What Are the Best Colors to Wear for an Interview?

John Krautzel
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The way you dress for an interview strongly influences the impression you give to the interviewers. Choosing the right interview clothing can improve your chance of success in your job application. Color is one important aspect of deciding how to dress when interviewing for a new job.

CareerBuilder recently conducted a study that focused on how interview clothing influences the interviewer's impression of the interviewee. Over 2,000 human resource professionals and hiring managers participated in this survey, which showed that job seekers have the best chance of making a good impression if they wear blue or black for an interview. These conservative colors are the safest choice in a formal setting, such as a job interview. Most survey respondents agreed that bright colors, such as orange or bright green, are less likely to make the right impression.

Black is smart and sophisticated. A black suit or modest black dress is a timelessly classic outfit. Many brands use black in their branding because it is a strong color that expresses confidence and strength. If you are trying to present yourself as highly professional and a leader in your field, then black is a safe option to wear for an interview.

Blue is another good option for interview clothing. Blue is less severe than black, which can make it more flattering for people who have very pale complexions. Darker shades of blue are usually seen as more conservative, which can be beneficial if you are applying for a corporate role. Lighter shades of blue could be suitable for interview clothing if you are applying to a more casual organization.

Other safe colors for interview clothing include gray and brown. As these colors are less common, they can mark you out as a free thinker. Gray, in particular, suggests self-sufficiency and self-confidence, which are both skills that many employers are seeking. Meanwhile, white suggests that you may be highly organized and attentive to detail, as it is so easy to get a stain on a white outfit if you are not careful.

Bright colors like orange, purple and bright green express creativity and fun, which may or may not be positive qualities for interview clothing, depending on the role for which you are applying. Consider these colors for your interview clothing only if you are applying for a highly creative role within a very forward-thinking organization.

As well as choosing the right interview clothing, you also need to be aware of how you hold yourself during an interview. Standing tall and maintaining good posture can help you to appear more confident, as can making eye contact with the interviewer.

Choosing the right interview clothing can help you to achieve success in a job interview. It's generally best to stick to conservative colors, like black or navy blue, when applying for a professional role.



Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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