For some candidates this dress code causes more nightmares pre-interview than anything else. Long gone are the days when a suit was the only thing considered right for an interview – and now being formerly dressed can actually work against you.
Having spent over 10 years recruiting accountants for media companies the consultants at Talentedge put their heads together and have come up with some advice to help you crack this problem, so you can spend more time concentrating on what to say rather than on what to wear.
1.Be more smart than casual
If in doubt then tend towards being more smart than casual – it’s a fail safe way of showing you’ve dressed for an interview without looking like you work in a bank.
2. Apply the 50/50 rule
50% smart and 50% casual. This is the standard approach to smart/casual across media land. A classic example is structured jacket with jeans.
3. Avoid showing too much skin
This isn’t the sort of smart/casual outfit you might plan for a bar in Shoreditch or a summer rooftop party. So avoid anything that’s going to show too much chest, stomach, leg or shoulder – that goes for both men and women !!
4. The things to avoid completely
We’re not saying they are a no-no for every client but play safe and always avoid ripped, low cut or overly distressed jeans, trainers of all types, shorts, T-shirts with statements on them, excessive logos and anything that can be classed as “novelty” clothing – leave your Christmas jumper at home.
5. Make sure you’re comfortable
There is nothing worse than being in an interview feeling uncomfortable. So plan an outfit that takes account for savage air-conditioning or an overheated office ( think about layers). Don’t wear anything so tight or shoes so high that you can’t sit down or walk around comfortably.
6. And lastly – plan ahead !
It sounds really obvious but make sure that your outfit is planned out and ready to wear the night before your interview. It can be nerve racking enough on the morning of an interview without adding a wardrobe crisis to your worry list.
