How to dress for sales interview success

When interviewing for sales jobs, the first crucial test is to sell yourself to a prospective employer. With only one chance at a first impression, it's important to get it right. As a sales rep you have just nine to 12 seconds to create that first impression, so what you wear has a big impact.

There are three golden rules when it comes to dressing for interviews:

1. dress to impress,
2. be comfortable, and
3. let your personality shine through.

The basics

It is important to get the basics right. Whether you're male or female, traditional advice for an interview in any sector is smart business dress.

For men, this means a simple grey, navy or black suit, a plain shirt and tie, a clean shave and shiny shoes. For women, a knee-length skirt, plain conservative blouse, smart shoes and well-presented hair, make-up and nails.

The goal is to present yourself in a way that demonstrates your professionalism, shows you are serious about the job, and doesn't distract attention away from your skills. Or from you - don't let a bad presentation get in the way of letting your personality shine through.

Company culture

It's important to take into account the company's culture when planning what to wear. Check with the company what their dress policy is prior to your interview. Consider the product or service you will be selling for the company, and try to dress so you fit into the organisation's image. A role with a luxury magazine in media sales or for an advertising agency will expect a different look than an online sales role. Depending on the company, smart business dress with something quirky like red stitching on your suit, funky shoes, or a different-coloured lapel can make you stand out enough to be noticed or make you stick out like a sore thumb.

Think on your feet

Don't forget that shoes say a lot about a person. Classic brogues or Oxford styles work great for men, and sensible flats or low heels for women, but whatever the style, the basic rule is to keep your shoes clean and shiny.

Finally, it's important to be comfortable. An interview is a stressful enough situation as it is, so don't add to that by wearing something you have never worn before and something you feel quite uncomfortable or self-conscious in.

When it comes to what to wear, the important thing is to be well-presented from top to toe and make sure you stand out, but for the right reasons.