How to Dress for a Job Interview - Women

Dress for job success

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.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hosiery
• Silk Scarf
• Skirts
• Turtlenecks
• Women's Blazers
• Women's Closed-toed Shoes
• Women's Dress Coats
• Women's Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Shirts
• Women's Suits
• Women's Sweater Vests

1. Call the receptionist or secretary at the prospective employer's office for tips on what employees there wear.

2. 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.

3. Choose between closed-toe shoes, pumps and loafers. If you are wearing a skirt, nylons are a must.

4. Avoid miniskirts, tight sweaters, sloppy overalls and sandals with straps.

5. Check your outfit for holes, tears, stains, scuffs or wrinkles.

6. 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.

7. Inspect your hair, nails, hems and the shine on your shoes.

8. Wear a silk scarf and carry a nice briefcase or portfolio. Leave the oversized, disorganized handbag at home.

Tips & Warnings

• 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?