How to Dress for a Job Interview

Going on a job interview can be a little stressful. Here are a few tips to dress your best and make a powerful impression- all while feeling confident. This advice is a mix of my own and my momma's. I have to admit, that woman is always right, and she definitely helped me before my job interviews. Now, it's your turn to go get 'em!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Sample Options for Men

   Dress for the job. It is understood that you probably don't walk around in suits in your spare time, but over-dressing for an interview is the norm. Thus, even if you are interviewing for a job that is not "white collar" or conservative, dress simply and crisply. If you are applying for a "white collar" job, (i.e. business/office job), dress in a suit, dress shirt, blazer and tie. Women can leave the tie out and exchange it for a scarf, and trade the pants for a pencil skirt. Make sure the outfit fits well and is modest. Even if you don't plan on wearing this outfit to work, you must dress professionally and seriously for the job interview.

2. Keep your grooming clean. Women: keep your make-up extremely natural, but don't hesitate to accentuate your features with mascara or lipstick. If you have long hair, pulling it back can be a good choice as this prevents you from playing with it or getting distracted by rogue locks. Men: Leave the hair gel at home for the clubs. Keep your hairstyle cleanly trimmed (you can grow it back out once you get hired!), and avoid elaborate facial hair- shave. Men AND Women: Don't overdo the perfume or cologne! You must exude a confident grace- you are neither desperate nor trying to get a date. Act that way.

3. 
   Sample Options for Women

   Leave the accessories at home. Beyond a watch and simple earrings for women, there is no need to accessorize. I hated this tip when it was given to me, feeling bland and personality-less. My momma told me this: If you let them find your personality in your jewelery, then they'll be paying that much less attention to you. Compromise: keep any jewelery extremely neutral, simple, and small- and only wear one piece. (But, Momma was right!- Using her advice, I did get the first job that I interviewed for after college).

4. 
   So Cute- But Not for Work!

   Keep your secrets. If you have any visible tattoos, be sure to cover them before the interview. Again, you can reveal these unique aspects of yourself as time goes on. Don't think that if your hiring manager wouldn't hire someone with tattoos then they are a "bad person anyway" and that you don't want to work for them. A company's image is not the result of an opinion, but of a social paradigm. So! you can change people's opinions and alter social paradigms in your own way AFTER being hired. You won't be able to do this without this interesting challenge and by only working where you are comfortable. This advice applies to bright hair dyes, multiple piercings, etc.

5. 
   Like Momma Told You- Wear Sensible Shoes!

   Wear sensible shoes. This advice goes out more to my female readers than the male. (Shout out)! Wear simple black, blue, grey or beige pumps that are no more than 2-3 inches high. Make sure they are comfortable to walk in by wearing them around your house or apartment. Invest in a pair of shoe liners, which will prevent any unnecessary discomfort. Now, walk tall!

6. Get it together from the night before. Lay out your clothes the day before the interview. See if there is anything you need. Remember, you want to feel and look confident, and you also need to look professional. Don't forget the pantyhose, the matching tie, the black socks, etc.

7. 
   Good luck!

   Now you're ready to get that job! GOOD LUCK!

Resources

• Great Advice for Young Female Professionals
• For More Advice on Landing that Job!

[RENorton]

on 10/29/2008 Great article. Very well-written, with a lot of great info. Thanks for the great tips!