First impressions last. Especially when you’re trying to make a good first impression for a job interview that potentially dozens to hundreds of other candidates are also looking to get.
But how do you make yourself stand out to the job interview manager without overstepping into the realm on unprofessionalism? We have a few tips on how to prepare and what colors not to wear to a job interview.
Do your homework
Before we even speak about specific colors, do your homework and find out what kind of work environment the company you are interviewing for is cultivating.
Are they strictly professional and business-only? Are they a more creative bunch? Are they casual?
What kind of job are you applying for? A more creative job may call for someone who can show their personality through the choice of attire and accessories more than, say, a manager position at a bank.
Even with this in mind, it is still a good idea to arrive at the very first interview in a neatly pressed blazer with trousers or a skirt that goes below the knees.
You can start to let your personality shine through more through color choices at subsequent and follow-up interviews as you meet more people on the team you may be working side-by side with.
But having a general idea of the company will give you a better idea on how you can accessorise and choose an appropriate color to wear to the job interview.
What Colors to Avoid for a Job Interview
Orange
Overwhelmingly, 25 percent of 2,099 hiring managers surveyed by CareerBuilder in 2013, listed orange as the top color to avoid for job interviews.
Although orange can express a person who is creative, it may also send the wrong impression that you are too loud, unprofessional, and just not a team player.
Orange is definitely not the new black when it comes to impressing a hiring manager so best keep it away until you’ve managed to sign your contract.
Red
Although red is undeniably a color that conveys power and someone who is not afraid to take risks and be noticed.
On the other hand, it may be too flashy for a first impression. Strength is good but at a job interview, the color red might be a bit too strong and might unintentionally make people intimidated by you.
Statistically, women who wear red are more successful at pitches for meetings. People who wear red are seen as more confident.
However, at a job interview, red may indicate that you are too rebellious, daring, and even over-confident for your own good.
Brown
In general, neutral colors and earth tones are safe choices to wear at a job interview. But there is such a thing as being too safe.
Brown may send out the impression that you are easy-going and a team player, but it may also indicate to the hiring manager that you are not willing to take risks.
Maybe you will too easily fade into the background and not give enough extra value to the company. The bottom line is: brown is boring. You want to make a good impression that lasts when you go to a job interview, not disappear from the hiring manager’s memory.
This may come as a surprise for a color not to wear to a job interview. Afterall, most hiring managers absolutely recommend navy blue as the best color to wear to an interview because it conveys confidence, leadership, loyalty, and reliability.
However, following the same tips on why you should not wear brown to a job interview, you do not want to get lost in a sea of potential hirees all wearing navy blue either.
Also, if you are being interviewed for a creative job or company, navy blue is the absolute worst choice to wear because it sends the impression that you would rather play it safe, conform, and not take creative risks.
Other Colors and Combinations to Avoid
Neon and Flashy Colors
Unless you are being interviewed to take a job as a fashion designer, it’s best to stay away from colors that are too flashy or will glow under a UV light.
Even when being interviewed for a job in the creative industry, you still need to show that you are professional and will work on co-creating collaboratively with a team of other talented professionals.
Colors of the Competition
This goes back to doing your due diligence and research the company you are interviewing for before you even send your first cover letter to apply for an open position.
Most companies put a lot of time, research and care into their branding and how they want to set themselves apart from their competition.
The biggest faux pas you can do is show up wearing the brand colors of the company’s main competitor. An obvious example would be at sporting events. Fans go all out to wear the colors of their favorite team.
If you make the mistake of showing up to a game in the wrong colors, or worse, in the colors of the rival team, it shows that you are an “outsider,” do not share the same loyalties and values, and shows that you don’t share that in common with them.
When Good Job Interview Colors are Not Appropriate
Although white, black, and blue are generally accepted as the best colors to wear at a job interview, there are times when even these safe bets are also not the best idea. It pays to do your research and plan your job interview attire accordingly.
Black
Black is safe, serious, conveys reliability, stability, and responsibility. But you also do not want to show up to a job interview like you came straight from a funeral home or burial.
Add smart pops of jewel toned colors to a black suit so you can show that you are professional but can also step up when needed.
White
White normally shows that you are confident, courageous, and well organized. But too much white can have the opposite effect as well.
Some religions and spiritual practices encourage people to wear all white which some companies may not be too open about.
It may also be difficult to keep your whites spotless and crisp when taking public transport, walking, or driving to your job interview.
Just like with black, mix in one or two other colors to complement the white and allow hints of your personality to shine without overpowering.
Blue
As mentioned earlier, blue is usually everyone’s favorite color not only in general, but as a safe choice to wear for a job interview.
In fact, studies show that you are more likely to get the job when you wear navy blue because it inspires confidence.
Just be aware that everybody else who is in line, vie-ing for the same open position in the company, also got the same information that blue is the color of choice for job interview success.
Make yourself stand out by opting for other shades of blue that will also convey confidence, leadership, reliability, and loyalty, without being too bright or flashy, or conforming to the status quo either.
Gray
As a neutral color, gray is also one that is normally listed as safe to wear for a job interview. But as it inspires someone who is logical and analytical, it may also inadvertently send the message that you are indecisive and a loner.
It may also make you appear too dated depending on the style of clothing you wear. Make sure your choice of wearing gray will convey your independence as a positive trait rather than one for a hiring manager to be wary about.
Make gray a color that shows you value professionalism without being old-fashioned and stuck in the past.
Green, Yellow, Purple, and others…
How about all the other colors on the spectrum? While it is generally agreed that other colors show that you are daring and creative, is is also recommended that you save these colors for in-house meetings or happy hour gatherings with co-workers which are more casual and friendly.
Keep to a professional look with colors that show you are ready to be a valuable member of the company and to the team.
Conclusion
In general, orange, red, and browns are not recommended. But even safe colors like black, navy blue, white, and gray might not be the best colors either.
When preparing for a job interview, you want to reach a balance between professionalism and personality. You want to make a lasting impression that you will work hard and also give your own unique added value to the company.
What colors not to wear to a job interview largely depends on the industry, company, and position you are applying for so doing your research beforehand will make the biggest difference and show the hiring manager that you are serious and willing to put in the time to put your best forward.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this article !