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It’s the night before a big interview and you’re fully prepared. You’ve done your homework on the company, the position and you’re prepared to answer any probing questions that may be tossed your way. But wait, you ask yourself, what do I wear? You want to impress your future boss by looking professional, presentable and fashionable at the same time. After all, first impressions make a statement about you and your personality.

 

According to Forbes,

“That first impression on an interview counts so much, and you don’t want to be out of the race before the interview even begins,” says Sherry Maysonave, who runs Empowerment Enterprises, an Austin, Texas, image consulting firm. “That first impression happens in less than 30 seconds and is based entirely upon your attire.”

 

For starters, make sure you research the company’s culture. It’s easy nowadays to do so via the company’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). If you’re unsure, it’s OK to ask what to wear. Take into consideration the time of year, your geographic location, and the job/company/industry. Dress for the job you want, not your current position!

Remember perception is reality.  Even if the company is a tech company where the environment is more laid back, it’s still important to dress up for your interview. This shows that you take the company and your position seriously.

 

Below are a few tips when deciding what to wear:

 

1. Style: For men, invest in a good suit! A quality suit should last five to ten years, depending on how well you care for it, and it’s worth it if you plan to excel in your career. Keep it simple and classy. Make sure it fits well, which mean you may have to get it tailored for the perfect fit.

For women, consider a suit as well. You have a little more flexibility here, choose from a pants suit, dress suit, or skirt suit. When choosing a dress or skirt, wear black tights or pantyhose to polish off the professional look.

If this is an executive level position, a suit is a must. However, when interviewing for a lower level position a woman can go with a knee or calf length black dress paired with a blazer.

 

Here are some Pinterest boards we found that will give you some great suit ideas:

 

MEN’S SUITS

 

 

WOMEN’S SUITS 

 

 

2. Color scheme: This goes for both men and women, stay with classic color combos: black/white, grey/white, navy blue/white. You can use your accessories to add a pop of color (ties, earrings, necklaces, handbag etc.).  A white or light colored tailored shirt offers clean, professional look. Stay away from bold colors, as they tend to look more casual.

 

 

3. Shoes:  Men should go with an oxford or derby style shoe in dark brown, navy, or black. Black if you are entering the boardroom. Make sure to polish leather shoes or buff suede, paying special attention to the heels and soles.

 

 

For women, shoes should be professional and understated, a mid-heel pump with a closed toe is the go-to choice. If you’re confident the company culture allows for a little bit of individuality here, go with a classic and tasteful pattern or color, but keeping the closed-toe and modest heel.

 

This should go without saying, but make sure your shoes are clean and scuff free. Take the time to tend to them beforehand.

 

 

4. Accessories: Here is where you can show more style. However you don’t want to look too flashy. For men, wearing a conservative watch and a good quality belt that matches your shoes is an ideal look.

 

For women, keep your jewelry tasteful, the interviewer should not “notice” your jewelry.  A business-like tote is ideal for interviews and can hold any materials you wish to present during the meeting.

 

If the company culture you’re applying for is young, cutting-edge, or fun you might want to add a splash of personality to your outfit. This video will give you some ideas on how to personalize your professional look through accessories:

 

 

 5. Cleanliness: A well-kept and groomed look is very important. For men, a clean shaven face and hair neatly trimmed will give a professional impression.

For women, keep makeup to a minimum. Hair should be neatly groomed and away from the face.

Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, dress to a higher standard than you may need to, and it’s safer than showing up too casual.

 

Remember NOT to do the following:

• Wear perfume or cologne
• Have visible body art, such as tattoos and piercings
• Wear tight clothing
• Wear wrinkled clothing
• Expose technology – turn off your phone and put it away!

 

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SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. We specialize in executive recruitment at all levels. Our knowledge and experience help us fully understand and interpret your business, competitive set and individual dynamics related to your business. With offices across the country, we remain connected at all levels while valuing our client and candidate relationships which in turn will build a solid bench for future success.

 

 

 

In order to have a successful round of interviews, make sure you put time and effort into the preparation. The smoother the process is for the candidates and interviewers, the better. Here are some notes on preparation we’ve put together.

 

 

Before the Interview

 

1. Identify the team of people who will be involved in the interview process.

Make sure to share the position description as well as which strengths are most important to you. Each interviewer should have a standard set of questions to ask the candidate, and it’s important to ask the same questions every time.

 

2. Develop an evaluation form for each interviewer to complete.

It’s critical to have someone in charge of all interview logistics, and no detail is too small to consider. Remember, always put your best foot forward—if you’re talking to the right candidates, it will be a two-way interview.

 

3. Have the search firm check references prior to the face-to-face interview and share that information with all of the interviewers.

If you’re using a personality-profiling tool, have those results available as well. A search firm, such as SearchWide Global can go over this in detail.

 

4. Put together an interview agenda.

Some candidates might assume the interview will last a couple hours, but the interview panel has made plans for a social function as well. Create a detailed agenda of the day for each candidate, this will help all parties involved stay organized, focused, and prepared. Make sure a copy is sent to each candidate and to the team who will be interviewing beforehand.

 

 

 

Interview Day

 

 

5. Make sure the receptionist is completely aware of the interview schedule and what time you expect each candidate to arrive.

First impressions are also important on the candidate behalf. A welcoming, friendly, staff that is well aware that interviews are taking place is important.

 

6. Allow for plenty of breaks throughout the day.

Breaks should be included in the interview agenda. Keep that in mind when planning for each candidate interview. This way people can plan when they will be free to take calls and respond to emails.

 

7. Consider placing the candidates in a meeting room and having interviewers come in.

This provides the candidate a more comfortable setting. Shuffling candidates from office to office is not ideal.

 

8. Provide light refreshments. 

The interviews can be lengthy and having a nice, presentable set up in the meeting room of light snacks and an assortment of beverages will be appreciated.

 

 

 

Contact us to learn more about how an executive search firm can help you and your organization find the right candidate.

 

SearchWide Global is the leader in executive search and recruitment for public and private organizations in the convention, hospitality, tourism, lodging and event industries for almost two decades. We specialize in executive recruitment at all levels. Our knowledge and experience help us fully understand and interpret your business, competitive set and individual dynamics related to your business. With offices across the country, we remain connected at all levels while valuing our client and candidate relationships which in turn will build a solid bench for future success.