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By: Jason Le
Interviews are your opportunity to make a strong first impression, and how you present yourself—both in attire and demeanor—can have a significant impact. Whether it's an in-person meeting or a Zoom call, looking polished and professional can show potential employers that you are serious about the position and ready to contribute. While your skills and experience are essential, dressing optimally can boost your confidence and set the tone for a successful interview. Here are a few tips to help you dress, act, and prepare like a pro.
Advice from Jason:
Dress to Impress (But Fit the Culture)
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing your interview outfit is that it should align with the company’s culture. Research the company to determine whether it leans more formal, business casual, or creative. A good rule of thumb is to dress one step above the typical office attire. For instance, if the office dress code is business casual, opt for a business professional outfit for the interview.
For business professional attire:
For men: A tailored suit in a neutral color like navy, gray, or black is ideal. Pair it with a crisp white or light blue dress shirt and a conservative tie.
For women: A tailored suit (pants or skirt) or a polished dress with a blazer works well. Stick to neutral tones or subtle patterns for a clean, professional look.
For business casual attire:
For men: A button-down shirt paired with chinos or dress pants and a blazer is a safe choice. You can skip the tie in most cases, but keep the outfit tidy.
For women: A blouse or sweater with dress pants or a knee-length skirt works well. Adding a structured blazer can add a professional touch without being overly formal.
Key Tip: Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and fit properly. Ill-fitting clothing can be distracting and take away from the professionalism of your appearance.
Grooming and Personal Hygiene
Looking well-groomed goes hand in hand with dressing well. Make sure your hair is neatly styled, your nails are clean, and any makeup you wear is professional and subtle. Personal hygiene is equally important, so be sure to shower, use deodorant, and avoid overpowering perfumes or colognes. When you're clean and polished, you'll not only look great but feel more confident too.
Posture and Body Language
Dressing the part is only half the equation—how you carry yourself can be just as important. Whether you're in person or on a video call, posture and body language can make or break an interview.
For in-person interviews:
Sit up straight with both feet planted on the ground.
Keep your hands in your lap or lightly on the table.
Make eye contact, but don’t stare; natural, engaging eye contact shows confidence.
For Zoom interviews:
Position your camera at eye level. This avoids an awkward angle and makes it feel as though you’re sitting across the table from the interviewer.
Make sure you’re sitting in a well-lit area with minimal distractions behind you. A plain background or an organized space is best.
Maintain good posture, just as you would in person, and resist the temptation to slouch or lean in too close to the camera.
Demeanor: Confidence Without Arrogance
Your outfit can boost your confidence, but your demeanor will seal the deal. Smile warmly when you meet your interviewer, greet them with a firm handshake (if in person), and engage in active listening throughout the conversation. You want to exude confidence without coming off as arrogant.
Zoom Interview Tips: Dress, Tech, and Focus
Virtual interviews have become increasingly common, so knowing how to present yourself online is key. Dressing professionally from head to toe—not just the visible top half—helps you mentally prepare and present your best self, even if you're at home.
Dress as if you were meeting in person. Avoid overly casual clothing, even if it’s a remote interview. A professional outfit shows that you are taking the interview seriously, even if you're sitting at your desk.
Check your tech setup. Make sure your internet connection is stable, and test your microphone and camera in advance.
Minimize distractions. Turn off any notifications, silence your phone, and let others in your home know not to interrupt during your interview. Focusing fully on the conversation will demonstrate that you’re serious about the opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for an interview isn’t just about fashion—it’s about demonstrating professionalism, preparedness, and respect for the company and its culture. By wearing an appropriate outfit, grooming yourself well, paying attention to your posture and demeanor, and preparing for any technical aspects (especially for Zoom), you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, your goal is to let your skills, experience, and personality shine—don’t let poor presentation overshadow your qualifications.
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