There’s currently a very high unemployment rate in Nigeria. Annually, higher institutions in the country churn out graduates who mostly end up in the streets, thereby increasing the labour market.
As a young person seeking to grab any of the few available positions in any organization, there’s a need to pay attention to your appearance on your interview day.
For starters, the best way to dress for an interview is to research the company’s dress code. Plan to dress one step above what the employees wear on a daily basis, while aiming for a professional, clean, and comfortable look that conveys confidence and respect. Avoid dressing out of place. No over or under dressing!
If you are eyeing a traditional corporate environment, wear a suit; for a business casual setting, choose dress pants or a skirt, a button-down shirt or blouse, and a blazer or cardigan.
If it is a more casual workplace, clean non-denim trousers, a collared shirt, and a jacket will be appropriate.
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You must not look expensive, so there’s no need to go borrowing. Rather, ensure your clothes are clean and well-ironed. They must fit properly and are comfortable. As much as possible, avoid distracting colours, patterns, or accessories.
Summary
In a nutshell, ensure your clothes are clean, well ironed, fit well, and that you are comfortable in them.
Choose classic colours like blue, navy, or grey and avoid bright, distracting, or potentially negative colours.
Keep jewellery and accessories simple. Do not forget to pay attention to personal grooming, including neat hair and nails.
Things you shouldn’t wear to an interview at a glance
For a smooth and successful interview, you wouldn’t want to wear anything that could distract the interviewer from your qualifications and personality. As much as possible, avoid these things: heavy perfume or cologne, a lot of accessories, wrinkled, torn, or ill-fitting garments, an outfit that doesn’t match the brand or culture of the company you want to work for, combination of off patterns, colors, and textures, flip flops or athletic shoes.
Virtual Interviews
We are in a digital age, and it’s most likely that you may be scheduled for a virtual interview first before a physical encounter with the company you are aspiring to work for. So, pay attention to your background. Make sure it is plain or blurred so it doesn’t distract you.
You are better off wearing a clean, professional neckline. Let the colour of your attire contrast well with your background.
