4 Secret Tips For Dressing To Impress and Win In a Job Interview

By Dorcas Karuana, 

“How do I look?” Eva posed in front of me asking me to play the role of a mirror. How in the world was I going to break it to her easy that she looked drab without hurting her feelings? I can tell you this much, she looked cheap for the managerial position she was going to interview for that afternoon.

“Do I look that bad?” She must have read my facial expression as I sat there pretending that the red blazer she had worn over her over size black dress would look good in a few more minutes if I gave it time to sink in.

But it didn’t look good and I will give you the same advice I gave Eva.

1. Dress for a professional environment. If you’re interviewing for a career in a professional environment, such as business, finance, or anything in a traditional office, it’s important to look professional so your employers can see you fitting in with the people in their company. If you show up dressed too casually for the part, you will stick out like a sore thumb and will look like you’re sloppy or don’t know how to follow directions.

2. Wear clothes that fit you like a custom made suits.  This is for both genders. Especially men, sometimes you can’t stop cringing when you spot a man wearing an oversized suit. They are sometimes referred to as wedding suits, really oversize and for lack of better word, ugly. If you’re planning on wearing your ‘money and power interview suit’ try it on in advance to make sure it still fits and doesn’t seem too sluggish.

3. Be Professional. In as much as you are trying to impress, try and keep it professional. With that in mind, a stained tie or chipped nail polish will only implant negative thoughts into the interviewers mind.  They will want to see that you give the same care and attention to the way you look as you do to the way you would approach your work.

And don’t rush your preparation for an interview.  Select what you are wearing the night before and check that everything is clean, wrinkle free and that those shoes are shined.

4. Have a fresh face. Your face will be the first thing employers see, so you should look professional, approachable, and fresh. For men a clean shaven face and well groomed face will work any day. Women, try and avoid looking like the joker by avoiding wearing too much makeup. Wear just enough to make a pleasant impression. You should look like you’re going to work, not hitting up the clubs.

Remember, the first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That’s why, in many cases, it is still important to dress professionally for a job interview, regardless of the work environment.

Dorcas is the Communications & HR Officer at Corporate Staffing Services. Email: dorcas@corporatestaffing.co.ke. Website: www.corporatestaffing.co.ke

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