DRESS TO FEEL CONFIDENT

WHAT we wear can affect our mood. Colour psychologist ANGELA WRIGHT on what clothes to wear for a job interview.

ONE of the questions I am asked most often about colour psychology is: what is the best colour to wear to a job interview? Well, it depends what job you are going for.

It’s a good idea to dress for the specific role. If you are applying for an admin job — mainly working behind the scenes — you can rely on blue. Its ability to calm and focus the mind will communicate quiet competence to your interviewer.

Red boosts your physical energy and gets you noticed — perfect for a marketing professional or someone hoping for a job in PR or advertising.

If the position for which you are being considered could involve stressful moments — such as negotiating or dealing with grievances — the innate reassurance of green will go a long way to convincing people that you are the right person to smooth over sticky situations. Green is also the colour of money and gives the impression of abundance.

Yellow helps to boost self-confidence, but since it is generally considered a rather frivolous and fun colour, it might be best suited to roles in events and fundraising.

A word of warning, though: never wear it with black — it’s nature’s warning colour combination (wasps, poisonous toads, tigers) and acts negatively on the ego.

It could trigger anxiety in those around you and negatively affect your self-esteem.