WHAT TO WEAR TO A THE JOB INTERVIEW

Today’s post is all about what to wear to a job interview but before I share a few tips with you, you have to know that interview varies depending on the organisation interviewing you. So what you should wear to your interview must match what the business you are interviewing for represents.

Recently, in an interview invitation letter I got, the recruiter ensured to send me a reminder of how they expect me to look when I attend the interview. In his email, he wrote: “Our dress code is casual but we are always delighted when people make the effort, so, we would advise a smart casual dress code for interviews”.

Following what the HR personnel said to me above, I could tell instantly that they are particular about how candidates who attend interviews at their organisation look. They want people who would make an effort to look good. So, if you are not sure about what to wear to an interview, you can:

1. Ask the HR personnel speaking with you

OR

2. Visit the organisation before the day of the interview and see how people who work there are dressed.

Having said that many corporate organisations dress formally. So, if you are going for a corporate kind of interview, you may want to dress super formal. Will share more tips below:

After I finished my interview with the two Interviewers, on my way out, one of them said, “wow, I love your blouse”. That comment actually proofed to me that they do care about how people look in their organisation. Below was exactly what I wore to my interview, except a different hair style.

What to Wear to an Interview 

We all know the saying “you are addressed the way you are dressed“. If you dress well to your job interview, your employers will take you seriously. They will look at you like you mean business and that you have made an effort to look presentable.

In this competitive time and age,  the good CV is not enough. I know you may be thinking: what about favour? Favour will only find you when you try. So don’t just exercise faith, put in the work and dress well and prepare thoroughly before your interview.

First impression matters!

This rule is applicable to all job interviews. You actually start scoring points the moment you step into your interviewers office. The best way to bag all the point you need is to start off by looking well. When you dress well/look well, you feel confident. Always ensure to make a good first impression.

What to Wear to a Professional Setting Kind of Interview

A fitted black skirt and a structured blazer. You can mix and match this pieces. Wear a white shirt or camisole with NO embroidery. White is formal and it illuminates the face. Everyone looks good in white. I would not recommend trousers for this kind of interview.

Here is what my Doctor friend said after I styled her for an interview:

“A big shoutout to Mojisola, who is doing a great job. Recently, I had a very important interview to attend. I am a Doctor and I had applied for specialty training for 3 years consecutively, without success. I had always worn trousers suits for these.Without being aware of that information, she advised that skirts were better for interviews. I followed her advise to the letter, and to the glory of God, I got the post. That was not the first time though, as I remember her accompanying me to Balogun/Mandillas during our university days , just to help me select the right ‘baffs’, lol! I would recommend her for any wardrobe/image consultancy requirements. I actually intend to visit Ireland soon , to get a full dose of her”

Abimbola Adenote

So, if you are a lady, it is best to play if safe and wear a well fitted skirt – suit.  In my own case as seen above, the organisation encourages casual kind of dress code so I wore something smart but almost formal to show that I am serious.  

SHOES & BAGS

Ensure to wear comfortable heels. Wobbly heels are a NO NO. Bring a structured bag to keep your documents/RESUME/CV.

ACCESSORIES & MAKEUP

A stud pearl earrings would do. A wrist watch is okay, it will help you keep track of your time. Arrive early ( at least 10 minutes) before your interview. A lip balm is ideal for this look. It is a job interview after all.

Other Interview TIPS!

It takes about 7 seconds to make the right impression when it comes to an interview setting. Why take chances when you can make the right impression as soon as you walk into the interview room? Think about it, before you open your mouth to speak at that interview, your look would have done the speaking. So, do your best to look well when attending an interview, be it for a day job or for a business deal.

Below is an example of what you can wear to a professional setting kind of interview: The look is simple, professional and one that would make the right impressions.

The look features a simple black pencil skirt paired with a fitted blazer and a pair of high heels (or flats, if you like) completes the look. You can wear any plain camisole of your choice or a clean and crisp white shirt under your blazer. Don’t wear anything too flashy or with too much pattern or embellishments, except you are going to work in an artsy environment or a casual kind of environment that permits you to wear something fancy like the blouse I wore above.

On accessories for the look: A chap stick to keep your lips hydrated, a simple pair of pearl earrings or a pair of earrings that is not too flashy to add a jewellery element to your look, a structured bag to hold all your essentials. Keep your hair simple and neat, don’t wear coloured hair, remember you are not going to a disco.

It is not enough to dress the part; you must act the part. Here are some of my favourite interview TIPS:

1. Plan outfit the night before and see that everything is all good. Iron your shirt, blazer and skirt. Wipe your shoes well and  make sure they are clean. Book your taxi or Uber or plan your transport ahead so you are not late.

2. Practice interview questions. Research the company you want to work for or with and know what they do, what they stand for / their values and all about them really.
3. Don’t be late and don’t arrive wet. If raining, get yourself an umbrella.

4. Sit easy and don’t slouch.

5. Give a firm hand shake on arrival. Maintain eye contact. Smile easy. Answer questions confidently and to the best of your ability. Don’t talk too much but share your strengths and why you would be a good asset to them. Show enthusiasm. Ask them questions may have at the end of the interview.
6. Give a firm handshake when saying goodbye – this leaves a strong and lasting impression about you.

Very Popular Interview Questions:

1. Tell me about yourself

2. Why do you want to work here?

3. What are your strengths or your weaknesses?

4. Why did you leave your last job?

5. Why should we hire you?

When answering all of these questions, keep your answers positive and ensure to tailor your answers to match the job specifications you were given. Never speak negative about a former employer or colleagues, proof to them that you are the right candidate by giving strong and convincing examples for all the answers you give. Do your best and be as natural as you can be. Wishing you good look on your interview.

Thank you so much for reading. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. And most importantly, all the very best in your interview. You will succed.

Much Love, Mojisola