Are you going for an interview having recently been made redundant or decided to change career?
Maybe it’s been a few years since the last one and you’re not too sure how to present yourself. Being analysed by an interviewer or panel can be a daunting prospect and you’ll be wanting to represent the best version of yourself.
Dressing for work has gone through a transition and even more so since lockdown with business wear becoming much more relaxed. It’s worth researching the desired company’s dress culture by viewing the photographs on the company website and maybe connecting with employees on LinkedIn.
Clients often ask me about the right colours to wear for an interview. It’s better to avoid black as it can look harsh but apart from that think about the desired job role and the categories of colour that are worn in that area.
Creative industries such as design are working with colour therefore wearing colour to an interview would be usual. With more serious roles such as the law it’s preferable to wear a darker colour like navy or grey. A dark suit can then be lifted with a contrasting colour for a top such as pink or coral. Although darker colours tend to carry more authority this can be expressed in colours like teal, deep green or purple. Colour Analysis helps to discover the colours that best suit your individual skin tone and features.
Knowing our best range of colours offers a whole palette of shades to then choose from for an interview. Your own palette can then be used to choose toning accessories and make-up producing a harmonious look which gives an impression of being well presented at interview.
Corporate wear has given way to looser suits, along with dresses and trousers becoming less structured. Consider whether you’d like to wear a modern suit or jacket with contrasting separates. A jacket always gives a business-like impression and currently there’s a large range in the shops and on the internet. A jersey blazer or bright longer jacket appears more relaxed than the previous formal styles.
It's worth giving thought to your accessories, shoes and bag. Do your shoes and bag look in good condition and business like? Are your shoes easy to walk in or would you now prefer a lower heel? Accessories help to finish an outfit so try them beforehand as there’s nothing worse than finding that a piece is broken at the last minute.
Why not take a photograph of you wearing your whole outfit and accessories to ensure that you’re happy with your look and the impression that you’re going to make.
Preparing everything for an interview in advance makes for a smoother experience even down to the items in your bag. Having a pen, notebook, purse and phone cover in your own toning colours presents well at interview should you need to use them.
If the interview is going to be conducted online consider your background and what it says about yourself. Think about the impression you want to make and prepare your background to reflect this, including the lighting and objects behind you. It's worth choosing a background that harmonises with or enhances the colour of you outfit. Before the event why not record a practice Zoom to ensure that you're happy with the scene that will make the first impression.
Being well prepared and feeling comfortable in your right colours and outfit gives a sense of confidence and then start the interview with a smile ready to express your very best self!
If you have an interview looming and would like some support with your outfit just send me a message and I’d love to help This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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