Work it: how to nail your second and third round interview style
Contrary to the popular belief that fashion is fickle, the clothes you choose to outfit yourself in say a lot about who you are, what you stand for and how you would like people to perceive you.
And, while it is totally understandable to want to dress up on occasion (weddings, birthdays, special events), and sport tracksuits or sneakers in our downtime (think weekends and days off), in matters of chasing after the job you want, you have to dress the part.
In the eyes of the employer, your choice of outfit will indicate to prospective coworkers how seriously you want the job and, though this is a delicate balance, give a sense of your own personality. There are personal upsides to dressing the part, too. Choosing your interview outfit wisely will help to build your confidence on the day, alter the way you carry yourself and make sure you feel not only comfortable, but presentable too.
So if you’ve worn your best outfit already, congratulations, it worked. Now comes the hard part: the task of finding what to wear on your second and third round interviews.
To give an air of professionalism, avoid ill-fitting clothing that might evoke a sense of sloppiness or untidiness. Flashy, bright coloured pieces or logos are also ill-advised – you shouldn’t call excessive attention to yourself – and keep make-up and accessories minimal. Your choice of clothing should present your personality, yes, but it shouldn’t overwhelm you or distract from why you’re there.
Below, take cues from the on-duty styles of the fashion set and heed their sartorial know-how to make an impression and solidify your suitability for the job.
Image credit: Soren Jepsen
Black is best
Remember that in the case of a job interview, you want to be remembered for what you said, not for what you wore, so keep it simple. Sticking to black or navy blue is a foolproof solution. Consider an elegant black dress, or match a pair of wool trousers to a blazer or black turtleneck.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
Skirt the issue
An alternative to the pencil skirt, which can often feel binding or appear ill-fitted, opt for a maxi skirt that pairs well with a blouse or button-up shirt. This versatile work wardrobe staple is a welcome change from trousers or a dress, so if you’ve worn either of these for your first interview and still want to look professional yet feel comfortable, elect for this flattering switch-up instead.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
Neutrals
If you set out to make a bold impression on your first interview, consider a muted palette for the second or third round. Tans, beiges, camels and desert sands are chic without being too fashion-forward, and will pair well with black and white.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
Case of the blues
Whether your employer is tuned in to the powers of colour subconsciously or not, the colour blue in particular emanates the qualities of trust, stability, confidence, truth and security, making it an excellent choice to wear on your second or third round interviews. Red, on the other hand, can signify aggression, whereas white provokes a sensibility that is clean, precise and simple, so pair accordingly.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
Suit up
A sense of power and assertion radiates from a boxy blazer, which can look simultaneously professional and stylish. Consider a clean silhouette (no embellishments, minimal buttons, no piping) in a grey tone, to give off an air of calm, intelligence and a willingness to compromise. This job’s in the bag.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
Can’t beat the classics
Come time to interview for the second or third round, a minimalist approach to your outfit is key. A good pair of trousers and a classic button-up shirt are difficult to look past, and will be appreciated by your employer for the cleanliness and streamlined sensibility they evoke.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
The bold type
Should you want to wear a pattern or print, keep it to no more than one part of your outfit. For example, a statement trouser (make sure it is tailored perfectly to you!) need not be paired with a statement blouse. Instead, turn to a ribbed knit turtleneck or a button-up shirt in a neutral colour palette so as not to call too much attention to your clothes.
Image credit: Soren Jepsen
Dress the part
As much as you’d like to show off your personality, now is not the time to show off all of your style cards. Rather, consider the kinds of clothing your employer or future coworkers wear to work and mimic their sensibility. There’s reason the cliche ‘dress for the job you want’ has stuck.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
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Accessorise, but not too much
To make sure you feel like yourself – which is key in any interview process – infuse your outfit with your personality by way of your accessories. Consider those that are born out of outfit necessity, for example, a belt to cinch the waist and give your ensemble form or a bag to house your things. Less is more, so hero one set thing and leave the rest (bracelets, necklaces, embellished earrings) at home.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
Comfort is king
Leave your heels at home, period. Under the circumstances, you will likely be nervous and breaking a sweat ahead of your interview already, so avoid the blistery discomfort of high-heeled shoes. The key to emanating confidence is feeling comfortable, so keep to kitten heels, ballet flats or loafers.
Image credit: Soren Jepsen