How to Dress for a Job Interview (Women)

Dressing for success is more than a cliche.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• button up blouse
• matching dress jacket and pants or skirt
• tan hosiery
• closed toe shoes with a moderate heel
• minimal jewelry
• deodorant
• simple clean hair

1. Choose a button up blouse that does not reveal your breasts. The color of this blouse is flexible, but you are safest when choosing white, ivory, tan, or other neutral tones.

2. Choose a jacket and pants or a jacket and skirt that are an ensemble outfit. This way it takes very little thought on your part and you will appear instantly put together. If you know your interview will be with an older man or woman, choose the skirt instead of pants. There are still people from the previous generations that think a woman belongs in a skirt. Think all you want "this is ridiculous," but when it comes to landing a job, bending to others' views on fashion is one of the easiest concessions to make.
   
   Your skirt should reach your knee, or be no more than two inches above it. If you are a woman with a... ample rear... allow more length to maintain modesty when you are sitting.
   
   If your jacket does not button comfortably, you may leave it loose.
   
   Keep in mind that your blouse beneath should fit you without any buttons gaping or pulling.
   
   Your suit should be either: navy, black, gray, or brown.

3. Your choice of hosiery should be conservative as well. Do not wear anything fishnet, with a pinstripe, or any sort of pattern at all. Wear a flesh colored hose that blends does not stand out. If your complexion is very dark, do not choose a pasty hued stocking, choose something that suits YOUR complexion. The same should be said for people with fair skin... they should not choose a mocha colored stocking.

4. 
   Suitable Shoe

   Your shoes should fit you well, have no more than a 2 inch heel, and be CLOSED toe. You are safe choosing a low black heel.

5. Jewelry should be minimal. Wear only one ring, a watch, and a simple necklace (pearls, simple chain). Do NOT wear ANYTHING (other than a wedding ring) that could be classified as "bling."

6. Opt for no perfume. You do not know if your interviewer has asthma or allergies. You can't tell if they'll agree with your taste in scents. It is safest to just go with a freshly scrubbed soap scent.
   
   PLEASE do not for your deodorant. Stinky interviewers don't get calls.

7. Make up should conceal blemishes and barely anything more. Do not break out your bright MAC colors. Use foundation, a little neutral lipstick, and maybe some waterproof mascara (minimal). This is an interview, not a date.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave your suit jacket on a hanger in your car and do not put it on until you arrive at the place of your interview. This will keep it looking fresh.
• NEVER wear jeans to an interview. I don't care HOW MUCH you paid for them, they are NEVER business apparrel.
• NEVER wear anything that is dirty.
• Never wear anything that is revealing.
• Never wear very tall heels (stillettos), unless applying for a dominatrix position.