First impression always counts. That’s why, dressing and presenting yourself well enough for an interview is very important. Your dressing enhances your personality, so it’s an area that should not be ignored.

Interviewees should dress with an intention to leave a mark (decent and positive mark) and connection with your interviewer. A candidate should respect interview ethics that include dressing appropriately, being well-prepared by having all the documents organized with a set of extra copies for the employer to keep (before they can even ask you).

There are certain ways to prepare yourself for your interview. Professional dressing can vary from type of job, work environment, industry and organization expectations. However there are always basics that shouldn’t be ignored.

Advice is always appreciated from the ‘horse’s mouth’. So here are some tips and opinions offered by recruiters and HR personnel’s:

Amrath Bhullar, Recruitment Consultant @ Highway Management Services.

“ Like the saying goes, first impression is the last impression.  The way the candidate dresses up gives us a glimpse of the person’s attitude.  The effort he/she has displayed in preparation for the interview, which means she/he is hardworking.  It’s not just the dressing but the overall look- how he/she has groomed. Things we look at are a neat haircut, ironed clothes and most importantly how the person carries his/herself.”

Janice Choong, Sales Manager @ Singapore Media Group Pte Ltd.

“My past jobs included a lot of positions in HR. I still help around to interview candidates, especially those who send in their applications for Sales position. Since they would have to meet clients; I usually expect them to portray themselves well during the interview. This would mean a nice suit, neat and well combed or pinned up hair and simple make-up which makes you look livelier. An image does reflect a person’s character.”

So what are some points that you should consider?

Women

• A suit can be easily purchased at so many boutiques. There are two types of suit women can invest in. Coat with a skirt or Coat with pants. Get a suit that fits well, feels comfortable and makes you feel good. Make sure your skirt is not too short.
• Suit colours can range from black, brown, beige to white. Red and orange and all the flamboyant colours should be excluded.
• Colours are not too much of an issue with women dressing for their interviews, its something psychological. Women are ‘allowed’ to wear a variety of colours like maroon, blue, red, purple and green.
• Wear simple accessories. Simple diamond studs are great. Don’t wear those heavy-chunky-shiny earrings that look as if you are parading for Miss India.
• If you are not wearing a suit, wear a nice shirt or top but keep it simple and pure with the cleavage.
• Avoid sandals and invest in a pair of cord shoes. High heels are fine as long as you can balance and walk presentably. It’s all about comfort.
• If you are wearing a skirt, stockings would be a very good idea. They should match your skin colour and make sure they are not torn.
• You hair shouldn’t be flying around. Pin up your fringes and settle for a simple ponytail or a neat bun. If you can manage your hair let down, maybe you can use a hair band.

Men

• Business suits are usually the best bets. If you are investing in one, make sure it fights well, paying attention to length of sleeves, collar size, and waist size. A well fitted suit will not only be comfortable but also help in enhancing your confidence and personality. Wearing the suit is really a personal choice depending on the type of position and organization you are applying to.
• Selection for the shirt inside is important too. Choose subtle colours like white, light pink, light brown, light yellow, light blue and beige. Some would consider black, but considering the humidity, you wouldn’t want to be soaking in sweat before your interview. Choose a comfortable material, like cotton.
• What should be brighter than the colours of your clothes should be your personality.
• Neckties should be worn with a suit or without. It exudes a formality. The colour of your neckties should complement your shirt. Try not to opt for funky looking ties that have cartoons or captions, shouting out loud.
• Cufflinks are trendy now. They are not necessary but if you think, it’s a good corporate accessory, than again, choose something less extravagant.
• Although they are way south, don’t ignore your shoes. Invest in a good, long-lasting pair of shoes. Have it shined well so it looks new even if its not. Keep the colours limited to black, brown or dark maroon. They usually go-well with all suits.
• Get a hair cut and try to gel/set it, so it looks neat. No fringes- they just look to sloppy.
• Get a good clean shave and avoid funny goatees and side-partings. If you have facial, make sure it’s trimmed well.
• Apply some deodorant and splash some cologne. But keep in minimal.

Dressing well and professionally is just one part of being well-prepared for an interview. Having all your documents organized in a file and filling up the application form seriously say a whole lot about your attitude. The idea is to dress comfortably so your processes flow well. There isn’t too much point in rehearsing interview questions over and over again, if your mind is going to blocked eventually. Make sure you are tension-free and focused on your goal which is to get your hands on that job!