A Stylish Interview
31 October 2013
Read by 2533 persons
They often say that our style reflects our personality. However, in an interview setting, is it appropriate to fully express your style or is it preferable to adopt a more conservative outfit? Torn between your "trendy" side and your concern for projecting a professional image? Worried about making a good first impression while staying true to yourself? Wanting a current look without seeming superficial? It's enough to make you lose your bearings, as trends and professional attire don't always go hand in hand!
In light of the 2012 trends, we offer some tips to create a current and stylish look, while leaving an impression that will help you land your dream job!
First, your interview outfit choice should depend on the company culture and the nature of the position you applied for. For example, a trendy company in fields like advertising, fashion or retail calls for a style closer to a page from the latest "Loulou" magazine than a company in the financial sector. To be well-informed, a visit to the organization's website is highly recommended, as it will give you an idea of the company's brand image. Conversely, regardless of the position or industry, a neat appearance (ironed and clean clothes, clean hair, and a clear face, etc.) will be your best calling card. So, we save our worn-out leggings for another occasion... or simply take the opportunity to get rid of them!
Moreover, beyond the choice of clothing itself, it is the attitude you project that will be most important. To score points, you must radiate self-confidence; demonstrate assurance in your abilities. Wearing an outfit in which you feel your best will help you complete your mental preparation, much like an athlete putting on their uniform and shoes. If needed, get validation from loved ones you trust.
Like many, you've tried to chase away the autumn gloom by scouring shops for the best fashion finds? Colored jeans, burgundy, capes, Aztec shirts, leather skirts, sheer blouses, color-block dresses: which ones are suitable for an interview and which ones should be saved for other occasions?
While there's no universal rule, here's an overview of trends to favor and avoid during a job interview:
To wear:
Burgundy: a classic, sophisticated color and very trendy this fall, it's quite suitable for a job interview;
Ankle boots: they've subtly integrated into our fall and winter wardrobe for several seasons now, and certainly don't go unnoticed this year. They look particularly good with tight pants and suit both men and women;
Chunky knit turtleneck: gentlemen, unless a jacket is more appropriate, a chunky knit turtleneck will add structure to your look while remaining fashionable;
Military jacket: structured and timeless, it can promote a serious and determined image, provided it's made of modern fabrics and colors. So, avoid the khaki cotton military jacket, but wear a navy wool one.
The new-style suit: in a professional environment, the suit remains a safe bet. For men, the trend is towards a slim, dark suit. Worn with a slim tie, it will highlight your "hipster" side. For women, a peplum skirt or dress paired with a more conservative jacket will add a touch of style to your look.
To avoid:
Fluorescent colors: they are distracting and project an image more reminiscent of adolescence than professional maturity. Whether on jeans, nails or even a handbag, save it for trendy evenings;
"Nomad" or "Aztec" style: more appropriate for a weekend in the country or a Sunday at the Mont-Royal Tam-tams, although quite trendy, it's not the most appropriate for an interview;
Revealing clothes: whether it's a plunging neckline, a skirt that's too short or too tight, or even a sheer blouse as many are seen this fall, you probably don't want to be hired for your "assets." Let's say that "moderation tastes better"! Let's be clear: seduction and recruitment don't mix well…
Distracting accessories: noisy bracelets, large colored jewelry, false nails worthy of Marie-Mai's latest video, in short, any overly flashy accessory risks monopolizing the attention of the person you meet and thus leaving less room for your personality. Gentlemen, you are not immune to distracting "accessories": erasers, coffee, cell phones, caps, smartphones, huge backpacks, etc., all fall into this category.
In small doses:
Tiger or leopard print: use sparingly in more avant-garde environments. Otherwise, it can project a more alluring image than a serious one;
Leather: an insert on a dress or pants, a well-cut leather jacket, or even a leather skirt can demonstrate your professionalism and your more "trendy" side at the same time.
If clothes don't make the man, in job searching, clothes still have a significant impact. We prefer a sober, tasteful, personalized but not extravagant outfit so that it reflects:
Our true personality
Our understanding of appropriate attire for the target work environment
Our self-confidence
The opportunity to make a good impression is short and unique when meeting a potential employer. Make the most of it by dressing tastefully!
