dressing to impress - what to wear to an interview

Making a good impression at an interview starts the minute you enter the building.

Your interviewer is likely to judge you from the first moment they see you and your appearance and image will be the first reflection of who you are and what kind of employee you may be. You may think that making a fashion statement is a sign of creativity, but it’s vital that you’re not remembered for all the wrong reasons. Not only can it be off-putting, but outlandish or scruffy clothing can be distracting as well.

Here are some basic guidelines to consider when dressing for an interview, so that you don’t end up dressing to un-impress.

savvy suit style

It goes without saying that you should dress smartly, but with the range of men’s suits on offer, you need to make sure you get the right one for your shape. Ensure that yours is well-fitting, without looking too loose – it should be easily buttoned without any tug marks across the fabric and leave a ¼ inch of your shirt cuffs on view when your arms are relaxed at your side. Ensure that there are no worn patches and that your suit is clean, well-pressed and free from hairs or dust – small marks or dirt will make you look scruffy and can be distracting to your interviewer.

Stick to darker shades of suit – generally navy blue, black or dark grey. If you prefer to go with pin stripes, keep them subtle, as bold stripes can look over-adventurous and flashy. A conservative suit is the safest option and will ensure your interviewer judges you for who you are rather than what you’re wearing.

tie time

A tie is essential, as is a fully buttoned-up shirt beneath it. Keep your tie subtle and make sure it doesn’t clash with your suit. Mellow colours work better, but brighter colours can be used here, as long as the pattern is traditional. The knot of your tie should fit well in the gap of the collar, but make sure it is tied neatly and correctly – after all, attention to detail is a skill any potential employer is bound to be impressed by.

and the rest

Make sure that your belt and shoes match. Black will go with all suits, although brown is acceptable as well. Avoid overly large or obvious buckles. Leather shoes are ideal, but make sure they are well polished and unscuffed – again, attention to detail is key here. For an added air of professionalism, carry any documents or belongings in smart bag, portfolio or briefcase rather than a rucksack or record bag and remove all jewellery except for wedding rings and watches.

Try to ensure that you reach your interview with plenty of time to pop to the bathroom and check yourself in the mirror first. A sweaty bus journey may leave you hot and bothered, so it’s worth allowing cool down time so that you don’t need to worry about your appearance.

Make sure your hair is clean and styled subtly – don’t overdo the wax or gel as this can leave you looking over-styled. Shorter hair generally gives a great impression, as does a well-trimmed beard or clean shave. Likewise, keep your nails clean and well-trimmed.

Socks should be plain – ideally black – and long enough to cover your leg, especially if your legs are crossed.

Be cautious with cologne, or avoid wearing any at all. You don’t want to overpower your interviewer with strong scents, especially if the interview room is quite small.

most importantly ...

When preparing for an interview, plan your outfit several days ahead, and make sure you have everything you need well in advance. Always maintain an awareness of what kind of industry you are interviewing within, as some industries are far more lenient than others and may not be concerned with a slight show of creativity in your dress. Remember, it is always better to be overdressed, showing that you are keen to impress, than be underdressed and risk looking slovenly or indifferent.

The M&S Graduate Scheme

The M&S Graduate Scheme offers candidates classroom training alongside real life work (including placement in several different areas of the business), and a fast-track route into senior-level management. For more information on the scheme and to apply, see here

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our range

Marks & Spencer has several ranges of interview-friendly suits and shirts, including Supercrease™ trousers for easy ironing, machine washable suits that stay clean and crisp without making trips to the dry cleaners as well as Dry Extreme and Stay Cool shirts to keep you fresh and cool, even in the most stressful situations.

To find your perfect style and for more information, take a look at our full range of Marks & Spencer men’s suits.

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