Dress to impress: Interview dressing dos and don'ts

First appearances are crucial in job interviews and getting your outfit right is something worth taking the time to perfect. We've spoken to the Microsoft recruitment team to get some tips and what to wear and what to avoid when going for an interview.

Women's clothing

Shirts

DON’T think the interview room is the place to show off your incredibly in-trend style, unless of course you're going for a job in the fashion industry. As Natalie Scott, a recruitment manager at Microsoft puts it, 'Do not wear anything too low-cut, no matter what the current fashion is'.

DO keep things modest and classic, and the quickest way to achieve this is with a classic shirt rather than a casual top. Remember to make sure your shirt is ironed and clean the night before though, as Natalie Kutner, also a recruitment manager, explains 'that just-got-out-of-bed look just doesn’t bode well for an interview'.

Suited and booted

DON’T assume that if the working environment seems casual, you should dress casually. As Natalie K explains, 'we are a relaxed business when it comes to business attire however I would expect candidates to make their appearance as smart as possible'.

DO invest in a smart suit or well-tailored trousers, which are saved for more formal occasions to save them getting scruffy. Err on the side of 'too smart' rather than 'not smart enough'.

Shoes

DON’T forget your feet. Scruffy or inappropriate footwear will create just as bad impression as the wrong clothes. As a general rule open toes are a no-go area, and heels over 2 inches should be saved for the weekend.

DO wear comfortable, polished shoes. 'Although you will be sitting down for the interview – make sure you wear shoes that you can walk in, there is nothing more awful than a woman in high heels that cannot walk in them!' says Natalie K.

Make-up: stay natural

DON’T go overboard with your hair or make-up, it's simply not worth it says Natalie S. 'It's good to be groomed but don't become a caricature by piling on the make-up or perfume as this will be the lasting memory in the recruiter's mind.'

DO keep your make-up natural and simple, creating a more professional appearance while you've still made an effort. Perfume is a good idea, as stress can make you sweat, but nothing too overpowering which could knock your interviewer out.

As with women, appearance can be just as important for men when it comes to creating the right impression. The Microsoft recruitment team points out their personal pet peeves and what generally men should and shouldn't be thinking about when it comes to dressing for an interview.

Men's clothing

Shirt and tie

DON’T feel obliged to wear a full suit (unless you'd be wearing one day-to-day) or end up too casual. Essentially, men have it easier than women says recruitment manager Natalie Kutner 'Men can get away with being smart casual more than women I think – a smart shirt and trousers with out without a tie depending on who you are interviewing with can be as impressive as a suit.'

DO wear a clean, ironed dress shirt with or without a tie, depending on the formality. It sounds simple but even though offices are generally getting more casual, that doesn't mean roll up to the interview in a t-shirt.

Trousers

DON’T wear jeans. It's as simple as that, with a few exceptions, but generally jeans are a definite no. Natalie K says they are simply 'not professional, but more and more men are turning up for them in interviews.'

DO wear suit trousers, even if you're not wearing the jacket, or go for other more 'proper' alternatives you'd see in a formal office setting. Just make sure they're comfortable, and usually go for a darker shade of black or navy. Opting for the full suit can sometimes be the easiest option, says Natalie Scott, recruitment manager; 'tailored suits are ideal for interviews, no matter how 'relaxed' the company is that you're applying to'.

Shoes

DON’T ruin a smart outfit with too casual shoes. Your preferred choice of footwear might not be strictly trainers, but if they seem a bit too laid-back, opt for the pair that are too-formal.

DO wear shoes which match your outfit and look professional; usually a pair of black or brown lace-ups or loafers is the best choice. As with everything else, make sure they're clean and not too worn or shabby looking, as it'll give a bad impression.

Be groomed

DON’T treat interview day like any other when it comes to your grooming routine. Being unshaven, a bit wiffy and having messy hair is not what interviewers expect to see, even if it is your usual look.

DO make sure you've got a good haircut, are well-shaven and have a touch of after-shave or something similar to keep you smelling fresh. Just don't over-do the grooming, this isn't a date, but you want to seem as if you care enough about your appearance and presentation to want the job.