How to Select a Handbag for a Job Interview

A functional and attactive handbag is a smart interview accessory. It's the most professional way to carry your resume, calling card and personal effects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Handbags
• Women's Suits

1. Choose a bag that has enough room to fit an unfolded copy of your resume.

2. Focus on functional bags: look for inside pockets, dividers, pen holders, cell phone compartments and key clasps.

3. Consider bags with zippers, velcro and flaps which will help contain the contents of your bag, should it get jostled or tip over during the interview.

4. Match the color of your bag to your interview attire. Black and navy compliment dark tones, while tan and brown accent lighter suits. Make sure your bag matches your shoes.

5. Think microfiber and leather, as canvas bags may be too casual for a formal interview.

6. Buy to last. Choose something you can use once you've landed the job.

Tips & Warnings

• If this is your first job out of college, retire your backpack and invest in a high-quality handbag. This will emphasize your departure from being a student and underscore your new role as a professional.

on 11/22/2005 Nothing looks worse (as noted by Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs) as an expensive bag with cheap shoes.

You would be surprised how often women will spend upto 150 pounds sterling or 300 dollars on a bag as an investment and only 15 pounds or 30 dollars on their shoes.

Buy a really decent pair of shoes as an investment for interviews etc - it is worth it. You would be surprised how many people check out your shoes. Make them match that hand bag and you will be surprised of the results.

A cheaper suit can look expensive with a good pair of shoes and a great handbag!