is Appropriate and What Is Not?

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The proverb “dress the part”, is not a metaphor today. Interviews aren’t only for your skill assessment, but the team also checks if you fit their professional environment. We are here to guide you on what to wear to an interview. 

A student’s wardrobe is very different from a professional wardrobe. While students generally wear jeans and t-shirts to college, these are a big no during the interviews. Here is a complete guide to that invincible interview dress code. These tried and tested interview dress code tips can be applied to almost any vertical (at your discretion). 

Read more: 15 Interview Tips to Stand Out in Your Job Interview

What to Wear to an Interview

For Men

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1. The main Outfit

The interview dress code for males is very straightforward. If wearing a suit, opt for solid colours. Choose a linen/cotton collared shirt in soothing colours like white, blue, grey, and other pastel shades. Do not wear silk shirts as they are totally out of line for a professional look. Make sure that the outfit is ironed, and there are no stains. For the bottoms, choose a pair of dark-coloured regular fitting trousers or chinos. Do not wear very tight-fitting clothes. Avoid printed shirts or pants. Complete your formal look with a decent leather belt. Do not forget to wear socks.

2. The Footwear

Wear well-fitted formal shoes with or without laces. Generally, candidates opt for black shoes. However, you can also choose brown shoes provided they go with the outfit. A polished shoe speaks volumes about your personality. So, make sure your shoes are without a speck of dust on them. Do not wear sneakers!

3. The Accessories

Wear a simple wristwatch, preferably with a metallic or leather strap. Avoid using fancy analogue sports watches. You can wear a tie if you want, but generally, people don’t wear a tie these days. 

4. Personal Hygiene

Along with your skillset, your presentation matters. It’s essential to look smart with the right dressing and proper hygiene. With the appropriate dressing, you have to maintain a professional haircut, well-groomed facial hair, trimmed nails, etc. The question isn’t always what to wear to an interview; it is also how to look the part. Bad breath can set you back enormously. Also, make sure you have no body odour coming from you. Use deodorants, mist, etc.  

Check out: Best Job Oriented Short Term Courses in India

For Women

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1. The Main Outfit

Women have an extensive range of clothing to choose from, which means more confusion! You can choose a solid-coloured blazer that you can pair with a skirt or trousers. Black is the classic choice for skirts or trousers. Blouses or shirts should be simple without unnecessary frills.

Choose from pastel and neutral colours to make a statement. Grey, white, and light blue shades are the most preferred shirt colours. To be confident, make sure your upper body inners are not visible. Wear a camisole over the inner for proper coverage. If you are sitting for a PSUs or any government body interview, you can opt for a simple salwar kameez or saree. 

2. The Footwear

For your safety, do not wear high heels. Wear comfortable and formal moccasins, bellies, or sandals. If you’re wearing leather footwear, they must be polished nicely. Make sure your footwear doesn’t make knocking sounds on the floor while walking. 

3. The Accessories

Try to keep the number of accessories to a minimum. Wear simple jewellery like small stud earrings. You can wear a simple chain if you have to. A simple wristwatch is sufficient as a hand accessory. Bangles and bracelets should be avoided. Be as simple as possible. No fancy hairpins and clips should be used.

4. Personal Hygiene and Makeup 

Make sure your nails are trimmed. If you keep your nails long, they must be filed and manicured. No glitter nail paints should be applied to your nails when going for an interview. Use light and nude shades for nails. Hair must be washed and combed nicely. Do not keep hair open. Tie it in a simple bun or ponytail. Keep the makeup subtle. Avoid using bold-coloured lipsticks.

Other than all the relevant points mentioned above, a little research about the company could go a long way. To get an idea of the kind of attire the employees wear, you can look at the pictures from company seminars and conferences. Some companies prefer suits as the interview dress code. Make sure you know about such rules of the target company.

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Checklist

• The outfit (upper body, lower body, socks, tie, belt, etc.)
• The footwear
• Wristwatch
• Handkerchief
• Your document folder.

Pro Tips

1. Some companies do have a prescribed dress code for the interview. So, make sure you read any particular guideline for the interview dress code if any. 

2. Shop for the interview clothes at least a week before the interview to get enough time for alteration. Always choose trusted brands known for formal wear. If you don’t prefer readymade garments, always go with a trusted tailor to ensure a good fitting. 

3. On the day of the interview, keep footwear wipes in your purse or wallet to ensure neat shoes.

4. If you’re going to wear a used shirt, make sure it is washed, ironed, and has no stains on it.

5. Of all the accessories, a smile is the best. So, do not forget to greet the panel with a smile.

6. Use a mild deodorant. Applying a very sharp smelling deodorant causes uneasiness to others.

7. For males, avoid having long hair. Get your hair trimmed and go for a clean shave or have a groomed hair cut. For females, it is advisable to keep your hair tied in a ponytail or a simple bun. If your hair is short, have a hairstyle where your hair doesn’t fall off your face. This is deemed as highly unprofessional. Coloured hair may have a negative impact on the interview panel. If possible, try to hide your coloured mane with different hairstyles.

8. Do not keep long nails. Keep them neat and filed. For women, do not put bold-coloured nail paint. Use nude shades or have a french manicure.

9. If you wear specs, choose a frame that gives you a professional look. Frameless glasses are one good option.

10. Never wear slippers to the interview. 

11. Have a good night’s sleep before the big day: Your brain needs time to process all the information it has been receiving through these days. Set the alarm and sleep well so that you can focus completely and stay in a happy mood. Appearing sleepy in your interview is going to have a rough impact. Puffy eyes are not what we have in our guide of what to wear to an interview! Get a good night’s rest, so you are ready to conquer your interview. 

Also Read: Why should you be hired for this internship?

Conclusion 

Now that you have every information about the interview dress code, all you have to do is give your best effort to win over the interview panel. In these pandemic testing times, online courses are the best way to polish your concepts for the final battle. Online educational portals like upGrad offer a unique range of courses that will prepare you to sail through various selection processes. 

upGrad is an innovative online education platform developed with a vision of providing significant professional opportunities through online programs in collaboration with global universities of international repute. upGrad offers a wide range of courses in Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, MBA from LBS & Full Stack Development.

Hope we have helped you through our article on what to wear to an interview.