Johanne Ménard.
Monster.ca
Posted October 31, 2013.
In light of the 2012 trends, we offer some tips to create a current and stylish look, while leaving an impression that will help you land your dream job!
First, your interview outfit choice should depend on the company culture and the nature of the position you applied for. For example, a trendy company in fields like advertising, fashion or retail calls for a style closer to a page from the latest "Loulou" magazine than a company in the financial sector. To be well-informed, a visit to the organization's website is highly recommended, as it will give you an idea of the company's brand image. Conversely, regardless of the position or industry, a neat appearance (ironed and clean clothes, clean hair, and a clear face, etc.) will be your best calling card. So, we save our worn-out leggings for another occasion... or simply take the opportunity to get rid of them!
Moreover, beyond the choice of clothing itself, it is the attitude you project that will be most important. To score points, you must radiate self-confidence; demonstrate assurance in your abilities. Wearing an outfit in which you feel your best will help you complete your mental preparation, much like an athlete putting on their uniform and shoes. If needed, get validation from loved ones you trust.
Like many, you've tried to chase away the autumn gloom by scouring shops for the best fashion finds? Colored jeans, burgundy, capes, Aztec shirts, leather skirts, sheer blouses, color-block dresses: which ones are suitable for an interview and which ones should be saved for other occasions?
While there's no universal rule, here's an overview of trends to favor and avoid during a job interview:
To wear:
Burgundy: a classic, sophisticated color and very trendy this fall, it's quite suitable for a job interview;
Ankle boots: they've subtly integrated into our fall and winter wardrobe for several seasons now, and certainly don't go unnoticed this year. They look particularly good with tight pants and suit both men and women;
Chunky knit turtleneck: gentlemen, unless a jacket is more appropriate, a chunky knit turtleneck will add structure to your look while remaining fashionable;
Military jacket: structured and timeless, it can promote a serious and determined image, provided it's made of modern fabrics and colors. So, avoid the khaki cotton military jacket, but wear a navy wool one.
The new-style suit: in a professional environment, the suit remains a safe bet. For men, the trend is towards a slim, dark suit. Worn with a slim tie, it will highlight your "hipster" side. For women, a peplum skirt or dress paired with a more conservative jacket will add a touch of style to your look.
To avoid:
Fluorescent colors: they are distracting and project an image more reminiscent of adolescence than professional maturity. Whether on jeans, nails or even a handbag, save it for trendy evenings;
"Nomad" or "Aztec" style: more appropriate for a weekend in the country or a Sunday at the Mont-Royal Tam-tams, although quite trendy, it's not the most appropriate for an interview;
Revealing clothes: whether it's a plunging neckline, a skirt that's too short or too tight, or even a sheer blouse as many are seen this fall, you probably don't want to be hired for your "assets." Let's say that "moderation tastes better"! Let's be clear: seduction and recruitment don't mix well…
Distracting accessories: noisy bracelets, large colored jewelry, false nails worthy of Marie-Mai's latest video, in short, any overly flashy accessory risks monopolizing the attention of the person you meet and thus leaving less room for your personality. Gentlemen, you are not immune to distracting "accessories": erasers, coffee, cell phones, caps, smartphones, huge backpacks, etc., all fall into this category.
In small doses:
Tiger or leopard print: use sparingly in more avant-garde environments. Otherwise, it can project a more alluring image than a serious one;
Leather: an insert on a dress or pants, a well-cut leather jacket, or even a leather skirt can demonstrate your professionalism and your more "trendy" side at the same time.
If clothes don't make the man, in job searching, clothes still have a significant impact. We prefer a sober, tasteful, personalized but not extravagant outfit so that it reflects:
Our true personality
Our understanding of appropriate attire for the target work environment
Our self-confidence
The opportunity to make a good impression is short and unique when meeting a potential employer. Make the most of it by dressing tastefully!
Johanne Ménard.
Monster.ca
Posted October 31, 2013.
