When you get done with college after passing your exams and making memories for a lifetime, the stress of entering the corporate world begins! Whether you are looking for a government job or are keen towards working for a private company or a start-up, our shoes will help you get your look on point. Ace your interview in style and make sure that you dress up right. There will be many people who will tell you that how you dress up is not very important; after all, people will pay more attention to your qualifications and your knowledge.
However, your first impression is always crucial and that will be made with how you are dressed up and how confident you are while interacting with the industry experts. When you are wearing clothes that are appropriate to the occasion, your confidence radiates from every iota of your body, you can be sure that you will do well. All said and done, your choice of shoes for job interview will also have a massive role to play!
So, how do you decide what shoes to wear to an interview?
In the simplest of terms, when you are heading for an interview, you want to look your best. Well, to look your best, you need to understand the dress code well and whether the outfit suits you or not. This means that you need to do your homework about the company or organization that you are going to give your interview at; will you be expected to dress very formally or will a semi-casual look work, and then everything needs to be in alignment. Many times, the interview letter will tell you how to dress, but most of the time, you will be expected to dress smartly and of course, neatly.
Let’s start with shoes for interview options!
For men attending an interview, the most common attire would be a formal shirt, matched with a pair of well stitched trousers. In some situations, you might have to add a tie or even a formal blazer or jacket. Now, when you are looking for formal shoes, here are some of the popular options for you:
- Classic oxford shoes
These are perhaps the most classic formal shoes for interview male candidates can consider, because they are simple and elegant. You can opt for colours like black, dark brown or tan. Simply match them with your outfit, picking the one that works best with your overall look.
- Derby shoes
Offering you a more relaxed look as opposed to Oxfords, the Derby shoes are great for when you are heading for an interview in a tech or a more creative company. These can give you a wonderful balance between style and comfort.
- Loafer shoes
The one pair of shoes that will work great for both formal and smart casual looks are the loafers, which give you that blend of confidence, comfort and class. Make sure that you go for a slightly understated pair – so no tassels or fringes for the interview.
- Monk-strap shoes
Recognised by their buckle closure, these are a good choice for when you want to make a statement, without giving up on that professional look. You can try these shoes if you are interviewing for a post where individuality will be given more points!
- Wingtip brogues
These are also shoes which are considered suitable for interviews, because they offer you that formal look with just a touch of aesthetics.The detailing that you can find in wingtips are sure to make you stand out in a crowd.
Make sure that you wear shoes in neutral colours – black, dark brown, or tan because that would be the best bet. You also need to ensure that the shoes do not look worn out and polish them well before wearing them. Also, remember to wear proper socks with your shoes and check the laces too, ensuring they are looking neat and nice.
Moving onto the ideal job interview shoes for women
The world of footwear for women is much larger, mainly because the notion of formal clothing varies for women too – so, while a well-tailored pants suit would be considered formal, so would be a well pleated saree. In India, women might also choose a really sophisticated looking Indo-western outfit like a Kurta and classic denim pants for an interview and thus the footwear changes according to the outfit!
- High heels
There is almost no formal occasion where you can’t wear a pair of heels and when you are looking for something chic, versatile, and comfortable, short heels like 1-inch or 2-inch are a good option. Go for simple options with heels that are not very high; so something like kitten heels or classic pumps would make good options.
- Flats
If you are really tall or if you are not comfortable in heels, you can consider flats as they will work really well. If you are planning to drape a saree or are choosing something ethnic for your interview, make sure that you go for something that is simple and understated; so, you don’t want flats with bells and threadwork to pair with your outfit. Choose something that is timeless and does not have too much detailing.
- Sandals
Sandals are yet again good options for when you are heading for an interview and as long as you choose well, you can be sure that they will work in your favour. Look for ones that are not too strappy and don’t have any bling or fancy details. You can pick ones with short heels or no heels at all.
- Ballerina pumps
These are perhaps one of the best shoes to wear to an interview female candidates can consider; mainly because they are simple, elegant, and understated. It is easy to find classy looking pumps and if you pick right, they can work with all kinds of outfits, including western formals, sarees and Indo-western.
- Ankle boots
Now, some might debate this choice, but if you know how to wear them right, you can actually consider ankle boots for an interview. Let’s say, you are wearing wide-leg pants with a formal button-down shirt; a pair of ankle boots will work great with them. Although you need to remember to choose a classic and subtle pair of boots!
