So you’ve networked your butt off, perfected your resume, and finally scored that coveted job interview (way to go, you!). You’ve also tried on and rejected every single piece of clothing in your closet and are contemplating ditching your “boring suit” for your “birthday suit.” But unless you’re interviewing to be mayor of a nudist colony, you probably have to wear something.
That’s where we come in. To get an idea of what you’re looking for, ask yourself: What is my personal style? Who is my audience? How formal is this job? What are current employees wearing? Then stick to these tips from the business-professional experts at Ann Taylor:
Keep it dressy
If your interview is in finance, consulting or banking, you should be wearing business formal — i.e. matching skirt and jacket (gray or black), pants and jacket or a business formal dress. Overdressing is always better than underdressing. If your interview is less formal, say in marketing or advertising, you have more room for creativity — i.e. trouser pants with a blouse in a jewel tone or bright color, pencil skirt with a fitted jacket, colored shoes
Keep it modest
Your ideas — not your cleavage — should take center stage in your interview. We’re not saying you should wear a turtleneck, but make sure your outfit is appropriate for the office. Oxfords and blouses should only have the top button unbuttoned, skirts should be to the knee, and nothing should be so tight that it restricts your movement (that could be dangerous, anyway — what if you got really, really into your stock pitch?)
Keep it interesting
Just because you have to dress in formal business clothes doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Add fun jewelry or a fun lip color (huge hoops and loud bangles are a no-no, but statement rings and classic earrings are a go!) If you’re bored with yourself, how are your interviewers going to be interested in you?
Keep your balance
Falling on your face in the board room will make a lasting impression, but probably not the kind that gets you a job. Try to keep heel height to under 3 inches (higher is okay if you’re wearing pants and you feel comfortable walking) in neutral tones. You want all the attention on you, not on your light-up stripper heels.
Keep it YOU
The interview process is about finding the career that best fits you, not someone else. The same thing applies to your business attire. If you’re going for a position in the fashion industry, this is especially important — the “rules” aren’t as important as your understanding of trends, classic pieces, fabrics and silhouettes. Your interviewers will want to see how you put clothes together and what unique angle you can bring to their business.
Bottom line — no matter what industry you’re going into, your interview outfit should maintain the air of professionalism that lets potential employers know you mean business, and, more importantly, reflect your personality. Now, go get ‘em, tiger.
*Ann Taylor is currently having the “Suit Event”: 30% off your purchase of a full-price jacket and matching bottom. Stanford students also get an additional 20% off with a student ID. The closest location is in the Stanford Shopping Center. Good luck!