How to dress for an interview like you've already secured the job

Everyone has a personal approach to how they dress for job interviews - some like to keep it as simple and minimalistic as possible, while others see it as an opportunity to put their best style foot forward. 

The latter might work in your favour in certain industries more than others, but your style acumen aside, I think recruiters generally just like to see that you've dressed confidently. So whether you're wearing a plain white, ironed shirt or a highly coveted silk blouse from that four-letter European store everybody loves, the question is: are you wearing it confidently? 

READ MORE: Here's how to avoid ten mistakes that hiring managers notice during interviews so you can land your dream job 

This interview outfit lookbook from Who What Wear also supports this sentiment, saying "what you wear speaks volumes about your confidence, attitude and dedication". 

A previous line manager of mine also said they didn't really stress too much about what candidates were wearing to interviews, just as long as it wasn't anything glaringly inappropriate for a job interview. That would be ripped jeans, a T-shirt or a crop top, for example. 

This has always been what I've kept in mind for past job interviews I proved successful in. Because I've worked for women's publications, I tend to go the super feminine route with my interview outfits without being OTT - midi skirts with collared statement blouses, palazzo pants with mules, or the kind of cute dress I could also easily turn into a Sunday best.

A little something like this; 

Shop: 

Kitty bow fit and flare dress, R299 at Superbalist

But that's my approach.

Other people have expressed that they often go for a trusted blazer because it just immediately gives the impression that you take yourself seriously enough to always get things done. 

Whether you're a creative or a numbers girl, a blazer really is your ultimate cheat item when styled carefully. And it need not be part of a boring Margaret Thatcher-esque ensemble either.

Play with colour too.

Shop: 

Black stretch blazer by Edition, from R550 at Woolworths

Forget what sexism says about women who wear bright lipstick (or any kind of makeup) in typically male-dominated professional spaces, and don't be afraid to complement the above getup - if you're shopping the model's look - with a bright red lip while keeping the rest of your makeup soft glam.

READ MORE: Don’t blame women for leaving engineering, blame bad attitudes

Shop:

Urban Decay Comfort Matte Vice lipstick, R255 online

Shade: Bad Blood

For those who are not afraid to make a statement, an attention-grabbing pair of earrings or shoes will most likely not deter your chances at landing your big break. 

Shop these extras:

Dragon's Breath leather earrings, shop them at Missibaba 

Metallic Toe Cap Courts, R194 at Superbalist

And now that you've got your look sorted, read these tips on how to answer common interview questions that people often get stumped by.

Images: Getty

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