What to Wear to a Job Interview

Wondering what to wear to a job interview? It’s important to look professional and appropriate for the type of company and position you are seeking.

Whether you’re applying to be an administrative assistant or to be a partner in a law firm, you need to dress correctly.

Did you know that most people will judge you based on the way you are dressed? Because interviews are short, first impressions count and any business woman should dress the part.

First, you want to aim to look like you put some thought into your clothing. You don’t have to dress up to the max but you should at least look color coordinated, clean and WELL put together.

Clothing is associated with success so you might also want to consider the old adage to ‘dress like you already have the job’.

What to Wear to a Job Interview

1. What’s an Appropriate Hairstyle?

You might not know this, but studies show that your hair plays a big part in how people perceive you. As a business woman, you should part your hair to the left or not at all.

People see women with left parted hair as strong and intelligent; non-parted hair as wise and reliable; and right parted hair as feminine and sweet.

For hairstyles, while you can leave your hair down it is more recommended to do your hair up in a casual or semi-casual bun or hairdo. Don’t make it too wild, but try not to be too extreme either (unless you are applying for a very serious position.) Usually, a chignon or a loose bun works perfectly.

2. What Kind of Top to Wear?

Your top is the most important thing a woman can wear to a business interview.

Most interviews require you to sit down behind a desk which means that your potential boss will see nothing more than your hair, your face and your top for most of the meeting.

Try to go with something formal. A button down is a good idea. Feel free to make it as fun or as strict as you want. Black, white, flower print and stripes are all good so long as it isn’t too bold.

Try to avoid tops that are extremely low cut but also try to avoid tops that are extremely severe. If you are wearing a traditional button down remember to button up all of the buttons so that you look neat and well dressed.

Also, remember to tuck your shirt in, you are going to a business interview and you should look professional.

3. Is a Skirt Better Than Pants?

The answer isn’t quite as simple as one or the other.

First, do you have either a pencil skirt or slacks that are in good condition and professional? If you only have the one, just wear that; otherwise, read on. Check your figure, is a skirt or pants more flattering?

Skirts will help to make you look more feminine but can also create a classy look while pants can be slightly more relaxed or more formal depending on the cut. In most cases, the skirt is more appropriate and will create a better impression.

Try going for a pencil skirt that rests just above the knees and hugs your figure but is not tight (no lycra, spandex or elastic). Too high above your knee and the skirt could look too revealing, too low and you will look uptight or prudish.

Try revealing your knees and putting a pair of black tights on underneath for the perfect look.

4. How Does Footwear Fit in the Equation?

Shoes are just as simple as the rest of it. If you are wearing pants try going for oxford flats. These should be in good condition; you don’t want scuff marks peeking out from under your suit pants.

If you are wearing a skirt you should try going with a pair of low heels. Try wearing black shoes with heels 3” or shorter. You don’t want to look too sexy; you just want to look professional.

The right pair of heels will make you look confident and self-assured but not over the top or attention seeking. This is the perfect impression for an interview.

If you don’t own a pair of low heels than you might want to consider investing in a pair as they make a great wear to work shoe should you get the job

5. What’s the Best Jewelry to Complement My Attire?

Jewelry is a big issue when going in into interview but really you have two choices.

The first is no jewelry at all, let the focus be on you as a person rather than your decorations. Or two, wear something small, modest and delicate.

Avoid statement pieces. Switch out the hoop earrings for small studs; wear a small chain (less than 20 inches long) or a watch.

Don’t go overboard and aim for subtlety. Rings are fine so long as they aren’t huge.

You want to look professional rather than eye-catching so try wearing simple silver or gold jewelry with little to no decoration.

 

Author Bio:

The article is written by Pritam N. He is career counselor. He likes to write on career, jobs and interview related articles. He has appeared as guest blogger on various blogs. You can read  his articles on Jobs8home.com. He is striving to make his website your source for getting knowledge, information and guidance for job search and career building.