Taking the time to look your best tells your prospective employer that you are professional. By putting your best foot forward, you are showing the interviewer that you respect their time, you are taking the interview seriously and you genuinely care about making a good impression. I’ve got a few tips on how to dress for an interview to help land you your dream job.
Who stands out in this picture? You got it, #4. Her outfit is way too much for an interview and she has on open -toed shoes, which in some work environments are looked at as a hazard. Honorable mention if you said #5, her slit is way too high!)
- Do your research. If it is a large enough office, call the receptionist and ask her about the office culture in order to get tips on what others wear.
- Do more research. If you are interviewing at a retail store, a sweater and slacks may be sufficient. At a corporate office, wear a conservative business suit in navy or black. The Limited and Ann Taylor make great suits at an affordable price. A pantsuit with a cardigan or blouse is appropriate for an informal office.
- Choose closed-toe shoes, such as, pumps. If you are wearing a skirt, stockings are a must.
- Avoid short skirts, or fitted sweaters and open toed shoes.
- Iron your clothes! Check your outfit for holes, tears, stains, scuffs.
- Wear minimal makeup (unless you are interviewing at a makeup counter), use few hair products and the tiniest bit of perfume. Keep jewelry basic. Visible body piercings should be removed.
- Carry a nice briefcase or portfolio. Leave the oversized tote in the car.
- Arrive early enough to stop in the ladies room to check out your hair, nails, hems and the shine on your shoes.
I do realize that this is only covering a percentage of professional work environments and what may be acceptable. For those of us in less formal yet professional environments, I came across this Pinterest board that offers many examples of appropriate interview attire that can be worn after you snag the job as well.
Your resume gets you in the door. Your education and credentials are also important in helping you secure employment. However, do not make the mistake of taking your appearance for granted. You may be surprised at how much your interviewer’s first impression of you really matters.
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(Photo Credits http://pbwlakeoftheozarks.org/)
By Fashion & Style Contributor, Karen Curtis, YourStylistKaren.com
I guess regional locations have something to do with perception. When i saw these pictures i thought number looked out of place, and then the one odd thing about was the color of her suit. I’m in the not so deep south and from when i was hiring people to when i was on the other side of the table open toe shoes are status quo unless the location is an issue. one of the most common outfits are always, pants suit, skirt suit or button down dress suit with dress pants.