So you have passed the first step, your resume is shortlisted, and you have been asked to appear for a job interview. Congratulations!
Preparation for a job interview comes foremost, but can appearance and jewelry make a difference in interview outcome? It sure can because hiring managers and recruiters are humans and can form unintentional biases based on appearance and how you present yourself.
So what jewelry should you wear for your job interviews?
When wearing jewelry for job interviews, “less is more.” Go for simple rings (e.g., Engagement rings, Wedding bands), small earrings (e.g., Studs), simple strings or pendants, and good quality professional watches. Avoid stackable rings, oversized hoop earrings, layered necklaces, and luxury watches. Just keep it simple and help the interviewer avoid distractions.
Your skills, work experience, and preparation should matter most during job interviews. Wearing appropriate jewelry is equally important to avoid distractions during the job interview.
It’s essential to remember that wearing extravagant or fancy jewelry could trigger the hidden biases of hiring managers and distract them from assessing your skills for the job position. You can control this situation by wearing elegant and minimalist jewelry and avoiding potential distractions from the main objective of the interview.
This article will dive deep into the do’s and don’ts when selecting jewelry to wear for your job interview.
What Jewelry Can I Wear to a Job Interview?
You might wonder what jewelry is appropriate for job interviews. Every little bit counts toward your chances of landing that job offer when you attend a job interview.
So can we classify jewelry as appropriate and inappropriate for a job interview?
Yes, absolutely.
The jewelry you wear to your job interview is considered appropriate if it’s almost invisible to the interviewer and does not distract them.
You may be asking, what does that mean? Jewelry is appropriate as long as it does not distract or catch the interviewer’s attention or divert them from doing their primary job, i.e., assessing your skills and capabilities for that job position.
The only purpose of jewelry should be to enhance your personality, not overpower it. When in doubt, keep it simple – go for minimalist jewelry.
Appropriate Jewelry for Job Interview
- A small Wedding Band or Ring.
- Small Earrings (preferably studs or small hoop earrings)
- Simple and minimalist Necklace
- A professional and minimalist watch.
Jewelry to Avoid in Job Interview
- Stackable Rings.
- Big hoop Earrings
- Colorful and loud bangles.
- Layered Necklace.
- Luxurious and bright-colored watches.
- Bracelets or loud jewelry with bright colors.
The jewelry you wear to job interview is considered appropriate if it’s invisible to interviewer, and does not distract them during the job interview process.
Can I Wear Rings/Earrings to a Job Interview?
For women, it’s appropriate to wear rings and earrings to interview. Remember that it should be simple pieces of jewelry so as not to distract the interviewer.
Rings
It’s appropriate to wear engagement rings or wedding bands that are simple and small. To be on the safer side, take care not to wear any stackable rings. It’s also best to avoid wearing bracelets or any piercing jewelry that draws attention.
Earrings
Wearing simple and small earrings is appropriate for job interviews. Go for studs – gold, silver, pearl, or diamond, or go for small hoop earrings. Do not go for big hoops or dangling earrings that could distract the interviewer.
Ear Piercings
And if you have ear piercings, avoid wearing them, or you can stick to one piercing when you go for the job interview.
It’s appropriate to wear rings and earrings to a job interview but stick to simple and small. Avoid stackable rings and big hoop earrings that may distract the interviewer.
Can I Wear a Necklace to a Job Interview?
The same rule for any jewelry applies to necklaces – keep it simple and small.
Go for a simple pearl necklace or a pendant necklace. Avoid wearing trendy layered necklaces or oversized distracting pendants that draw attention.
Equally important is not to wear cheap jewelry made of plastic or cheap stones – go for high-quality jewelry. This increases your overall confidence – treat yourself how you want the world to treat you.
Days before your interview, try wearing your jewelry pieces (Necklace, ring, earrings) and your interview outfit and do a self-assessment. Does your jewelry look simple and elegant, or does it draw attention?
It’s appropriate to wear a necklace – keep it simple and small. Avoid wearing trendy layered necklaces to job interviews because it could distract the interviewer.
Can I Wear a Gold Watch to a Job Interview?
Remember that you could send signals to the interviewer based on what accessories you wear for an interview.
It’s appropriate to wear a professional watch to job interviews – keep it simple and ensure it does not draw unwanted attention.
There’s 2 simple rules to decide whether you should or shouldn’t wear an accessory to your interview:
1. Wear accessories that do not distract the interviewer.
2. Wear accessories that boosts your confidence.
Wearing professional, high-quality watches that do not draw interviewers’ action is recommended. But Gold watches usually have flashy colors that could distract the interviewer, so generally, wearing gold watches for your interview is not recommended.
But if that gold watch is an accessory you wear daily, and if taking it off might impact your confidence levels, go for it.
As a general rule, don’t add or remove accessories if that could bring down your confidence levels.
Simple professional watches are recommended for job interviews. Gold watches could distract the interviewer and are generally not recommended.
What Jewelry Should You Never Wear to a Job Interview?
As a general rule, don’t allow the interviewer to judge you based on the jewelry or accessories you’re wearing before the interview discussion has even started.
In line with your professional outfit, your jewelry and accessories should also be simple and professional.
Stay clear of jewelry that’s too flashy or brightly colored that could draw unwanted attention and distract the hiring manager. Allow the hiring manager to focus on assessing your skills and experience required for the job position.
Avoid the below-listed jewelry and accessories.
- Avoid Big Hoop or Dangle Earrings.
- Avoid colorful and loud bangles that distract the interviewer.
- Avoid Layered necklaces.
- Avoid luxurious watches. Gold watches are not recommended due to their distracting color.
- Avoid Bracelets and any fancy loud jewelry with bright colors.
Stay clear of jewelry that’s too flashy or bright colored, that could draw unwanted attention and distract the hiring manager.
Final Thoughts
Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.
Steve Maraboli
Wear jewelry that makes you comfortable boosts confidence, and does not distract the interviewer during your job interview.
Preparing well for your job interview, dressing professionally, and wearing sensible jewelry are the only factors in your control. Take action on things you can control, and the rest will fall into place. Good Luck!
