How to dress to impress and secure your dream job

You get the call: “Congratulations, you've secured an interview.” Excellent! Now to frantically prepare for the big day. You know you need to remember the right way to carry yourself, how to act, what to say. Don't forget to memorise your elevator pitch! As if interviews weren't stressful enough, you also need to dress to impress and look the part.

Not to pressure you even more, but do keep in mind that first impressions really do matter! How you present yourself can portray a great deal about your character, values and work ethic.

You'll have no reason to stress however, providing you follow our key pointers on your chosen attire. Rest assured, the following rules of thumb will never fail you.

Dress for the job

Research is key! Learn as much about the company as you can and dress accordingly, choosing an outfit that matches the industry and culture of the organisation you're interviewing with.

For example, if you're in advertising and want to communicate your creativity, it's fine to choose one bright coloured statement piece, such as a scarf. If you want to convey your professionalism with a corporate business, opt for a tailored suit in more subdued colours.

Our specialist recruiters at Morgan Consulting can specifically coach you through this, so make sure you voice any questions if you're unsure.

It's all in the details

Looking polished always pays off and it's definitely all in the details. So polish your shoes, tidy your nails, iron your clothes, go for natural makeup and tone down your cologne.

When it comes to jewellery, it's a good idea to keep it simple. Oversized earrings, necklaces and bracelets can be distracting, so choose wisely and don't wear anything you're tempted to fiddle with.

If you're really unsure of what to wear, then it's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and turn up slightly overdressed. The interviewer will see you've made an effort and are keen to impress. However, if you arrive underdressed then you might come across as unprepared or careless.

Opt for comfort

 You want to look sharp, but you also have to feel 100% comfortable in your outfit, otherwise, your interviewer will pick up on your awkwardness. It's fine to wear heels to an interview if you want to add some height, but it's not a good look if you can't walk properly in them. Try on your entire ensemble before the big day to make sure that it fits and you feel confident in it.

Men should opt for black or brown shoes and avoid casual or sporty trainers. Women can wear smart loafers, boots or a small heel if preferred, but avoid informal footwear like thongs.

Layer up

You have no idea of knowing the temperature of your interview room, so you'll want to be prepared for every eventuality – it could be sweltering from the heating, or freezing from the air con!

In which case, two layers are a great idea: a shirt and jacket, or dress and jacket. If it's warm, the shirt or dress will look sharp by itself, but if chilly then a blazer is smart and will keep you warm.

Do your hair 

Unruly locks can make you come across as unprofessional in your appearance, so make sure you properly prepare and take a trip to the salon or barber if you feel you need to.

Remember, you'll be judged on your demeanour more than your clothes, and our team at Morgan Consulting will be glad to guide you through it, with even more interview tips to share with you. Still, if you feel like a million dollars in your outfit, you'll get a huge confidence boost - which will shine through.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn for more tips on career success.