How to dress for an interview

Do you have an upcoming job interview? Dressing your best can help you exude confidence and feel less stressed. Whether it’ll be in-person or via a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Teams or Skype, we can help you make a good first impression. Fortunately, the men's fashion experts at Ernest have put together a few styling tips. 

A comfortable outfit

There are many things to pay attention during a job interview including what you’re going to say, your tone of voice and your posture. Consequently, if you don't feel good in your clothes, it could affect how you present yourself. The last thing you want to do is worry about what you’re wearing. 

Therefore, choose comfortable, breathable clothes, especially if you tend to sweat in stressful situations. Additionally, make sure your outfit isn’t too loose or too tight. Visit Ernest to find dress shirts, pants and blazers that fit perfectly.

Good hygiene

Before your interview, you should take a shower, comb your hair, shave or trim your beard and brush your teeth. You should also avoid drinking coffee right before your interview because it could give you bad breath. Additionally, apply cologne, aftershave and deodorant sparingly to ensure the scent isn’t overpowering. Some people are sensitive or allergic to certain smells. Therefore, you don’t want to offend the person interviewing you. Finally, don’t forget about your nails. Make sure they’re clean and neatly trimmed.

Company or industry dress code

It’s a good idea to try and match your outfit to that of your potential future colleagues. You can look on the company’s website or social media accounts to get an idea of the corporate dress code. You can also ask the person who invited you to the interview if there’s a certain way you need to dress.

Use your best judgment when choosing an outfit. It’s important to select the right clothing, but this will depend on the type of job. For example, finance managers and custodians dress quite differently. Furthermore, professionals in industries like accounting, law and finance require formal clothing, while other those in industries like music, advertising and fashion can be more laid back. If you’re applying for a creative job, a daring outfit could show off your ingenuity.

A classic dark suit

If you’re applying for a position as a business professional, we recommend wearing a classic dark suit to your interview. Depending on your colouring, opt for a black, charcoal grey or navy suit. You can complete your look with a white dress shirt and a nice tie. Also, make sure your shoes look good. If they’re made of leather or suede, polish or brush them before the interview. Lastly, pick out stylish socks to complete your outfit. Small details get noticed more than you may realize.

Neutral colours

It’s a good idea to dress modestly in your interview. After all, it's your personality that should shine, not your clothes. Therefore, unless you're applying for a job that encourages flashy, trendsetting outfits, understated is the way to go. It’s best to forgo bright colours, shiny fabrics and oversized prints. Instead, opt for plain or discreetly printed fabrics and neutral colours like black, grey, beige and navy.

How to prepare for a virtual interview

In recent years, virtual interviews have become extremely common. If you’ll be attending an interview over video chat, the top half of your body should look polished and well put-together. If you feel like wearing sweatpants, feel free to do so. However, being well-dressed from head to toe may give you more confidence.

Choose a room in your home with a neutral background and bright lighting to show off your best features. If you have pets, don’t let them roam freely in the room. It can look unprofessional to have your pet jump on your lap during a virtual meeting. Therefore, we recommend putting your pet in a closed room where its meows or barks can’t be heard. If you have young children, ask someone you trust to look after them during your interview.

Professional interview attire

Do you need a well-cut button-up shirt, a trendy blazer, a tailored suit, dress shoes, a smart tie, a stylish watch or the perfect socks to create the perfect interview outfit? If so, you've come to the right place. At Ernest, we have everything you need to create a modern look.

Our in-store fashion experts can help you put together an outfit that suits your style, is within your budget and will be suitable for your professional life. We carry stylish clothing and accessories from top-quality brands like Jack Victor, Au Noir, Orvieto, Anthony of London and more. We look forward to serving you.