So you wanted a job, applied for it, got shortlisted and now you’ve made it to the most important stage, the interview!
Do you have a vague idea in mind about what you want to wear? Clothes say a lot about our personality and can either make or break a first impression. That’s why it’s important to be specific to the color you choose.
The psychology of color dictates that each color elicits a different feeling or impression in the brain. It can evoke different feelings and should be considered when choosing clothes, cars, or brand colors.
Rule of Thumb
Unwritten rules in the corporate industry, suggest that some colors convey professionalism while others scream authoritativeness. Others convey feelings of negativity, like immaturity or laziness.
For certain career types, professionalism is key. Traditional industries like law, medicine, business, or banking are very reserved. Follow the rule of thumb and stick to neutral colors.
In the creative field, like the arts, there’s legroom to express yourself. A pop of bright colors here and there could be a plus as it expresses a more confident and expressive persona.
What’s the psychology behind colors and what should you keep away from? Which colors should you wear on the deal day?
1. Blue
Experts agree that wearing blue is great for an interview.
Blue, in business, symbolizes trust, loyalty, and integrity. It provides a calming effect. Cornell University’s career center says the color “implies that you are trustworthy, honest, and credible.”
Avoid blindingly bright blue. It screams passive energy. Navy blue is a classic, of course, and goes well with black. Baby blue doesn’t matter — as long as it’s not blindingly bright. Navy is a classic, of course, and a light, muted blue can be nice when paired with black or navy slacks.
2. Black
Black is a classic color and the most common among interviewees. According to Cornell’s career center, black is associated with strength, authority, leadership abilities, and timeliness. However, be modest with it since such a powerful color, wear it appropriately.
“As a high-powered color, save it for high-powered interviews. Because black can come off as powerful and aloof, it’s ideal for top jobs and managerial positions, but it’s not great if you’re applying for something in customer service,retail, or anything entry-level.”
3. Gray
Gray is a great neutral color to wear for job interviews. It portrays one as a logical and analytical professional and person.
On the downside, it is not a great color if you have sweaty underarms, it may cause unnecessary divergence of attention to your hygiene instead. Stay away from it in case of that, otherwise, it might be the best color to wear for an interview.
You can wear charcoal pants or a blazer, but avoid wearing a gray blouse.
4. White
No one can be wrong with white. A white shirt or blouse goes with almost any navy or gray pants. It’s a neutral color and brings out the best in you.
Naturally, the brain evokes feelings of purity, organization, and cleanliness.
It’s easy to match since it goes with anything— and even easier to accessorize with a pop of color. To add a bit of personality, you can throw on fun and colorful accessories like socks, necklaces, and ties.
Avoid oranges, browns, multiple mixed colors, and red ( which could invoke feelings of domineering and rebelliousness). Nothing wrong with a black-and-white polka dot blouse paired with a blazer or a blue pinstripe dress shirt but that’s it. The point is to not distract the interviewer.
