Stories

Tue, 28 Jul 2026

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 What you wear can help you get a job - here's how

While you need to answer the questions in an interview, your appearance and mannerisms are also crucial.
A London-based science graduate, Taya Reed, landed her "dream job" with a fashion company after realizing the importance of dressing professionally and making a good first impression in interviews. Reed wore an all-white ensemble to her main interview, which she believed fit the company's culture. Research suggests that appearance plays a significant role in job interviews, with 51% of employers admitting to turning down candidates due to their physical appearance. Min-Hsuan Tu, a professor of human resources, warns that job interviews can be unfair from the moment a candidate walks in, and attractive individuals may have an advantage due to associated traits such as trustworthiness and intelligence. Matt Cohen, a 31-year-old American who landed his first post-graduation job after months of searching, also emphasized the importance of appearance. He wore a long sleeve buttoned-down shirt for interview and trimmed his beard to appear professional. Caroline Hickey, a London-based career coach, agrees that appearances matter, especially in a competitive job market. Studies suggest that attractive individuals tend to have better communication skills and networks, as well as a higher sense of power. Making an effort to present oneself well is crucial, according to Tu. Madeline Drucker, 21, from New Jersey, who secured two internships through video interviews, also believes that dressing professionally and making eye contact can make a significant difference. The experts agree that knowing one looks good makes them more confident, which in turn improves their performance during the interview. Taya Reed's story serves as an example of how dressing to impress can lead to success.