What do you wear to a job interview? Dress like you already got the role

How you look during an interview should not affect your chances of getting the job, but it does.

The way we present ourselves sends subtle signals to an interviewer. Do they think you look in control or scrappy? Creative or pragmatic? A fit for culture or an outsider?

It’s a tricky thing to get right. Ideally you want to dress like the people who already work at the organisation, says stylist and creative director Leda Ross.

“Set yourself up for success and dress as if you already have the job. That means fitting into their work fashion culture, not just saying the right things,” Ross says.

“It’s important to be true to your own style however you also need to impress your future employer. As you research the job role, try to get a feel for the company’s culture. Are they super corporate? Will you be required to wear a blazer or heels to a meeting? Or is it a work-from-home casual vibe?”

It's great advice, but if you don’t feel like you 'shine' when dressing like the current organisation, Ross says there’s likely a happy middle ground.

“Obviously you want your personality to shine through but you do need to fit in. I would definitely meet somewhere in the middle, style wise.”

So now you have an idea of what you want to wear, how do you get it?

If money isn’t a factor: Buy something beautiful and timeless you can wear again and again. Look for Australian labels and fabrics that will last, like wool, in colours that you feel good in. It’s a time to forget the trends and go with what works for you.

If you really don’t want to spend more than you have to: A second-hand purchase will likely get you a beautiful item, as above, but for a fraction of the price. The key here is to know what you’re looking for, know your size in a range of brands, and be prepared to get an item tailored if it’s not quite the right size (which tends to be quite cheap). Op shops are great, but you can also do it online, by looking for brands you like, in your size, on eBay, Depop or any other second-hand site.

If you have no budget for interview clothes: There are several wonderful charities dedicated to helping people get an interview outfit. In Australia, check out Metro Assist’s Dress for Work and ?Ready Set or women’s services Dress for Success and Fitted for Work. In New Zealand, try Dress for Success for women and Fix Up Look Sharp for men.

Things to consider from LinkedIn members:

Think about the signals you’re sending

Kiran Bhatia Tandon: "Choose the proper fit: Avoid baggy or tight fits. While one makes you appear sluggish, the other may come off as offensive."

Understand the team fit

Candice Lam: "It completely depends on your place of work. Totally OK to wear your swimmers if you're a swimming instructor. Totally OK to wear pajamas if you're working in Peter Alexander or equivalent."

Don’t be unforgettable for the wrong reason

Natalie Campbell: "I have seen some big mistakes over the years with work wear — some funny, others just disrespectful to the employer. I once had a guy turning up for an interview, he had stubbies and thongs on. He had been mowing and was covered in grass."

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