“You can have anything you want if you dress for it.” – Edith Head
The saying “dress for success” may sound cheesy and redundant, but it’s a saying that has helped me through many situations throughout my life. Self-confidence and success go hand in hand; if you feel confident, you will exert confident energy towards any atmosphere you put yourself in. Entering a job interview is no exception. Like many moments in life, you only have one chance to make a first impression during a job interview, and it’s crucial to make it a good one. By following these simple do’s and don’ts for proper interview attire, you will stand out from your competition for the right reasons.
- Do #1: Simple Jewerly
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Accessorizing is always a good way to spice up your outfits. It gives you an opportunity to show a little bit of your personality, which is extremely important during a job interview. However, this is not the time to show off your new long and shiny hoop earrings. Instead, lean towards classic and timeless pieces such as stud earrings or a dainty necklace. If you are leaning towards wearing bracelets, make sure they won’t make much noise or slide up and down your arm when talking. You want to be the focus of your interview, not your accessories.
- Don’t #1: Blazers Don’t Always Mean Professionalism
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If you are thinking about wearing a blazer for your interview, don’t forget about what you wear underneath. Wearing a wrinkled tee shirt or a spaghetti strap tank top under your blazer will show your interviewer that you didn’t care to put much thought into this interview. It can also make you seem sloppy and lazy, which are not qualities employers are looking for. You want to seem like you have put lots of energy into impressing your interviewer. Make sure to wear a nice blouse or a button-up shirt underneath your blazer.
- Do #2: Show Your Personality
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Just because you’re in an interview, does not mean you have to be boring. Dressing appropriately does not mean you have to mute who you are or diminish your personality. You want to show your interviewer that you are the right candidate for their company, and what better way of doing so than expressing yourself? You can choose a fun colored purse, a headband, hair clip, or even add a cute belt to show a little bit of style and bring out your creative side!
- Don’t #2: Dress too Casual
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Before going into an interview, a trick I like to do is to research what a typical day-to-day outfit would look like if I received the job. By dressing too casually, it may seem like you are underprepared and don’t fully understand the responsibilities it takes to maintain the position you are applying for. Effort is important, and doing this simple trick will make you look more prepared and ready for your future job.
- Do #3: Properly Fitted Clothes
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Being in a job interview is your time to shine. You want to highlight everything you have worked so hard for, and want to leave the distractions out the door. In this case, the distractions are oversized/too tight clothes. No matter how cute that oversized blazer is or how that tight skirt shows off your legs. If it is not comfortable and fitted properly, do not wear them. Instead of having 100% focus on the interview, your poorly fitted clothes will become your focal point if you have to keep adjusting them. Play it safe by wearing something you know that fits you and makes you feel like the empowering woman that you are. You want to be wearing clothes, don’t let them wear you.
- Don’t #3: Wrinkles
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This may seem self-explanatory, but make sure you don’t have any wrinkles, lint, or hair on your wardrobe prior to your interview. These things may be put on the back burner due to stress and anxiety for your interview, but they can be quite distracting from the perspective of your interviewer. Having a clean and ironed look will show that you take responsibility for yourself and are aware of your self surroundings.
- Do #4: Manicured Nails
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I’m not saying you need to go and get a $50 manicure, but it’s important to make sure your nails are clean and well kept. You want them to be at an appropriate length, clean, with no chipped polish. These things may seem small, but they could actually be a big indicator of how well you take care of yourself and others. Stay away from bright nails and flashy designs, instead learn towards nudes, light pinks, whites, or even a french tip.
- Don’t #4: Overload on Patterns and Colors
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You and your accomplishments should be the center of attention during your interview. By coming in with bright colors, mismatched prints, or too much texture, it will throw interviewers off your work capabilities and instead focus on your garments. You want to show your interviewer that you are an empowered woman who is capable of thriving and succeeding with their company. Throwing some colors or patterns is always okay, just remember that in this scenario, less is more.
While confidence is the best thing you can wear, your outfit is the second best. Make sure that your outfit is accentuating said confidence to help you stand out in the interview crowd. Dress as if you have already gotten the job, and continue to dress to impress. Remember to get creative and let your personality shine, but don’t let it take center stage.