You’ve done it. You bagged an interview for that job that everyone in your industry has been buzzing about for weeks. They all tried out for it, but YOU got it. You were on cloud 9 when you got the call, but now beads of perspiration are starting to form on your brow as you realise that you now actually have to go to the interview. You’re not worried about your experience, you’ve got oodles of it. You can’t be faulted on your people skills and your professional knowledge is second-to-none. BUT you have no idea what to wear. No, don’t start to panic and reach for the nearest glass of ‘something strong’ – I’m here to help!
We all know that making a good first impression is important – well, you only get to make it once, don’t you? – so it’s a pretty sure bet that what you wear plays a big part in this. In days gone by you would’ve had one interview suit hanging in your wardrobe for occasions like this. Teamed with a pair of sensible shoes and a white shirt you were ready for any interview, anytime, anywhere. But it’s not that simple these days; interviewers what to know what you clothes say about you. Annoying, isn’t it? This is especially the case when you’re going for a creative career and, let’s face it, most jobs do involved some element of creativity nowadays. Here are a few essential tips that you should consider before you head out to that important interview:
1. Make a great impression before you’ve even met. Yes, your interviewers have probably already Googled you so you’ve already made the first impression without even knowing it. We blame social media for this one – they already know your style because you’ve posted hundreds of photos of it. Similarly they know if you’re trying ‘too hard’ just for the interview. The key here is to always stick to your signature style and keep it cool at all times if you want that job – no posting photos of comedy onesies for a while.
2. Creative roles call for creative outfits. Did you know that your outfit is part of the interview for a creative job? Bosses don’t expect a suit-and-tie to arrive; they expect to see someone who already looks like part of the team. And being creative with your outfit is part of showing your personality. So consider your outfit choices carefully before you put them on – would you employ you for this job in that outfit? You don’t have to invest in designer pieces or high-trend fashion to get your creativity across, it’s about how you style it and what finishing touches you add.
3. Keep it simple like Steve Jobs. They say that some of the most successful people in the world only wear one outfit day-in, day-out. Think of Simon Cowell and Mark Zuckerberg in their ‘uniform’ of basic pieces. It’s true that taking away that ‘what shall I wear?’ decision every morning will make you more productive, because you’ll have more time to dedicate to important decisions. So going for a pared-down look might help you come across as more dedicated to the job and more interested in getting things done rather than what you look like.
4. Clean, clean, clean. No matter how much personality you put into your outfit, how classically simple your coat is, or how creative and fashion-forward you look, the effect WILL be ruined by that dried-on baked-bean stain. My ultimate tip is to make sure your clothes are clean. To smell clean. And to BE clean.
I hope that these tips have helped and that you have a better idea of what to wear to your big interview. Please leave me your ideas for dressing for an interview in the comments section below. And best of luck – I know you’ll smash it!
