Waking up and deciding on an outfit for even the most casual days can sometimes turn out to be a nightmare task. For the indecisive cats, the morning-haters and those who always have to leave the house looking like a million bucks, getting dressed takes time, effort and perhaps some closet thrashing before finally settling on the perfect ensemble.
Fast forward to Monday morning: it’s time for work and time to throw an outfit together which screams both professional and ‘put together’ while still staying true to your individuality and personal flair. It’s safe to say the stress has just escalated to another level, altogether, because if you really had the choice, you’d be walking out in jeans and a tee. Striking the ideal balance between two opposing sides of the spectrum is not easy (especially on a Monday morning)!
Now, just when you thought things couldn’t get any more challenging, you have an interview to attend, and this is your time to shine. While you want to look polished and professional, you start thinking of the role and the way in which you need to portray yourself, externally.
Some roles call for a specific ‘dress.’ For example, if you’re being interviewed for a nursing post, you (hopefully) won’t show up to the interview in six-inch heels and a tight knee-length skirt. This should be left to the secretaries and lawyers. There’s so much to think about, especially when you need to make an impression, but as long as you stay within the guidelines of the role, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t come off looking like the perfect company fit. While there are already a million things running through your mind as you prepare for the big meeting, your outfit shouldn’t be one of them. So, give this article a read to be certain you have one less thing to worry about!
DRESSING FOR THE ROLE
Creative Spaces
The creative space is a broad reference, however, these roles are usually found in the tech, art, film and writing industries. These industries promote and encourage individuality and embrace one’s desire to express themselves through dress. There are usually little, to no limitations regarding work-attire.
What to wear: Even though some industries are fairly casual, an interview still requires one to take it up a notch and appear a little more refined. If you’re a man interviewing for a job in the creative industry, wear a semi-casual shirt or golf-tee with trousers (not jeans)!
Sales and Marketing
Jobs within the sales and marketing space, such as recruiters or company representative roles, call for a refined sense of dress. People who work in these roles need to come across trustworthy, to close a deal. When a person is selling a product or service, their appearance is their first impression and opens the door to building a solid rapport with their potential customer. None is going to invest in a product or service that is being promoted by someone who looks untidy or too casual. Some sales and marketing companies make their employees wear company branded clothing as it indirectly advertises the company and aids trustworthiness, as outsiders know for certain that the salesperson is indeed from the company they are about to work with or buy from.
What to wear: The goal is to achieve a very ‘cultured’ look. Therefore, men should stick to a shirt and tie with tailored trousers. For the ladies, opt for a well-fitting blouse and tailored trousers, or a pencil skirt.
Professional Industries
Professional roles include lawyers, executives and managers, to name a few. These people usually hold a certain level of authority and therefore should exude professionalism, through their attire.
What to wear: For men in these roles, suitable attire would include a formal style, such as a suit and tie ensemble. Women should opt for a feminine suit or a blouse and pencil skirt outfit.
Blue-Collar Jobs
Blue collar jobs usually include trade occupations which require manual labour. These include mechanics, electricians, painters, chefs, maintenance workers and so on.
Usually companies will provide their workers with overalls or a particular uniform, however, when interviewing for this industry, you’ll need to put together a suitable outfit, made up of your personal clothing items.
What to wear: Nothing too formal is required – a casual shirt or golf tee would work just fine, with a good pair of jeans. This would be suitable for both men and women.
TIPS FOR LOOKING HIRABLE
Look like You’ve ‘Tried’
Your outfit needs to look like it was well thought through and that you didn’t just throw on anything you could find. Put some thought into your appearance by choosing items that are well-fitted, ironed and comprise of cohesive colours.
Keep Covered
There shouldn’t be too much skin showing, ever! The corporate world, especially, is very strict with this rule. If you are showing some skin, make sure it’s tasteful and doesn’t infringe on the company policies.
Clean Up and Brush Up
Brush your hair, pull your tie straight, polish those shoes and throw on some lipstick, (if you’re a woman). It’s about going the extra mile and appearing clean-cut and well-kept. These fine details pull the entire look together and help one to achieve a well-rounded appearance.
INTRODUCING PERSONAL FLAIR AND CREATIVITY
Don’t be Afraid of Colour and Print
Your work and interview attire doesn’t have to look too rigid and ‘firm,’ in appearance, regardless of the rules. When one wears dark colours or a tailored suit, this can often happen. Don’t be afraid to introduce personal creativity to your otherwise ‘stiff’ work clothes. Wear key items such as blouses, scarves or shoes which are bold, colourful or printed, if you’re a female, and for males, consider a colourful tie or striking socks.
Play Around with Accessories
For the ladies, accessorising with interesting pieces of jewelry, scarves, or sunglasses will help to achieve personal style touches and help you to feel a little more original, especially when your attire is formal and feels a little ‘flat.’ Play around with bold pieces, because this is your time to push the boundaries! Although…do put your sunnies aside!
Now that everything else is taken care of, all that’s needed is a friendly smile and some self-confidence!
