A while back I wrote the article How to Impress a Potential Employer, but only lightly touched on interview attire. Presentation is such a huge part of impressing your potential employer and snagging that dream job. Underdressing, and sometimes even overdressing, can very easily be the deciding factor in whether or not you get the job.
If you can, find out what the dress code is like at the place you are about to interview at. Once you have that information, try and dress just a little bit nicer. Not only will you be following the company policy, but you will stand out as very professional, dedicated, and that you plan on taking this job seriously.
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Black is always a safe route to go, it is clean and classy. Too much black can be overkill though, and you don’t want to look like you are going to a funeral. Pair a black dress or skirt with some mauve colored tights to lighten up the look.
Pants should be well tailored and professional looking. Sticking with neutral colors like brown and tan, and adding a bright pop of color is classic, easy, and clean looking.
Don’t be afraid to show a little bit of your personal style. Make sure it is toned down slightly, and dressed up. Adding elements of your own style will help you stand out in a crowd.
♥ No jeans, ever. I can not stress this enough. Denim has such a casual look about it, that even when it is dressed up, it usually looks more like you are about to go clubbing, than sit down at a desk in an office. The same goes with t-shirts.
♥ No sleeveless. Even if they allow it for their employees, cover up the armpits when you go meet with the boss!
♥ Nothing too revealing. This should be pretty obvious, but you don’t want to walk into an office looking like you are about to apply at a strip club. Keep skirts at a good length, and try not to show too much cleavage.
♥ Keep accessories on the down low. While it is definitely good to accesorize, don’t overdo it. Stick with one or two simple pieces that add to your outfit. Big bulky pieces may distract the employer.
♥ If you are interviewing at a more formal place, always wear stockings with your skirt or dress. Also, do not wear open toed shoes.
♥ Wear makeup, but keep it at a minimum. This isn’t a good time to experiment with that new blue and yellow eyeshadow you bought.
♥ Let your hair down. Make sure it is cleaned, styled and professional. If you prefer to wear it up, make sure it looks neat. Avoid wearing ponytails or sloppy buns.
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Liina says:
Thanks for these tips! As I may have mentioned (haha) I am going to be looking for a new job in a new place in a few months. I feel extremely confident in my ability to interview, but not so confident in my ability to dress professionally.
I made a fantasy-interview outfit on Polyvore yesterday, coincidentally. It probably has too much color & the earrings are too flashy…but it was just a fantasy, anyway
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1615963
Another good tip to add might be: don’t wear heels if you aren’t used to them!
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
MissCedar says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
Liina says:
haha between the time I posted the comment and now I tried to “tone down” the set but ended up saving over it!! darn polyvore!
here’s the original (I re-did it):
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1615963
and the “toned down” version:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1627345
What’s your opinion on use of knee socks? I’m leaning towards “too immature” for a job interview. What’s the best stocking for an interview?
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
MissCedar says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Maddie says:
Great article! I would add make sure your nails are trimmed, filed, and at least buffed to the list of to-dos! I work at a pottery shop, so the dress is always very casual. However, when interviewing people, I always check out their nails to see if they take care of themselves!
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
MissCedar says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Blaze Danielle says:
I love the one with the red shirt!
Great post! I feel ready to go out and self promote!!
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 pm