Jobs and Careers Spring 2020 - 35

T H E I N T E RV I E W

Suits you?

What not to do

It's always a tricky decision deciding what to wear
to an interview. While most of us have a default,
safe option, you can put a twist on it. For one thing,
what you wear depends on the job you're going for.
"If it's a job at a bank, avoid flip-flops!" says Karren.
"If it's a business role, then business dress should be
worn, while if it's a shop, be smart and well groomed.
But if it's a creative agency, don't wear a suit."
Erring on the side of caution, however, is to be
encouraged. "It's always better to be overdressed than
underdressed," says Amber Rolfe of Reed. "Try your outfit
on beforehand, make sure everything fits, sort out any
accessories. After all, the last thing you want to do is
spend hours before an interview trying to find your other
black sock or a pair of tights without a rip in them."

Badmouth your former company

How to select the
perfect interview outfit

Out with the new
Shaunie Brett of styling service Thread says avoid
wearing anything you haven't worn before. "You
won't yet know how the suit behaves on you.
Does it crease? Is there an itchy label? Are your
arms restricted? Is it hot? Wear something you've
always felt confident and comfortable in."
Shaunie has go-to advice for basic outfits that should
work in almost every situation. "For men, a crisp white
button-down shirt, chinos, brogues or boots, a textured
blazer and your smartest coat. For women, a blouse
in a block colour or a crisp white shirt, dark skinny
jeans or cigarette pants, brogues or loafers, and your
contingency layer of choice, such as a tailored blazer
with a nipped-in waist. For the shirt, choose whatever
fabric makes you most comfortable. Crisp white cotton
is timeless, and silk or chiffon can be more flattering
if you're curvier. Keep it simple, classic and mature,
with nothing too bold to distract the interviewer."
And Amber's top tip? "Tracksuit bottoms are
never acceptable."

Key things to avoid if
you want the job

There's a reason you're leaving and it might be a
negative one, but focus on what you learned there and
keep things positive by talking about what you hope
to bring to the job. And never trash your boss - your
potential new employer might get the impression you're
the one who's difficult to manage or work with.

Be late
Catch the train before the one you need to catch to be
on time. In fact, if possible, catch the train two or three
trains before that one. If you're super-early, that'll give
you a chance to go over your research one last time.

Lie
Or embellish, or exaggerate. It's tempting, but
either you'll be caught out and not get the job, or be
caught out after you get the job so you don't last.

Resort to clichés
Do you think your biggest weakness is that you're a
perfectionist? Do you believe you can think outside the
box? Your interviewer has heard that many, many times.
Be genuine - rehearse your answers to the questions
that might prompt this kind of response, if need be.

Swear
Obvious - but this also applies to other forms of slang
that your interviewer may not be familiar with.

Focus on the wrong things
Holidays, chances of promotion, when you might get a pay
rise... hold your horses, don't count those chickens, and
other farm-based platitudes. Wait until you've got the job.

Leave your phone on
Especially if you have a wacky ringtone.

JOBS & CAREERS /// 35

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Jobs and Careers Spring 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Spring 2020
