Dressing for a job interview can be incredibly challenging. One of the biggest problems students face entering the workforce is being underdressed. What is the difference between business, business casual, and just plain old casual? How do you fit into a business’s dress code without completely losing your personality in a sea of black business suits?
Before your interview, do some homework.
“Start by looking at the website of the company; often what they have up there will reflect who they are,” says Irene Wallace, Camosun College’s student and alumni employment services facilitator. “You’ll be able to pick up the cultural feel of the business by the way the website is written and the pictures they choose to show.”
If you’re still worried you don’t have a feel for the business, Wallace recommends a stakeout.
“Sit outside and watch people come out,” she says. “It sounds like being an undercover detective, but it’s all part of people preparing for where they want to work.”
So you’ve perused the company’s website with a fine-tooth fashion comb and managed not to get arrested for stalking at the company headquarters. What’s next?
Wallace advises students to steer clear of exposing tattoos and wearing strong fragrances or colognes. If you’re a woman, wear makeup, but keep it neutral. Also, put your bangles and dangling earrings back because too much clanging and banging can be distracting. Men, keep your facial hair well groomed; shave off that Movember creeper ’stache before your interview. It may seem obvious, but have a shower and wear clean clothes.
Both men and women should invest in staple pieces like a well-cut, tailored suit. Choose a darker colour and stay away from anything flashy, especially for an interview.
“You don’t want to dress well, you want to dress really well,” says Wallace. “You want to dress as if you already have the job.”
Defining details
Strictly business
Men: A dark suit in charcoal, navy, or black with a refined tie and conservative shoes.
Women: A dark skirt or pantsuit in charcoal, navy, or black with a blouse in a darker colour. Pair the suit with minimal jewelry and a classy, comfortable heel. When wearing a skirt, always make sure it’s to the knee and that you wear tights or nylons.
Business casual
Men: The colour of suit can vary more, but still stick with neutral shades. Men have the option of omitting the tie, but nice shoes are still a must.
Women: A simple cardigan can replace a stuffy suit jacket, but stick with neutral colours. Still keep jewelry to a minimum.
Casual
Men and women: Anything but shorts, flip-flops, Ed Hardy tees, and wrinkled clothing.
How NOT to dress for a job interview
Irene Wallace, Camosun College student and alumni employment services facilitator, has a horror story about dressing for a job interview that we could all learn from.
“A young woman applying for a government position wore a top that practically went down to her navel, and it was see-through. She had on a jacket that came over half her body, but overall it was very distasteful and distracting. She was wearing long, dangling earrings, very high heels, and too short of a skirt when she was sitting down. Honestly, I don’t know where she would wear that outfit, period.”