“What am I wearing?” - Dress code for the interview
It is only milliseconds enough to get a first impression of the person opposite.
So the question is all the more important: What am I going to wear?
The fact is: clothes don't just make people, they are also part of communication.
The position is crucial when choosing clothes
First of all: There is no magic formula for every application situation. Different dress codes apply to different professional groups. Among other things, hierarchy level, industry and area of responsibility are decisive for choosing the "right" clothing. So ask yourself the question in advance: what position is this? Is it about a management position, a job as an intern, will you work in a workshop or management consultancy, have customer contact or be in the back office? So dress appropriately for the job. If you do not know exactly what dress code is expected, just ask your interview partner in advance.
Rules that apply to every interview
But no matter what position you apply for, you can always use these “dress code rules” as a guide:
For applicants
- Costume, pants suit or a combination of skirt or pants and blazer in classic colors such as gray, dark blue, black, anthracite, beige or brown
- Your clothes should fit well and fit so that you don't have to think about your clothes when talking
- Light or colored blouse or t-shirt / top under the blazer
- Individual accessories, for example a colored, elegant cloth
- Jewelry, but only in moderation
- The same goes for your makeup!
- Nylon tights or stockings in subtle colors, by the way, never without them even in summer
- Good haircut! And a subtle perfume!
- Well-cleaned shoes that match your outfit
- with normal high heels that you have worn before and know that you can walk well with them
- Bag or folder for your application documents and information material
Dress code for applicants
- Black, gray or dark blue suit
- A matching tie that is not conspicuous in color.
- White or light colored, well ironed shirt!
- Black, gray or matching socks!
- Cleaned, not expired leather shoes, ideally black or at least in dark colors.
- Freshly washed, well cut hair!
- Bag or folder for your application documents or information material! If possible, no backpack.
Overall, whether you are an applicant, you look professional and well dressed in an interview, if your clothes fit well, are not too tight and are not too loose.
It can always happen that you feel too chic in an interview and then don't feel comfortable in your skin, precisely because the potential superiors and also the personnel managers are more relaxed. Don't fret, your interlocutors are allowed to do that, even if you would like it to be a different candidate. Whatever you do in your outward appearance: you should feel comfortable in and with your clothes and be yourself so that you arrive at the interview as a personality, not as a picture.
