CREDIT: LISA KELLY
Who says an interview outfit has to be boring? Here are some conservative ways to prove your hireability to a potential employer.

For those of you currently on the hunt for the perfect internship, co-op or dream job, the thought of putting an outfit together that will impress your interviewer can seem like a daunting task.

Here’s a fun fact from an undercover recruiter: “When meeting new people, 55 per cent of the impact comes from the way a person dresses and 33 per cent of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone or not.”

With this knowledge it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding what to wear for an interview, but it’s important to remember that you need to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Don’t wear jeans to an interview unless you are planning on working at McDonalds.

Here are some cardinal things to consider when planning your outfit.

Company culture

The position you are applying for and the company you are applying to affects what you should wear to an interview. If you are applying for a job at a fashion PR firm, you have more freedom in how you dress as your potential employer will want to see your style sense. On the other hand, if you are applying for a job at a bank, neutral colours and dress pants are your friends. It is important to remember that even if the company culture is T-shirts and jeans, potential employers expect more from their job candidates; so go the extra mile and wear dress pants.

Colours

It may seem silly, but the colours you wear to an interview affects the way the interviewer perceives you. According to Business Insider, the best colours to wear to an interview are blue, grey, white, brown and red. Black is also great to wear, however, if done incorrectly black can seem unapproachable. Blue symbolizes trust and confidence, and it is one of the best colours to wear to an interview. Lisa Mandell at AOL Jobs says, “You are more likely to get the job when you wear navy blue to an interview than any other colour.” Colours like green, yellow, orange and purple symbolize creativity, however, they are not the best colours to wear to an interview.

Patterns

Patterns can be tricky, as more traditional employers suggest avoiding them for an interview. They can be done, however, and the trick is to be subtle. Don’t overpower your outfit with a pattern; pick one patterned piece and stay neutral with the rest of your outfit. Try a patterned skirt with a plain blouse and a blazer. Pairing a patterned white blouse with a black skirt and a statement necklace is a great update to the traditional white blouse and black skirt combo. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your clothing choices, just make sure it is not overwhelming.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, less is more. You can wear a statement necklace, but avoid pairing that with rings and bracelets. Try limiting your accessories to two items; this gives you a put together look, without airing on the side of gaudy. It is also important to remember that if you are going to wear jewellery, don’t wear anything that jingles. You don’t want to sound like you are walking around with a pocket full of change.

Shoes

It’s often been said that shoes are important for first impressions. When dressing for an interview – or for the workplace – your heels should be no more than three inches high. If your outfit is fairly neutral, don’t be afraid to go for a pop of colour with your shoes. This look takes your outfit from drab to fab without overpowering your outfit. “Shine your shoes,” said Dr. Rosenkrantz from the School of Contemporary Media.

The most important things to wear to an interview: Confidence and a smile.