What To Wear to an Interview
Interviews are tough. You usually have about an hour (at most) to convince someone you’ve just met that you’re a great fit for their position. In the midst of perfecting your resume and preparing for the questions you think they’ll ask, the LAST thing you want to worry about is what you’re going to wear. Luckily, we’ve got some great tips that will help you ace the style part of the interview (and we know you’ll knock ‘em dead with your answers, too!).
Our #1 Tip: When in doubt, dress conservatively. Unless you’re interviewing for a position in the fashion industry, this is NOT the time to show off your new leather leggings and leopard-print stilettos. Really, it’s not. It’s better to stick to classic, professional styles and add a fun accessory to show off your personal style, like a necklace or scarf.
Tip #2: Do your research. It’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about the company’s culture before you interview with them. Try to anticipate (or ask around if you know someone at the company) what employees generally wear to work every day. Companies want to hire someone who will be a good fit for their culture, and how you present yourself is a good indication. Even if you know the company has a casual dress code, make sure to still look polished and professional. If you’re not going ot wear a suit, stick to business casual. If you can’t figure out how employees at the company dress, refer to Tip #1.
Tip #3: Fit is the most important factor in dressing professionally. If something doesn’t fit well, it’s the only thing people will notice.
Tip #4: Make sure your shoes are in good condition. If you’re outfit is pristine, but your shoes are a scuffed mess, they’ll remember the bad shoes, not your professional clothing.
Tip #5: Skirts and pants are equally appropriate for interviews. Choose what looks best on your body type.
We’ve put together the collage above with examples of great interview pieces. We’ve chosen a black pencil skirt and plum-colored blazer by Ted Baker. We decided to show the mismatched colors, because a black suit can look a little harsh on some women. The pop of plum is also a fun way to show some personality in your outfit, while still remaining professional. Ted Baker makes beautifully tailored suit pieces that fit impeccably.
We paired the skirt and jacket with this printed silk top from Milly. A printed top under a suit jacket is also a great way to remain trendy and show off your personal style. We kept the accessories to a minimum on this look – you definitely don’t want to wear anything too flashy for an interview. To make this look business casual, simply swap the blazer for a cardigan.
