What Color Should You Wear to an Interview?

Interviews can be extremely nerve racking, especially when you have no clue what to wear. You want to strike the balance between looking good and showing off your personality without compromising the performance of your 30-minute interrogation with one of the high-brow bosses.

Color psychology is the answer. Simply put, color psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behavior. Although qualifications, experience and work ethic play a huge part in the interview process, dressing in a particular way can create a great first impression and help you secure the job.

Are there specific colors that you should wear to the interview room? And ones you should avoid? We take a look at some of the most popular colors to wear and what they say about your personality.

Roses are red

It’s no secret that the color red is associated with love and passion. This can be overpowering for a first interview. However, if you’re looking to demonstrate power — perhaps you’re applying for a senior position — red can be a good reflection of this character trait. Studies have shown that this color can actually boost a wearer’s confidence, which might be a good shout if you’re slightly nervous for the big day. The study also went on to show that the tone can display good health and being financially sound, which of course is something every company admires.

Bold in black

Although most people will wear this color to an interview, you need to pair it with another. As it’s an extremely versatile color, pair it with something bold to boost your presence.

Black can definitely represent elegance and intelligence, however, bear in mind that there are some negatives to the color black; including mourning. Be smart with how you choose to wear it!

Washed out white

Another common color worn at interviews is white. Research has suggested that the color white is perceived to be the least arrogant color, and can portray innocence, which is always beneficial for an interview — you want your interviewer to like you. It’s also thought to make someone appear very optimistic, so if you don’t have a white shirt already, now’s your chance!

Be better in blue

If you want to look positive, then you better rock blue. This hue demonstrates that someone is a team player, trustworthy and has a lot of confidence. If this sounds like something you’d like to showcase, this hue could be for you!

This is well known in the industry too. Lisa Johnson Mandell at AOL Jobs commented:

"Studies show that navy blue is the best color for a suit to wear to a job interview, because it inspires confidence. You are more likely to get the job when you wear navy blue to an interview than any other color."

Go for grey

People are sometimes cautious when it comes to wearing grey to an interview. We all know that sometimes darker tones don’t give the best message, but reports suggest that this color communicates independence; something that many employers are looking for.

You want to make sure that you come across as a team player and someone who is actually going to contribute something beneficial to their company.