Everything about an interview is important… what you say, body language, attitude, and of course WHAT YOU WEAR! A first impression is a lasting one, especially to someone who is thinking about hiring you. It’s a given that some places are going to be dressier than other. If you are interviewing for an agency it may be much more casual than say a firm that will be more business attire. However, it is much better to dress up than dress down; it only makes you look better!
From my personal experience, I have been in one of those situations. I went to interview at Q100, a radio station in Atlanta, and wasn’t sure what to wear. Just to be safe I a made a point to dress up a little. When I got there and started to interview I noticed that is was very relaxed and casual dress. At the end of the interview, my interviewer let me know that they dress in a laid-back style in t-shirts and shorts. It was nice to hear I could where something comfy, but I was still glad I didn’t risk it and show up underdressed. I think interviewers like to see that you make an effort and show that you care.
Below I have added some tips for women and men regarding what to wear to an interview. These tips were found on Jobsearch.
Women:
- Solid color, conservative suit
- Coordinated blouse
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Tan or light hosiery
- Sparse make-up & perfume
- Manicured nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
Men:
- Solid color, conservative suit
- White long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Very limited jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Go easy on the aftershave
- Neatly trimmed nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
Hopefully this tips will be helpful for you; I know they sure are helpful to me. So far, most of my interviews have actually been on the phone but when I do go in for a face-to-face interview I want to feel confident. This brings me to another important interview tip: CONFIDENCE!!! If you are confident about the way you look and what you are wearing, you will exude that confidence in the interview. If you show up wearing something totally ridiculous they may disregard you from the very first moment you walk into the building. If you don’t wear a suit- that’s okay too. I think the tips are pretty flexible as long as you look professional. A “no no” I have heard before for women is NO DRESSES. Now, we love dresses and they are great for other times, but an interview and work are not the time unless the person tells you otherwise.
First I wasn’t so wild about wearing a suit because I wasn’t sure how great it would look but there are ABSOLUTELY some good ones out there. A personal recommendation of mine for women’s business attire is EXPRESS. They have a really great selection of pants, skirts, blouses, and suit jackets. They have a young and hip selection that looks professional and nice on.
Stores with great business/interview attire:
- EXPRESS– my personal favorite, great fit and reasonable price
- MACY’S– good price a wide selection
- NEW YORK & CO.– friends of mine have said they like their business wear
- NORDSTROMS– another great selection but more on the pricey end
- TARGET– great clothes for a good price
I have also attached an article from College Fashion for some “young people” tips on how to look professional and trendy at the same time.
I hope these tips are helpful and good luck with your interview!!
Marilyn's Life From East to West 