Accessories, Makeup and Finishing Touches (Women and Men)

The finishing touches to your grooming, such as accessories, makeup (if applicable) and other elements, also contribute to the professional image you project.

The overall key is moderation and appropriateness to the context.

Clothes to avoid (Excesses, informality, distractions)

There are certain items of clothing that are generally best avoided in a job interview, as they can be distracting, look unprofessional or give the wrong impression:

Men: Ties with characters or too flashy, shirts that are too colorful or have garish prints.

Women: Excessively high heels or very flashy shoes, plunging necklines, miniskirts, see-through blouses or too-tight clothing.

Both: Clothing that is too casual (such as T-shirts with large logos, sportswear), worn or ill-fitting clothing.

The goal is to focus attention on you and your qualifications, not your clothing.

Jewelry: Discretion and professionalism

Jewelry should complement your outfit, not overpower it or confuse the interviewer.

Opt for discreet and professional pieces. Avoid:

• Excess jewelry (multiple loud bracelets, too many rings).
• Very large, showy or ostentatious-looking pieces, especially if you are interviewing in sectors such as NGOs or social services.
• Jewelry that may have strong political or religious connotations, unless it is relevant to the organization.

Restraint is key to maintaining a professional image.

Make-up (Women): Natural and discreet

For women, makeup in a face-to-face interview should be simple, natural and discreet.

The objective is to look groomed and professional, not to draw attention to yourself with excessive make-up.

Avoid bright colors in lips or shadows, excessive shine or heavy foundation.

A neat look with light foundation, mascara, a touch of blush and a neutral lipstick is usually best.

Note for video interviews (Skype/Zoom): In this case, a little makeup (even for men, such as mattifying powder) can be beneficial to reduce shine caused by lighting and define facial features on camera.

Perfume/Cologne: Mild to nonexistent

Use perfume or cologne very sparingly or avoid it altogether.

Too strong a scent can be invasive or unpleasant to the interviewer, especially in enclosed spaces. It is safer to simply smell clean.

Tattoos and Piercings: Industry Criteria

The visibility of tattoos and piercings depends a lot on the industry and company culture. In creative or more modern industries, they may be perfectly acceptable.

However, in more traditional or conservative corporate environments (finance, law), it is advisable to cover them up if possible during the interview to avoid possible bias.

Research the culture of the company to make the best decision.

Summary

The final details of your grooming, such as accessories, also contribute to your professional image. The general key is moderation. Avoid distracting items such as plunging necklines, tight-fitting clothing, or loud prints.

Jewelry should be discreet and professional, complementing your outfit without overpowering it. Makeup for women should be simple, natural and discreet. Use perfume or cologne very sparingly or avoid it altogether.

The visibility of tattoos and piercings depends a lot on the industry. In more traditional or conservative corporate environments, it is advisable to cover them if possible during the interview to avoid possible prejudice.