It’s no secret that what you wear on an interview will impact the perception of the interviewer; however what you may not realize is your choice of color can send indirect messages as well. Workplace attire has changed so much over time that it can be confusing for job candidates who are hoping to make a good impression with the company.
Marketing professionals have always led the way in establishing brand presence by wooing customers to choose their product, but the colors they choose is no accident, rather a deliberate plan. Through marketing and scientific research we know that colors tend to elicit certain responses from consumers such as the color blue that establishes trust.
Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, said that “perceptions are formed within the first 10 seconds of meeting your interviewer” and that’s why job candidates need to consider how color can influence an interview. For instance, a senior manager will never forget the interview in which the candidate wore a red suit with bold accessories to their meeting. The choice of color was so overwhelming that it took the first half of the interview to focus on the candidate’s contributions rather than their judgment in choosing the color red.
Red is a dynamic color that can reflect confidence, but in a job interview it can easily send a stronger message than needed. The candidate wasn’t offered the job even though their credentials were the best partly due to the attention grabbing attire that seemed too driven for the type of clients the employer served. The lesson learned, if your goal is to stand out from the crowd, it can be accomplished, however it is wiser to be known for your answers rather than the color you wear.
Even though color selection may seem petty in regards to your skills and ability to do the job, Bernieri goes on to compare dressing in the wrong way for an interview on par with another social blunder such as “picking your nose during an interview.” His comparison paints a good visual and hopefully gives you reason to pause the next time you consider what to wear for an interview.
In general here are some color selections to consider before going on your next interview. The key to all good interviews is to establish a “fit” with the work culture and dressing similar to what others wear in the company will help sending the good-match perception.
Before the interview ask about dress attire, it’s much better to ask upfront than guess and come overdressed or too casual. If the company is a work-casual environment then consider dressing up a notch such as wearing a blazer and perhaps a tie but leave the suit at home.
Conservative colors such as navy blue, mid-dark grey and browns are usually the safest choices to wear during an interview. If you choose to wear a black suit keep in mind that black is often a formal color and can be too powerful for an interview especially the first meeting.
Ties and scarfs can help lessen the tone of formal colors and gives you a great choice of adding a touch of softer color tones or shades of energy. For example, the candidate’s choice of a red suit sent an overwhelming message of energy while a red scarf could have sent an air of energy in a much less dramatic way.
Here is a brief overview of color perceptions:
• Blues, especially darker navy shades, send an image of calmness, stability, trust and confidence.
• Browns can be seen as reliable and dependable sending a message of stability. Too much brown can send a low energy perception; pairing it with another colorful accessory can help.
• Gray is a popular choice for interview attire and with good reason it sends messages of sophistication especially darker grays. Like navy blue, this color is a safe bet.
• Black is a formal color that tends to command authority but using accessories can tone it down by making a less dramatic perception.
• Green is usually connected with health and tranquility. It can be associated with wealth as well as new growth.
• Red is powerful and denotes passion, energy, drive and aggression. The safest route is to use it sparingly during an interview.
• Yellow can stimulate conversations and send a perception of cheerfulness. It’s usually related to sunshine and knowledge.
• White sends a message of simplicity, organization and logic. Wearing a white shirt or blouse is a very safe bet and will evoke a professional image.
What is your favorite color to wear on an interview? Do you think your choice influenced the interviewer?
