They say first impressions count. And statistically speaking, they definitely do. Did you know that when making a first impression: 7% of that communication is based on what we say, 38% is based on how we say it, and a whopping 55% is based on our presentation and non-verbal cues.
Whether it’s attending a nerve-wracking interview for that dream job of yours or networking and making new contacts, starting on a high note definitely pays dividends.
Which leads us to one of the first things people notice about you when you walk through a door — your outfit!
When it comes to job interviews, ‘dress for success’ is a phrase that should not be taken lightly if you want to succeed. However shallow it may seem, we humans are visual creatures, and the way someone dresses makes a strong statement about what kind of person they are and if we want to hire them.
If you are well dressed, it shows the interviewer that you take pride in yourself as a person and they are more likely to respect you – it has been scientifically proven. And ladies, we definitely can’t deny the power a killer outfit has on our self-confidence.
In a highly competitive job market, the right outfit can play a significant factor in determining whether you land that job or not. So without further ado, here are some of my top tips on how to dress for a job interview.
1. Dress for the next step up
Dress for the job that you want in the organization not the one that you have. Who says you can’t go in there looking like you might run the company one day, because who knows, you just might!
2. Colour psychology
Use colour psychology to your advantage. The colour blue signifies loyalty, honesty and trustworthiness, three qualities that any employer would be looking for. So adding a touch of blue is always a great idea. The colour red signifies ambition and determination, but you don’t want to go over board here (no red power jackets ladies!). But think about adding a red lippie or a red accessory to show a little passion and strength.
3. Grooming
Good grooming is essential in a job interview, and it’s often noticed on a subconscious level. Your interviewer will be having thoughts like “this person is well-groomed so they obviously have a lot of self-respect, and that will translate to their work environment.”
If you think you can get away with chipped nail polish in a job interview, think again. You’re sitting across from someone for an hour, trust me they’ll notice. And style your hair in a way that’s off your face and you can’t inadvertently touch it. Playing with your hair is often a nervous tic that only surfaces in high tension environments – like job interviews!
At the end of the day, it’s important to let your personality, skills and experience shine through, and not to have the interviewer distracted by your appearance!
