This article from a leading menswear supplier highlights the importance of dressing up for the occasion!
Did you know that 24% of men think jeans are suitable interview attire?
A recent survey found that 24% of men thought that it was appropriate to wear jeans to an interview as long as they were smart, and coupled with a shirt and tie.
However, with 83% of employers stating that they’d make an instant decision based on what a candidate is wearing, shouldn’t wearing the right clothes be one of the most important things in your preparation for an interview?
There are a plenty of different styles, trends and cuts out there – but a traditional suit is an absolute must-have for an interview.
What to look for in an interview suit
The main things to look for when purchasing men’s suits for an interview are:
- Colour – this should be black, charcoal, or navy blue. Suits can be livened up with subtle pinstripe. Some may think that black is overly formal, but the rule is always to overdress, rather than underdress.
- Style – a good interview suit should be single breasted, with no more than three buttons. Any more than four buttons will look out of place in a business environment. Likewise, a two-piece suit is just fine: wearing a waistcoat can look a little ostentatious and sometimes even old-fashioned.
- Fit – ensure that your jacket is not stretched when buttoned, particularly across the chest and back. Your trousers should create a neat vertical line – do not be tempted to choose trousers which gather above your shoes.
- Fabric –natural materials are nearly always better than man-made fibres such as polyester, and natural fabrics such as wool or cotton will help keep you cool.
- Accessories – shoes and belts should always complement your suit. The safest option is usually a good pair of traditional black leather shoes (well-polished) and a black belt, but you can wear other colours according to your suit colour.
- Shirts – a white shirt is generally best: 80% of employers say that they prefer a candidate to wear a clean white shirt, yet only around half of all young men own one!
- Ties – Ties should be understated, and not too brightly-coloured or patterned.
Finding the right suit is much easier than it may seem. It can be worth spending some time trying different styles and colours until you find a suit that is suitable. When we look good, we feel good – and this can be very important to a successful interview. Don’t waste the opportunity that you’ve been given, and dress to impress!
