A big job interview is coming up and you are feeling very confident. You have anticipated the questions they might ask and have prepared some great answers. Fresh copies of your resume are sitting in your backpack. When it comes to job interviews, what you look like counts! As shallow as it sounds, your appearance is one aspect of your overall person that can make or break an interviewer's decision of whether or not they should hire you.
Though dress codes in the work place have become much more informal in the past several years -- it seems that the "Casual Friday" sentiment has invaded Monday through Friday as well -- job interview attire has remained strictly professional. A pair of khakis <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm> and a button down shirt may work once you get to the office, but before being hired, such an ensemble is always a no no. Both men and women alike are expected to wear business suits to any and every interview, and any exception to the rule may be a real cause of concern for the interviewer.
For women, the best choice of interview attire is a smart business suit in a conservative color such as navy blue or black. Although pant suits have become the choice of apparel <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm> for many female professionals, proper interview etiquette still calls for female interviewees to wear a skirt to the meeting. When abiding by this rule, be sure to use good judgment as far as the length of the skirt is concerned. When in doubt as to the appropriateness of skirt length, think of knee-length as the ideal.
Wait a minute. Did you say backpack? Are you really going to walk into a job interview carrying a backpack? Uh-oh. You better ask yourself these questions before you get dressed.
What should I wear?
Generally, it's a good idea to wear a suit for a job interview. Go with something simple, in a neutral tone. I believe the more conservative your field is, the more conservative your suit should be. For example, if you're applying for a job in an investment firm, go with a navy blue or dark gray suit.
What if my interview is for a job in a more casual setting?
It's a good idea to match your interview attire to the prospective job. If you are applying for a job working on a warehouse floor, you will look out of place wearing a formal suit. Keeping that in mind, dress a little better than you would for a day at work and make sure your clothes are neat and clean.
My interview is for a job in an accounting firm. Traditionally this field is conservative, but this particular firm may be a little more casual. How should I dress?
You can't go wrong in a suit, but if you want to give more of an impression of "fitting in" then you need to find out how people actually dress for work at that firm. One way to do this is to observe people arriving for work. Choose any day other than a Friday, which is when some companies allow more casual dress. Again, follow the rule of dressing better for the interview than you would for a typical day at the office.
Do I have to buy a new suit?
As long as your suit is in good condition and not outdated, you don't have to buy a new one. If you do decide to purchase a new suit, buy the best one you can afford and make sure you don't get anything too trendy. You want your investment to last.
What shoes should I wear?
In all instances, wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals are never appropriate for a job interview, unless you are applying for a job as a lifeguard. Black shoes match everything (yes, even your navy blue suit). Stick with a conservative style. Women should not wear very high heels.
Must I buy new shoes?
No. Shoes you've already worn are fine, unless they are in bad condition or out of style. A little shoe polish may be in order here.
What about my nails?
You are going to wear nail polish (though you may want to refrain altogether), a very light color or clear coat <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm> is the best option and a woman's nails shouldn't be excessively long and should be bare or polished in a neutral color. Your nails should be clean
I love wearing jewelry. Can I wear it for the interview?
If you choose to wear jewelry, make sure that the styles chosen are conservative ones. Earrings should be small, and the number of rings and bracelets you choose to put on should be minimal. Modest jewelry is fine, but don't wear large earrings or a thick chain.
What about makeup? How much is okay?
Other tips for women including making sure to tone down any makeup. Don't paint on the makeup. Keep it simple and use neutral colors.
What should I carry with me -- a purse, a briefcase, a backpack?
By all means, leave the backpack at home. You want to look professional, not like you're taking a stroll across campus. A woman can carry a small to medium sized handbag. A man or woman can carry a briefcase if he or she wishes, or a folder or portfolio.
Careful grooming is something that women should pay careful attention to. Make sure that your hair <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm> is neat and professional looking. Long hair <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm> should be pulled back and out of your face.
A final tip to remember - is to go easy on the perfume or cologne <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm>. Though you certainly want to smell good for the interview, you don't want to send an allergic interviewer running out in the midst of a sneezing fit or come off as a lady of the night.
So, while the rules of dress in the workplace may be more casual, stick to the rules of professionalism when dressing for an interview. Only when you land that job (because of your impeccable job interview appearance) can you start applying the business casual <http://www.essortment.com/all/jobinterviewpr_rfrt.htm> look to your eveyday work life.
Perfect grooming is your first assignment when you interview for a job, whether you want to be a CEO or an entry-level factory worker. To a prospective employer, how you dress says a great deal about you.
Call the receptionist or secretary at the prospective employer's office for tips on what employees there wear.
Consider the job's location. If it's a library in a strip mall, you can wear a sweater and slacks. At a corporate office, wear a conservative business suit. A pantsuit with a sweater or blouse is appropriate for an informal office.
Choose between closed-toe shoes, pumps and loafers. If you are wearing a skirt, nylons are a must. Some points to be noted are:
Avoid miniskirts, tight sweaters, sloppy overalls and sandals with straps.
Check your outfit for holes, tears, stains, scuffs or wrinkles.
Tone down the use of makeup, hair spray, perfume and jewelry. One nose ring is one too many and may cost you the job of your dreams.
Inspect your hair, nails, hems and the shine on your shoes.
Wear a silk scarf and carry a nice briefcase or portfolio. Leave the oversized, disorganized handbag at home.
You have one chance to make a first impression; it's better to dress too formally than to dress too casually.
Trendy is fine, as long as you keep your style subtle. Clothes make a strong statement about you. What do you want to say?
