Are you on the hunt for employment? Well, you aren't alone. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roughly 4.3% of the general U.S. population is currently employed, and millions of these individuals are actively searching for a job. It's frustrating when you spend countless hours scouring job sites and attending job fairs, only to come away empty-handed. But while no two situations are the same, you should take a few steps back to reevaluate your attire because this can and will play a role in your ability to get a job.
Study Sheds Light on Importance of Wearing a Suit to Job Interview
Conventional wisdom should lead you to believe that you'll have an easier time getting hired by wearing a suit to a job interview. Employers want to hire prospects who dress nicely and are willing to go the extra mile with their appearance. But how much of an impact does attire really have in your ability to get hired? Well, according to a survey conducted by TheLadders -- a U.K.-based career management company -- 37% of corporate executives had decided against hiring a prospect because of the way he or she was dressed. While this study was conducted in the U.K., it's safe to assume the results are similar here in the U.S. If you dress poorly, it will reflect upon your own personal image, discouraging employers from hiring you.
Confidence
Of course, your choice of attire will also affect your confidence, which can further increase or decrease your chances of getting hired. You probably won't feel very confident wearing sweat pants and an old t-shirt to a job interview, nor should you. Employers will assume this mentality and lack of caring will follow through to your professional life. And as such, they probably won't hire you. On the other hand, wearing a clean, pressed suit to a job interview will improve your confidence while giving you the upper hand on your competition. With a higher level of confidence, you'll answer the employer's questions more accurately, present yourself as a hard worker, and ultimately increase your chances of getting hired.
It Shows You Care About the Company's Values
Some companies have specific dress codes that employees must follow. If you're attending an interview to one of these companies, you should comply with their dress code.
I know what you're thinking: what's the pointing of following a company's dress code if you haven't been hired yet? Well, it shows that you care about the company's values and are willing to go the extra mile to satisfy the employer. If the company has formal dress code, it's usually a good idea to wear a suit. Doing so shows that you are knowledgeable of the company's values, which can make you stick out from the competition (in a good way).
You Only Get One Chance to Make a First Impression
When it comes to job interviews, the saying "
You only get one chance to make a first impression" holds true. The employer will see you for the first time (usually), after which he or she will remember you based on what you wear and how you carry yourself. If you dress nicely and wear a suit, the employer will remember you this way. But if you dress poorly, the employer will also remember you -- only in this poor image instead. If you want to make a good impression (hint: you should), it's recommended that you wear a suit to your job interviews.
Tips on Wearing a Suit for Job Interviews
Now that you know a little bit about the benefits of wearing a suit to a job interview, you might be wondering how exactly you should wear one. Different occasions call for different suits. For job interviews, however, you can usually follow the tips listed below to enhance your appearance and increase your chance of getting hired.
- Stick with a traditional color. A job interview isn't the appropriate time to test out a bold new suit color. According to the same U.K. survey cited above, 95% of corporate executives said orange was an unacceptable color for prospects to wear at interviews. Additionally, 84% said red was unacceptable, 83% said pink was unacceptable.
- Clean and press your suit before wearing it. In addition to bright colors, stains and dirty areas on a suit may also turn employers away. Regardless of the company or job for which you are applying, you should clean and press your suit beforehand. If this is your first time cleaning it, check the care label for specific instructions by the manufacturer. Because different suits have different cleaning and caring instructions, you should always read the care label before attempting to clean it.
- Go with a custom-fitted suit. Don't underestimate the importance of wearing a custom-fitted suit. Suits are designed to fit snugly against your entire body. So, if it's too small or too big in just one area, it won't look right. Problems such as these are easily avoided, however, by wearing a custom-fitted suit. The suits offered here at StudioSuits, for instance, are sold with custom sizing at no additional charge. You can include your body measurements when ordering, and we'll use those measurements to create the perfect fit.
- Leave the bottom button undone. A good rule of thumb to follow when wearing a suit is to leave the bottom button on your jacket undone. Whether it's a two or three-button jacket, you should always leave the bottom button undone.
The Bottom Line...
Whether you're looking for a part-time job, full-time job, a career or any other form of employment, you should invest the necessary time and energy into looking your best. It will boost your self-confidence, create a strong first impression, and ultimately increase your chances of getting hired. Just remember to follow the tips outlined above when dressing for a job interview.
