What you wear to an interview can make or break your chance at getting the job. There has been a general push towards casual wear across the board in fashion. Standards for what you wear to weddings, funerals, church and work have all changed. In some cases I think it has changed for the better. In some cases I think it has changed for the worse. Regardless of my opinion there is no doubt that navigating what is appropriate and when can definitely be confusing. A job interview is not the time for second guessing yourself or throwing something on as you run out the door. You want to be prepared in every way possible. So I’ve put together a few tips for you! Whether you’re a young teen going to a ”summer money” job interview, a college graduate ready to enter the work force, or a stay at home mom reentering the work force for the first time in years, you’ll find helpful tips here!
Your outfit should say that you are serious about the job.
I had a professor in college that told us girls to refrain from wearing pink, ruffles or anything feminine to an interview. He said we should wear a black pant suit and a white button down shirt. I'm sorry but that is just archaic (and I wasn’t in college THAT long ago). Now, I haven't interviewed everywhere in the world, but I don't believe that a pink ruffle collar blouse is going to keep you from getting a job strictly based on the fact that it is a feminine style of shirt. I'd also note that if it would keep you from getting the job, then it is likely saving you from months or years of suffering. So, no. I just don't agree with that thought. I will say that I think at the heart of the thought was the sentiment that you want the potential employer to take you seriously.
Interviews are tough. You have a short window to make a first impression. I think your personality is part of what you bring to the table so I don't want to encourage you to stifle it, but the interview is the time for your personality to shine primarily through your communication skills. A manager at a local restaurant spoke at a business conference I attended. She said a teenage kid applying for a job as a bus boy dressed in nice jeans and a button up shirt is going to get the job over a teenage kid turning in his application in ripped up jeans and a t shirt. You've probably heard the expression, "dress for the job you want, not the job you have." That teenage kid in the nice jeans and button up shirt may be applying for a summer job bussing tables but his attire tells the employer that he is going to take his position seriously regardless of the job description because he is working towards a bigger and better goal. It isn’t necessarily a matter of black dress pants and blazer or pencil skirt and cardigan so much as it is about looking serious about your future, put together, and competent.
Your outfit should match the style of the employer.
Before attending an interview you should always research the company you are interviewing with. Check out the website. You want to be able to provide details about what they do and why you want to work for them in the interview so you have to know about them first. It is also a good time to check out the team page of their website. Most companies will have pictures of their team members. Take note of whether the team members are wearing blazers, cardigans or blouses and try to match their style. If they don't have employee photos or if you are still unsure, then it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. If their photos appear to be very casual, then I would still recommend over dressing. Skip the blazer but still wear your nice slacks rather than jeans. Your future employer is not likely to have any concerns about someone dressed nicer than their office standards require (unless maybe you show up in a ball gown. Not recommended, ha!). They probably will; however, if you are too casual.
Your outfit should be appropriate.
This is not a church lesson on modesty. Don't get scared. But back to taking the job seriously... A job interview is really not the place for skin tight, low cut, off-the-shoulder or short attire. You want to get the job because you earned it through your knowledge and abilities. I'm not saying don't try to look good. Do your hair, wear that makeup and and outfit that makes you feel confident. But dress so that when you leave you know a job offer will come because of who you are and your skill not because of what you look like. And, if you will, allow me to offer you a different perspective? Employers are trying to do the job at hand, serve their customers and avoid lawsuits, losses and injuries. This may not be something they are actively having to think about every minute of every day, but if you walk in to the interview looking like a sexual harassment claim waiting to happen, then I can almost guarantee that you won't be at the top of their prospects list.
Ok ladies! There you have it! There components of the perfect interview outfit. If you were looking for an article that says “wear black dress pants and a blue button down shirt with patent leather heels”, then this isn’t the article for you. I’m a Fashion Merchandising minor so you better believe I want to be able to be creative in my outfit choice. And you’ve already heard me say how important it is to wear something you feel good and confident in. This article is more of a guide to help you put together an outfit you love that also makes a great impression.
Before I finish, I want to leave you with a couple of takeaways.
First, creative types of business may give you a little more lead way in your clothing choices, but you can still look like you take the opportunity seriously rather than you rolled out of bed and threw something on at the last minute. Second, your style of clothing is more important than the cost of your clothing. Your employer is probably not going to know whether your heels came from a consignment shop or from Dillard's, but they will notice that you are wearing tennis shoes as you sit across from them in their business suits. Please don't think that I am saying you need the best of the best in order to make a positive impression. Finally, wear something that you feel confident in. Our confidence really is affected by the time we put into our appearance whether we like it or want to admit it. Find a blouse, dress, skirt etc. that makes you feel confident (and is appropriate) and wear it proudly as you rock that interview!
Now go forth and conquer!
Monica
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