The first impression is the most important thing in a job interview. During a conversation you have to know how to sell yourself and for this it is important to look well-groomed. For most professions, it is best to dress conventionally.
Facial care and haircut
Both men and women should wear their hair neatly. Women should not put on too much makeup. With long hair, women can choose to put their locks up. Employers prefer to see a natural face. Men with a beard or mustache would do well to keep this body hair trimmed. Only go to a job interview with clean nails.
Dress code for men
The choice of clothing depends on the position. A man who applies for a commercial position is best to play it safe and wear a suit to the job interview.
Casual wear
Someone who is applying for a job at a café or a supermarket can also wear smart casual clothes, such as smart jeans with a matching neatly ironed shirt. Cover tattoos on arms with long sleeves. Wear nice shoes. Avoid sneakers as sneakers. Also pay attention to the socks. Stockings are best worn in the same color as the shoes or pants.
In suit
Men applying for higher positions should wear a smart suit to the job interview. Safe colors are anthracite, light gray or dark blue. A black suit is too impressive and the colors brown and beige are too bland. Stripes and striking colors and prints are also not recommended. Also, don’t wear old-fashioned suits. The shirt under the jacket must have long sleeves and an original cut. Make sure the shirt is wrinkle-free. Short sleeves make an unprofessional impression. Also go for the tie for safe. Choose a tie that matches the suit. The tie may possibly have a small stripe, but absolutely no busy prints or bright colors. Opt for a tie instead of a flashy bow tie. Wear the tie even if other men in the office go without a tie. This way you show that you want the job. If you have been hired, you can always work without a tie. The trousers should come with a neat belt (for example black or brown) with a not-too-distinctive buckle.
Jewellery
A man should wear as little jewelry as possible to a job interview. Piercings, earrings and necklaces are prohibited. A nice watch, a wedding ring and cufflinks are allowed.
Suitcase
If necessary, take a black or brown briefcase with you to the job interview for a professional impression. Plastic bags are not allowed. That makes a cheap impression on the potential employer.
Dress code for women
Casual wear
For women, the choice of clothing also depends on the company where you want to work. If you are going for a function at a swimming pool, café or supermarket, casual clothing is allowed. Go for nice clothes. Do not wear short skirts, garments with a deep neckline or faded/discolored T-shirts or sweaters. It is better to go for smart trousers or skirt with, for example, a sweater with a scarf. Wear proper footwear and no sneakers or overly sexy pumps.
More professional attire
If you want to work at a bank or government institution, for example, it is important to look neat. An always safe choice is a neat skirt with a white blouse. Do not wear bright and colorful colors and prints. Safe colors are gray, navy blue and black. When choosing a blouse, it is best to opt for a simple blouse. Avoid blouses with a see-through. Sleeveless ones also don’t look good.
Jewellery
Even as a woman, you should not wear too much jewelry to a job interview. A piece of jewelry must match the clothing. Possible beautiful accessories include a matching necklace or a nice scarf, but remember: never too wild and exuberant! Earrings should be simple for a job interview. Don’t hang huge earrings or works of art with feathers and flowers in your ears.
Shoes
When choosing shoes, choose smart footwear. Do not wear worn out sneakers or sneakers. Matching tights should have a neutral color.
Bag or briefcase
Take at most one suitcase or a nice bag with you. Don’t carry multiple bags around. Plastic bags make a bad impression on your future boss.