Does it really matter what you wear to a media interview? The short answer is yes, it does.
A media interview is your opportunity to get out in front of a larger audience and be perceived as a thought leader.
A person wearing business attire is much more likely to be perceived as an authority than an individual wearing jeans or casual clothes. Experts in the tech industry frequently wear jeans and sneakers – but that’s not so in the finance industry. We've put together some tips to help you prepare.
Do's and don'ts for your next media interview
Do's
- Dress professionally – regardless of how you might dress daily for the office
- Take advantage of the make-up provided – it will eliminate the glare and help you look your best under the harsh lighting
- If you’re wearing pants, consider knee length socks
- Keep your jacket buttoned or only slightly opened
Don’t
- Wear green – if the studio intends to display graphics on a backdrop you could disappear
- Avoid stripes or loud patterns
- Don’t wear black, red or white – older technologies can have difficulty with these colors
- If you wear jewelry, opt for less flashy choices and avoid jewelry that jangles or makes noise
If you’re still not sure, feel free to reach out to the producer for wardrobe suggestions prior to your interview.
Looking for still more tips on interview preparation? Consider signing up for media training and remember that actions speak louder than words!
Download our e-book, Beyond Words: The Unspoken Word.
