After you’ve filled out dozens of job applications, you finally got a call with an offer to come in for an interview. Congratulations! But now what?
Read more: Going on a job interview? These 5 signs could mean you’re getting hired
Job interview: What not to wear
In a recent article about the 10 job interview mistakes you’ll most likely regret, we shared the importance of researching potential employers, practicing answers to common questions, monitoring your body language and projecting confidence.
Those are all useful tips, but there’s something more superficial that could affect your chances of getting the job: your outfit.
According to a national survey from CareerBuilder of more than 2,000 hiring managers and HR professionals, employers recommend that applicants wear either blue or black to an interview.
Here are some of the traits associated with job seekers who wear certain colors:
- Black ‘ Leadership
- Blue ‘ Team player
- Gray ‘ Logical/analytical
- White ‘ Organized
- Brown ‘ Dependable
While neutral colors convey a sense of professionalism, wearing the color orange to a job interview does just the opposite. A quarter of the bosses who took part in the survey said it’s the absolute worst color to wear.
Of course, there’s a lot more to consider besides the color of your outfit, so the experts at CareerBuilder have these tips to help you dress for success:
- Dress for the environment: Wear a suit where appropriate or at least a nice pair of pants or skirt and a collared shirt or blouse.
- Stick with neutrals: You can’t go wrong with navy, black and gray.
- Tailor your outfit: You want your interview outfit to compliment your shape. Don’t wear anything either too tight or too loose.
- Avoid distractions: Avoid crazy ties, loud patterns and oversized jewelry.
- Details are everything: Polish your shoes, iron your shirt and be mindful of your choice of accessories, such as your belt and socks.
Read more: This is the resume format most hiring managers want to see
