Dressing To Get Hired

Few things make men as nervous as going for a job interview. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so be sure it is a good one. It really makes a difference when you wear the right attire for the situation. Find out how to dress so that you will get hired.

Find out if the company at which you will be interviewing is formal, casual, or creative. If you are looking for work at any conservative company or in an industry like financial services, a suit is a must. A business suit will convey the appropriate level of respectfulness and professional pride. If it is hard to imagine how clothing can show respect, imagine for a moment someone showing up for an interview at a bank wearing a band t-shirt and faded blue jeans. If you do not look like a serious candidate, you will not be treated like one, regardless of your qualifications. In most instances, a classic suit is a safe bet. Crisp white men’s custom shirts with straight or spread collars are the best choice to wear under a conservative suit. A nice blue dress shirt is an alternative to the white for a slightly more relaxed appearance.

Of course, in some industries, wearing a business suit will make you look out of touch or old fashioned. When in doubt, risk being a little too dressed up rather than looking too laid back. On the other hand, there is some risk to being better dressed than person with whom you interview! This is the reason that you need to ask around and learn more about corporate culture. In the IT industry, for instance, most people dress very informally and if you show up in a suit you will not fit in at all. It is important to look pulled together, no matter how casual the job interviewer may be. In these situations, plan to wear a neatly pressed pair of tan pants and a long sleeve button down shirt. When wearing a sport coat and no tie, you could choose a button down collar shirt. You can always fold up the long sleeves if the hiring manager is wearing something really casual and you want to “dress down” your outfit. Choose men’s custom shirts made from high quality cotton that is wrinkle-resistant to ensure that your laid-back interview wear still looks professional.

For a more creative field, it can pay to wear attire that shows your personality without looking too “out there”. It is a fine line, and not always easy to figure out. When interviewing in the fashion industry, it is critical that your suit reflects the current trends. Speak with the consultant at your bespoke tailoring store to find out what cuts and colors will look the most fashion-forward. Look for a slim European suit to convey a hip impression. You could opt for men’s custom shirts in more daring colors like lilac or French blue, and pair them with an interesting silk tie. Bespoke shoes will add a very impressive finishing detail to your suit. Half of the interview process is about determining if you are a match for the company, not just if you are able to perform the work.

Finally, pay careful attention to the finishing details. As for your shoes and belt, they should be black leather. Either match your socks to your trousers, or wear black socks to match your black shoes! The only appropriate jewelry for a man to wear to meet with a hiring manager is a classic watch and a wedding ring. Men should not wear any fragrances to meet with hiring managers. Take a quick peek in a mirror before going into the interview room to make sure your hair isn’t sticking up and your tie isn’t crooked. Applicants who show up in the right attire have an improved chance of being hired.