What to Dress for a Job Interview

With the tough job market today, have your ever wondered what's the right thing to wear for a job interview?

Today I will be interviewing a lot of candidates for my job and I know whenever I applied for jobs the biggest question I would have is what should I wear for a job interview?

You want to stand out for your employer so that way they can remember you however; you want to make sure you are still appropriate.

An old rule for what to wear in a job interview for women is wear something simple, a blue or black suit, and adds a white blouse and a string of pearls; however it is very basic and will allow you to stand out with your future employer.

 One thing to keep in mind is that the first 30 seconds of an interview first impressions are formed, making it really a real crucial difference in a job interview. 

This is why you cannot make a mistake

That’s why you cannot afford to make a first impression mistake.

Wearing the wrong clothes to a job interview can kill your chance of employment and a chance of a new career.

Today, I will explain steps on what you can do to make sure that you are ready for that interview.

• 1.       Research the company and look for the company’s dress code

This will help you decide whether it is appropriate to wear a suit for the interview or not. You want to fit the part. You don’t want to be overly dressed. Key thing is to fit in with the company. One tip is to find the guidelines of the company and alter your attire accordingly.

For some organizations traditional business suits are what are expected; others will rather have their applicants wear anything but business casual clothing.

• 2.       Find what style type your new workplace follows

There are four kinds of business attire classifications for interview outfit:

1. Conservatively old-school
2. Business-preppy
3. Creative-funky
4. Sophisticated-glamour

Conservatively Old School and Sophisticated-Glamour businesses expect their workers to wear the most formal business clothing. It is appropriate to wear suits, closed-toe pump, scarves, and pearls.

Sophisticated glamour companies are located in the West Coast–where brand name labels, careful tailoring and shaped hairstyles are obligatory.

Sophisticated glamour companies include advertising, entertainment, publishing, advertising, and beauty. Conservatively Old School industries include: real estate, sales, law, politics, banking and finance.

Most administrators, middle managers, physician, wear business preppy attire. 

Business-preppy environments favor polos, khakis, sheath dresses, chinos, and cardigan sweaters.

Creative Funky companies like communications, advertising, fashion and music expect applicants to express their character and originality by wearing bold fashion sets and trendy clothing.

Additional Tips on making sure you are a Fashion Do and not a Fashion Don’t

• Keep your shoes polished. Especially if it is patent leather
• Do not wear any see-through clothing or anything too revealing.
• Make sure your clothes are tailored! Well cut outfits are always a must!
• Wear Nude polish only and make sure you do not have any visible piercings.
• Iron out those wrinkles from your clothes. It is not professional
• No jeans, or athletic shoes, or Flip flops.
• Don’t wear sequined tops, or skirts. Wear these at the club not for work.
• It is an essential to have a briefcase or a purse, however do not bring both. Briefcase is preferred because you can keep extra copies of your cover letter and resume in case your employer doesn’t have it nor needs an extra one. I would even suggest keep a copy of references as well.
• If you need to wear hosiery stays away from nude unless you’re working in a conservative industry.
• Wear simple jewelry. Nothing over the top. Avoid the huge earrings, the large hoops, big bracelets.

Now make sure you keep these tips in mind. I don’t guarantee you that you can get the job but I assure you that your outfit for your interview wouldn’t be a reason why you didn’t get the job.