Interview Attire: How Colour Can Impact an Employer’s Decision
Picking out what to wear for your next job interview can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You want to strike the balance between looking good and showing off your personality without compromising the performance of your 30-minute interrogation with one of the high-brow bosses.
However, there is one way to make a good impression and that is by choosing a colour that reflects positive vibes. Here, QUIZMAN, retailers of blazers for men, discuss several ways colours can affect an employer’s decision in an interview.
Simply put, colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour. Although qualifications, experience and work ethic play a huge part in the interview process, dressing in a particular way can build up a great first impression and help you secure the job.
Which colours should you be choosing from? We take a look at some of the most popular colours to wear and what they say about your personality.
Wearing red
Although red represents true love, it does have other connotations. However, if you’re looking to demonstrate power — perhaps you are applying for a senior position — red can be a good reflection of this character trait. Studies have shown that this colour can actually boost a wearers confidence, which might be a good shout if you’re slightly nervous for the big day. The study also went on to show that the tone can display good health and being financially sound, which of course is something every company admires.
Not all things are positive. It can also suggest that you’re not kind or sociable, but this can be proved incorrect in the room!
Wearing black
Many of us will opt for black when it comes to attending an interview, but you should add other tones. Think of other colours that can be paired with this hue, as it is extremely versatile and using another colour on our list could boost your presence.
Want to come across intelligent off paper? This colour should be your first choice. However, bare in mind that there are some negatives to the colour black; this includes mourning. Be smart with how you choose to wear this colour!
Wearing white
Everyone wears this colour at an interview. Research has suggested that the colour white was perceived to be the least arrogant colour which is always beneficial for an interview — you want your interviewer to like you. It’s also thought to make someone appear very optimistic, so if you don’t have a white shirt already, now is your chance!
This will be your chance to mix and match. Pair with a dark blue men’s blazer and matching pants to become the candidate that they’ll remember most.
Wearing blue
We all know that blue can be a leading player in the board room. The hue demonstrates that someone is a team player, trustworthy and has a lot of confidence. If this sounds like something you’d like to showcase, this hue might just be for you!
Famous faces in the world of employment have backed this statement. Lisa Johnson Mandell at AOL Jobs commented: “Studies show that navy blue is the best colour for a suit to wear to a job interview, because it inspires confidence. You are more likely to get the job when you wear navy blue to an interview than any other colour.”
Wearing grey
Do interviewers really have an opinion on the colour grey? We all know that sometimes darker tones don’t propel the best message, but reports suggest that this colour communicates independence; this is something that many employers are looking for.
Isolation is one connotations of grey. You want to make sure that you come across as a team player and someone who is actually going to contribute something beneficial to their company.
Colours to stay away from in interviews
- Orange
- Brown
- Pink
