The day has finally arrived. You have an interview for a job you’d love to get.
You’re already nervous as it is, but now you’re staring into your closet, feeling like you have nothing to wear. It’s safe to say most of us have experienced this before. Despite having a number of options to choose from, trying to put together the perfect outfit suddenly seems rather daunting.
After all, what in the world are you supposed to wear to a job interview? How can you convey that you’re put together, professional, and capable of doing the job by means of a simple outfit?
To set yourself up for success, this post has a few tips that will teach you how to dress for an interview when you’re applying for a creative position.
How to Dress for an Interview: 5 Tips for Creatives
When you’re interviewing for a job in a creative field, you have a bit more leeway when dressing for an interview than you would if applying for a corporate job. To help you stand out from your competition (while still looking professional), keep these tips in mind.
1. Scope Out the Company Online Beforehand
It’s always smart to get to know a company when applying for a job. It’s even more important to do this before an interview because they’ll likely ask you some questions about the company overall. However, you probably didn’t consider using this as a tactic when determining how to dress for an interview.
Take some time to visit the company’s website and their social media accounts. Look for any pictures of the employees that may give you an indication of what they wear to work on a daily basis.
There may be headshots on the company website, social media photos of them working or attending company events, etc. This will give you plenty of cues as to what would be fitting to wear to your interview – and every day, once you land the job.
2. Look Polished From Head to Toe
Dressing for an interview is more than just the outfit, so be sure to keep that in mind. Not only do you want a polished outfit that fits you well, but you also want to consider your hair and makeup. Brush and style your hair beforehand, because you don’t want to show up looking unkempt. Men should also give their facial hair a refresh with a trim or a full shave.
For women who choose to wear makeup, keep it simple. Go for a neutral eyeshadow and a clear gloss or light lip stain, for example. Clean nails are also important for both men and women, so give them a trim and a fresh coat of polish (if you choose).
The other thing to consider when getting ready is your fragrance. Don’t forget to apply deodorant before heading out the door. But when it comes to perfume or cologne, avoid going overboard when spraying. You don’t want to have an overpowering scent while sitting across from someone in an office.
3. Avoid Anything Too Casual
While you certainly have more freedom when dressing for a creative job interview, that doesn’t mean you can show up wearing ripped, baggy jeans or a dirty t-shirt. A potential employer wants to see that you’ve put effort into your appearance. It’s a subtle way of showing that you care about and are interested in getting this particular job. Plus, they’ll take you more seriously when dressed well.
This means you want to avoid wearing jeans, stained clothing, and anything with holes. Skip the sneakers in favor of dress shoes (like a heel or a loafer). And please, do not wear leggings to your job interview. Anything you’d wear lounging around the house isn’t appropriate in this situation. Also, this is a good time to break out your nice handbag or briefcase to show you really mean business.
4. Don’t Shy Away From Showcasing Your Personality
The great thing about clothing is that you can really have fun with it. Clothing allows you to develop your own individual style that expresses your personality. And when interviewing for a new job, you want your potential employer to get a feel for what you’re like.
A simple outfit formula that anyone can use when dressing for an interview is to start with a neutral piece. This can be a dress, skirt, or pants. Then, you can have some fun by adding prints, colors, and statement accessories.
For example, black pants with a shirt in a bold color or a print. Or you could wear a black dress with a statement necklace or colorful cardigan.
5. You Can Never Go Wrong With Black
And finally, if you’re still stressing about how to dress for an interview that’s coming up, going with a black outfit is always a winner. Black is classic and will forever be in style, whether it’s a black dress, blazer, or trousers. It’s sure to give off a sleek, polished look.
The other great thing about going with an all-black ensemble is that you can show off your fun personality with a pop of color. For example, add shoes or an accessory in a bold color.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what kind of job you’re applying for. When dressing for an interview, you always want to take extra measures to look your best and communicate that you’re serious about the job.
Need Help Finding the Perfect Job?
The good news is that you don’t have to tackle the job search on your own. Here at Interior Talent, we provide you with everything you need to put your best foot forward, every step of the way.
Not only do we offer guidance through the application process, but we’ll prepare you for the all-important interview, and even support you with career growth in the future. With us, you’ll have the expertise, tools, and resources that will get you closer to landing your dream job.
No matter what stage of your career you’re at, we’re here to help. Learn more.