The role colour plays in job interviews

Once you’ve received confirmation that you’ve secured a job interview, you need to think about 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.

However, colour psychology can have its own impacts. Simply put, colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour. Although qualifications, experience and work ethic play a huge part in the interview process, dressing in a particular way can build up a great first impression and help you secure the job.

Everyone knows colour is important. We take a look at some of the most popular colours to wear and what they say about your personality.

Wearing red

Red symbolises love, which is questionable to wear at an interview. However, if you’re looking to demonstrate power — perhaps you are applying for a senior position — red can be a good reflection of this character trait. Studies have shown that this colour can actually boost a wearers 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.

There are other connotations to this colour though. It can also suggest that you’re not kind or sociable, but this can be proved incorrect in the room!

Wearing Black

Everyone wears black to an interview, as this offers some sense of formality, but you should pair it with another hue. Think of other colours that can be paired with this hue, as it is extremely versatile and using another colour on our list could boost your presence.

People who wear this colour are thought to be intelligent. However, bear in mind that there are some negatives to the colour black; this includes mourning. Be smart with how you choose to wear this colour!

Wearing White

You’ve probably worn this colour to an interview in the past, and we don’t blame you, it’s a firm favourite. Research has suggested that the colour white was perceived to be the least arrogant colour 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 men’s shirt already, now is your chance!

This colour must be matched with something. Pair with a dark blue men’s blazer and matching pants to become the candidate that they’ll remember most.

Wearing Blue

Blue is all about positivity and a long sleeve t-shirt for an interview would be amazing. The 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 might just be for you!

In the past, recruiters have been known to comment on this colour. Lisa Johnson Mandell at AOL Jobs commented: “Studies show that navy blue is the best colour 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 colour.”