How to Dress for a Job Interview

We like to think that we can help you safely navigate the moments in your life when the value of your appearance is of paramount importance. We discuss the basics to hastening your upward trajectory by landing a better job.

Here are the five basic areas to pay attention to when preparing for your next interview: 

Facial Hair

The picture you want to paint upon entering the premises of your future employer is one of neat and tidy, organised and professional. Generally clean-shaven is your best bet, although if facial hair is your look, you better make sure it is trimmed and manicured like a royal shrub.

The morning of the interview isn’t the ideal chance to try your hand at a straight razor for the first time - nor is it the time to start mixing up your routine - so stick to tried and tested products to avoid any adverse reactions. If you do nick yourself shaving, make sure you have an alum block on hand to seal any blood flow.

Hair

Again, neat and tidy is the mantra. Keep hair trimmed and styled with some suitable product to avoid that, 'sorry, just got out of bed' look.

Scent

You wouldn't wear the same clothes to the pub on the weekend as you would to an important board meeting. The same goes with fragrance. Smells can evoke strong emotional reactions - and we recommend keeping work and play separate by having a different cologne for each purpose. Light citrus fragrances work well around the office. Save the smoky, seductive cologne for weekend hijinks. Apply lightly so as not to turn heads in a bad way.

Hands and Nails

A firm handshake will get the interview started so make sure your hands aren't rough and dry. A good quality hand moisturiser will do the trick. Clean fingernails are a must - you’d be surprised how many people pay attention to your hands - so clip and file any errant bits of dead nail. 

Attire

Your choice of attire should be matched to industry expectations. Obviously a suit and tie are not required for a job driving an excavator, but as a general rule you want to aim to be slightly better dressed than the person interviewing you. Be sure to lay your clothes out the night before to avoid early morning surprises - a missing button, a chocolate stain or a fraying thread.

Shine your shoes if they are the glossy type - the person on the other side of the desk is hopefully going to take a sizable gamble on you, so try to look like an all round reliable commodity, head to toe. To top it off, a briefcase or leather satchel will help add some credibility to this narrative.

Final Steps

Ensure that everything is in the right place; no stray nasal hairs or threads of fabric, run a lint roller over your shoulders, cover up any dark circles, bumps or blemishes with a camo pencil, have a quick gargle with some mouthwash, and then off you go, quietly confident that the position is yours for the taking.