How To Dress For A Job Interview

You’ve finally done it, nailed that BIG interview for that BIG job in the big smoke. You really want this job, it means you get to live out your dream and move to London. Ok I’ll stop with the dramatics, the big question is what do you wear?

I have put together two types of interview outfits for two very different career roles. The first we have a very smart outfit if you were attending an interview for say solicitor jobs and roles in London and the second is more media based for media ad agency or creative type roles. This in turn is a slightly more casual outfit.

So let’s start off with the smart. Ultimately I always think you should dress smart for an interview, but for law, finance type roles this is a complete must. Definitely opt for a suit, this can either be a trouser suit or a skirt suit, depends what you are most comfortable with. You can always pair a skirt with a blazer but just make sure the colours of black match – I know I have been victim to this! I think one of the best high street stores for work wear is Zara, they have a fantastic selection of smart clothing and it’s really reasonable too. Just because you have to stay smart doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish.

I always recommend a black suit, mainly as it’s of course professional, but also it hides any dangerous sweat marks, this is a nerve-wracking experience for most of us after all. I love this crepe skirt suit from Ted Baker, now on sale at House of Fraser. Keep jewellery to an absolute minimum, it just distracts from you, so keep it simple like this charm bracelet (luck is on your side). Shoes go for a leather court shoe, definitely cover those toes, choose a pointed toe and if you can do wear a heel, it will give you the height and just make you feel instantly more confident. If you want a pop of colour, go for it in your handbag.

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For a media type role in London I have found you can even go to an interview in jeans and no one will bat an eyelid. For this however I would recommend a very fitting and smart pair, so no boyfriend jeans or anything like that. I also recommend doing your research to see if this would be acceptable. This in turn can be tricky and so I always think going slightly smarter is better just to be safe, aka avoid the denim. You can then gauge the vibe from the first interview and then dress accordingly for the second. Fingers crossed.

Go for a skirt, but make sure it’s knee-length. Don’t be afraid to go for something patterned, it will show your personality and creative side. I like this simple look, a midi skater skirt, with long-sleeved jumper, necklace and smart bag. It’s smart enough for an interview but also a little bit more casual too for the role you are going for.

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