What you wear to an interview is significantly important. You want to strike the balance between looking good and showing off your personality without compromising the performance of your 30-minute interrogation with one of the high-brow bosses.
Furthermore, you may want to ensure that you come across as professional and sophisticated, rather than appearing clumsy and unprepared at your interview. Remember, your choice of attire can convey a great deal about your confidence and suitability for the job. Therefore, consider investing in quality formal attire and shoes. Additionally, opt for something like full grain leather bags instead of showing up to the interview with a backpack. Taking these steps can help ensure that you leave a lasting and favorable impression on your interviewers.
You could also take advantage of colour psychology in order to dress to impress. Simply put, colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour. Although qualifications, experience and work ethic play a huge part in the interview process, dressing in a particular way can build up a great first impression and help you secure the job.
White
White shirts for men have been a secret to success for generations. Research has suggested that the colour white was perceived to be the least arrogant colour which is always beneficial for an interview – you want your interviewer to like you. It’s also thought to make someone appear very optimistic, so if you don’t have one already, now is your chance!
You should add a few colours into the mix though. Pair with a dark blue men’s blazer and matching pants to become the candidate that they’ll remember most.
Blue
Blue is known to have positive connotations, so if you want to present your best self, this could be one major consideration. The hue demonstrates that someone is a team player, trustworthy and has a lot of confidence. If this sounds like something you’d like to showcase, this hue might just be for you!
Blue’s positive symbolism extends into the professional world as well. Many businesses adopt blue in logos and branding because it denotes stability, trust, and professionalism. Employees often wear blue shirts or suits to project competence and reliability. This is especially true in the healthcare industry – blue is the most common color for medical scrubs. The blue uniforms allow nurses, doctors, and other staff to highlight their expertise and attention to detail. Female and male scrubs typically come in various solid blue shades to promote a tidy, composed image. So whether it’s scrubs or business formal, the color blue commands respect and projects capability across many fields.
Green
Green holds significant importance in both business and interview settings, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and sustainability in the corporate world. Companies in eco-friendly sectors often utilize green in their branding to convey stability and trustworthiness. Similarly, in interviews, green attire, whether it’s a green blouse, shirt, or denim, can convey adaptability, ambition, and a positive attitude. The color green makes a bold statement, reflecting freshness, renewal, and confidence. However, the choice of green shade is crucial, as darker hues may project conservatism, while brighter tones evoke energy and creativity. Incorporating green into business or interview attire helps create a professional image while subtly communicating desirable qualities aligned with industry values and interviewer expectations.
Grey
Grey can be a confusing colours when it comes to interviews. What do people perceive the colour as? We all know that sometimes darker tones don’t propel the best message, but reports suggest that this colour communicates independence; this is something that many employers are looking for.
It can make people feel as though you’re an isolated person, which isn’t great for any workplace! You want to make sure that you come across as a team player and someone who is actually going to contribute something beneficial to their company.
Red
If you’re looking to demonstrate power – perhaps you are applying for a senior position – red can be a good reflection of this character trait. Studies have shown that this colour can actually boost a wearers confidence, which might be a good shout if you’re slightly nervous for the big day. The study also went on to show that the tone can display good health and being financially sound, which of course is something every company admires.
Not all things are great for this colour though. It can also suggest that you’re not kind or sociable, but this can be proved incorrect in the room!
Black
Black has been a colour used a lot in interviews, but you should be adding more to it. Think of other colours that can be paired with this hue, as it is extremely versatile and using another colour on our list could boost your presence. This colour is often associated with formality and intelligence, two things that you want to portray at an interview. However, bear in mind that there are some negatives to the colour black; this includes mourning. Be smart with how you choose to wear this colour!
What colour will you be wearing to your next interview?
