What To Wear on an Interview

By Katrina | Dec 14, 2011 | 1 Comments | Rating: 1

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How to dress appropriately for an interview

Don't know what to wear on an interview? Not sure what's appropiate? Do you want to make a good impression?

The interview is the most crucial time in the job application process, this is your time to put your best foot forward and portray a good image of yourself. We would all like to think that image and what you look like isn't important, and skill should matter. Let's face it, we live in society where first impressions are everything, and someone's first impression of you is based mostly on what you look like. 

Here are several tips and suggestions on how to look your best on interview. The key to everything is to look polished, elegant, and simple:

Hair

Keep it simple. A simple ponytail always looks nice.If you dye your hair, you may want to get the roots touched up before you begin the interview process. No crazy colors. Keep your hair out of your face.  If you wear your hair down, make sure it is well brushed and out of your eyes and face and tucked neatly behind your ears. No cloth scrunchies, no hair accessories, no flowers, hair clips etc. Do not use an excessive amount of hair products. Your hair should look well groomed, neat, and simple. Here are some examples of acceptable hairstyles:

Make-up

Again, keep it simple. It should be basic. (concealer, neutral eyeshadow, black or brown eyeliner (optional, not heavy), blush, mascara, and lipstick)Not wearing make-up isn't an option.  No bright colors, stick to neutral tones. Lipstick is a must, nothing too dark or too bright and nothing too glossy. Here are some examples:

Jewelry

Limited. Simple earrings or studs, small pearls are recommended. Basic necklaces, no bracelets.Nothing flashy or colorful. No large hoops, no chandelier earrings.  A simple watch should be worn. Rings should not be worn except for wedding bands, etc. Here are some examples:

Handbag

Something that looks practical, like a women's briefcase or a nice tote. You will need enough room to fit copies of your resumes and other important paperwork you may need.Nothing flashy or bright colored. Blacks, browns, and tans seem to work best.  Here are some examples:

Shoes

Neutral colors, no patters, nothing flashy. A simple flat, kitten heel shoe, or a loafer. Nothing with a heel higher than 3".  Flats are okay. NO sneakers or sport style shoes. NO flip flops, NO sandals, NO open toe. 

Clothing

Jackets: A jacket should be simple, fit you properly and have a tailored look to it. NO shoulder pads, nothing too fitted, nothing too loose. Nothing overly trendy or outdated. Here are several examples:

Tops: Again simplicity is key.  A classic collared shirt is always a good choice. Nothing low cut. Nothing tight or too loose. Nothing sheer. No loud prints or bright colors, nothing beaded or flashy. Here are a few examples:

Skirts: The style of the skirt should either be pencil or a-line.Nothing shorter than your knees, no patterns, plain, basic colors.  Here are a few examples:

Pants: A classic trouser fit is the best. Pants should be hemmed, pants should not be too tight in the front or back, they should be the perfect length. No patterns, no pleat front, no bell bottoms, no skinny pants. NO jeans, NO stretch pants. Here are a few examples:

Belts: Basic leather belt, no patterns, no crazy materials, no large buckles. Here are some examples:

And the most important thing to wear on an interview? YOUR SMILE

Good Luck!

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Comments

Dec 29, 2011 7:13pm

livluvlaf729
Good tips for interviewees. As a former recruiter I can say the two things I saw women do that were unacceptable (especially in the 18-25 year old bracket): too much cleavage and skirts that were WAY too short.