Got a job interview? Here’s 3 foolproof fashion tips for men
Got a job interview? Here’s 3 foolproof fashion tips for men
Your work experience, qualifications and skills form the basis of any job requirements and is what “attracts” a potential employer to your profile and secures a face-to-face meeting with them. Another important aspect of the interview is the clothes that you choose to wear to the interview. Your choice in clothing can either make or break your chances of employment at a company, especially if it goes against the company’s corporate (or non-corporate) culture.
You only have one shot at a first interview to create a lasting first impression, as it only takes a few seconds for a complete stranger to formulate an opinion of you based on your appearance alone; it is up to you whether it is a positive or negative opinion.
It is always best to enquire about the company culture. This will help steer your dress code in the right direction. For example, if the company culture encourages a relaxed, casual dress code, then stick to smart casual; whereas if they have a strictly formal corporate culture, then you would want to stick to a formal dress code. The last thing you would want to do is rock up to an interview in casual attire at a company where everyone wears suits and vice versa.
Today we will discuss the dress code for men. Without further ado, here’s your guide to choosing a winning outfit for the job you’re applying for:
Interview clothes for men
Three things to consider when choosing your interview outfit:
- Dress a level up from what you would normally consider suitable for work.
- Enquire about the company culture and plan your outfit according to this.
- You can’t go wrong with a suit. For men, formal interviews usually translate into a suit or some combination thereof.
- For a strictly formal company, it would be the whole shebang – suit pants, blazer, shirt and tie. Stick to corporate colours like darker colours or grey. Linen creases ridiculously easily, so steer clear of that.
- For a more relaxed company, you can get away with not wearing the blazer.
Can I experiment with my clothes?
The debate is ongoing about experimenting with your clothes. Whilst you may want to dress according to your signature corporate style, you want to avoid your clothes being the focus of the interviewers attention. I would advise that you stick to neutral, generally accepted plain colours like black, grey and dark blue.
If you do not really like the corporate colours, and really want to live life on the edge, then do so with your shirt. Let me remind you again to keep the corporate culture in mind when experimenting. Shirts come in a variety of different colours and you can pick a colour that you like, outside the realm of the corporate norm, BUT, and this is very important, since bold, distracting colours are not an option, choose a pastel colour. Everything within reason.
Should I wear a tie to my interview?
Companies today are generally moving away from a dress code that includes wearing a tie. These days, ties are reserved for the highly corporate events and formal companies within a select few sectors, such as Banking and Financial services sectors. If you pitch for an interview wearing a tie, you might just feel overdressed. Generally client facing employees’ attire includes a tie.
So, to answer the question: “No, a tie is not necessary.” (Again, unless the corporate culture so requires.)
Options for men are pretty straight forward. If you stick to the tried and trusted methods then you will not go wrong.The theme throughout the article is corporate culture. This is the most important thing to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for your interview.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU…
What is your experience when deciding your outfit for an interview?
Have you experimented with an outfit and received a favourable response? Can you shed some light on wearing ties?
PS: Don’t forget to polish your shoes.
#AfricaJobs #Recruitment #interview #Fashionininterviews #FowziaGamiet #career #AfricaRecruitment #RecruitmentFirminAfrica #jobsinAfrica #CAGlobal #Interviewclothesformen #Job #RecruitmentinAfrica #Interviewfashionformen #InterviewTips #jobs #CAGlobalHeadhunters #AfricaRecruitmentFirm #InterviewFashion #careers #Interviewfasionformen #Africa #Whattoweartoaninterview
