Creative industries: What to wear for the interview?
**This is a guest post. The views of the writer do not necessarily reflect the views of Careers Done Write.**
As the digital revolution takes hold, the emergence of ‘Generation Y’ led digital and creative hubs have sprouted up across the world.
From Silicon Valley in California (Apple, Google) to Silicon Roundabout (Last.fm, TweetDeck) in London, the emergence of these digital hubs can leave graduates who are looking to work in the sector puzzled: what do I wear to the interview?
It is fine to ask whoever is offering you the interview what people usually wear. However, if you are looking this up, I’m presuming you forgot and are having a last minute panic!
But panic no more; here is a guide to help you think about what will need in your first creative interview.
The Suit
The traditional suit is still widely regarded as the first port of call for an interview. Sleek shapes and
vibrant ties offer a well groomed and professional appearance. Therefore the first thing you should do is review the company’s website.
What kind of image is it trying to portray? What kind of clients would you expect the company to have on their books?
If your job is “social media executive” at a company that offers online accountancy service for small and medium sized businesses, a suit is likely to be a good bet. Remember, the impression you are trying to give is what they are likely to expect you to be doing on a day to day basis.
If you are in a client-facing role, you will often have to wear a suit anyway, so don’t worry if you just bought an expensive one for your interviews.
You might feel awkward if you overdress for the interview, but being underdressed can ruin your job prospects in 30 seconds.
The Smart Casual
Making sure you make your interviewer know you have put effort into what you are wearing, but still come across as someone who will fit in with your colleagues is the look that I think sums the industry up best. Often in the digital and creative sectors, smart casual seems to be the way to go.
Try a smart jumper with a shirt and tie and stick to neutral colours. This shows that you have thought about what you are wearing and can look stylish and professional.
Although you may wear denim in your new role, wearing denim for an interview is never a good idea. This will give the impression that are too casual and put you at a disadvantage.
Trousers are usually your best bet. Stick to dark colours, unless you think you can really get away with chinos (I wouldn’t recommend it).
Tattoos have become more common over the last few years and especially in the digital and creative industries, I wouldn’t go too far to cover them up. It may even give you some small talk in the interview to make you less nervous! Again, use your own judgement with this, look at the companies LinkedIn profile to see if you can find out more about the people working there.
Accessories are key!
What you wear on your feet is likely to be the most important decision you will make. Shoes are likely to be something your potential boss will look at, and although they shouldn’t, they may make a snap judgement based on first impressions.
Look at your current pairs of battered converse and decide if you need to buy some more (more often than not, you do). Most pairs of smart shoes will suffice, but I always feel more confident in a new pair of nice shoes. I would say a brogue is likely to be a good bet and if you are planning to buy some new shoes for your interview, think about what would be comfortable to wear. House of Fraser has a great range of men’s shoes here.
As a last point, remember to use your initiative, think about the company and what they are likely to expect of you. They are trying to employ someone who can use sound judgement; make sure you show them you understand their audience.