How to Dress for a First Job Interview on a Budget
Going on an interview for your first job is nerve wracking for many people. The first impression you make on an interviewer is crucial, so be sure to dress appropriately. Most college seniors who are beginning to interview have limited budgets for career clothing, but this does not have to be a problem. By thinking ahead and being creative, it can be fairly easy to dress for a first job interview on a small budget.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Dark colored suit
- White blouse or dress shirt
- Necktie (for men)
- Pantyhose (for women)
- Plain, dark socks (for men)
- Dark shoes
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1
Shop for an inexpensive interview suit at a national mass-market retailer like Target (see Resources below). Here, you can find a women's suit by a designer like Isaac Mizrahi for about $100. You can find a classic men's suit by Merona for about the same amount.
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2
Buy a navy blue, gray or brown suit in a conservative style that you can use exclusively for interviewing. A well-made suit will probably take up a large portion of your clothing budget but it is a good investment in your future. Try to avoid wearing a black suit, as some interviewers may find it too severe.
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3
Wear a plain white blouse if you are a woman or a white dress shirt and a conservative tie if you are a man. Department stores often offer shirt-and-tie sets for one price, which can save you more money than if you purchase each item separately.
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4
Buy your pantyhose or dress socks at a mass merchandiser or wholesale club instead of at a pricey department store. These items are more expendable than an interview suit (you will need to buy more than one pair of pantyhose or socks over the course of your interviewing), so you can afford to budget in this area.
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5
Purchase a good pair of dark shoes that you can wear with your suit at a discount shoe outlet like DSW Shoes. This is another item that may eat into your budget, but will be worn many times. Both genders should avoid wearing open-toed shoes or excessively high heels to a first job interview.
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6
Check out the secondhand and thrift shops in your area to find more interview clothing at low prices. You may be able to find another suit or additional tops to wear to future interviews, without overspending your budget.
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Tips & Warnings
Dressing appropriately for your first job interview extends to accessories as well as clothing. A conservative approach is always better than dressing in the latest trends. Women should wear only one pair of earrings and men should not wear any. Keep makeup and fragrances to a minimum.
