What Should You Wear to a Job Interview?

I personally pride myself in having a 87% success rate in interviews. When I go into an interview, 87% of the time, I am offered the job, or am asked to come back for a second interview; is this because of my resume and my qualifications, or is it because of my professional attire? I have never really thought to ask, but it could be a combination of both.

When I go into an interview, I always dress as if it is the job of my dreams! I freshly press my outfits, hair is done, I have my makeup done, light perfume, I take a lot more time when I have an interview than I do in my everyday wardrobe. Here are a few tips on how to dress for success!

Clothes:

For women, I recommend some kind of suit, whether it be pant or skirt suit, it is a must have in your wardrobe. Make sure you get it tailored to you. A suit implies power. When you wear a suit, people think you are powerful and successful; why else would you have a suit in your wardrobe? Also when you wear a suit (at least for me) you feel a lot more confident. When you feel confident going into your interview, it will be noticeable to the interviewer. Go for a neutral for an undershirt and shoes, you do not want the interviewer to be distracted by a patterned shirt or sparkly glittery shoes.

 

Neutral colors

For men, you must wear a suit. Do not wear khakis…that is for casual Fridays; even if you can wear jeans in your workplace, depending on where you work, I recommend not wearing jeans, go for a nice tailored pair of khakis. However for interviews, wear a nice black suit. You can go for a white shirt, but if you do, I recommend not going too outrageous with a tie. Simple is better for men and women both! If you are going with a white shirt, I personally like the black tie. Keep the ties simple; just like women and busy shirts, try not to be outrageous, you do not want the interviewer to be distracted.

 

Suit up men!

Hair:

Women: Whether you wear your hair up or down usually, I will suggest you do your hair however you find fitting and what works best for your outfit. Natural works really well, cleanly parted, maybe a little volume at the crown. Do not go to an interview looking like you are going to prom.

 

Natural hair

Men: Wash your hair well; add a little conditioner, make it touchable. If you have long hair, wear it in a ponytail, away from the face. If you have medium hair, but it is not long enough to pull back into a ponytail, add a LITTLE bit of gel, and get it out of your face; but do not put so much you look like Ross from Friends; you know who I am talking about!

 

Medium hair out of the face

Makeup:

Women: Do not overload on your makeup. Wear a neutral eye shadow or a smoky eye. Do not look like you are applying to be a showgirl in Las Vegas. Mascara will take your eyes to a whole new level. Blend your foundation well and make sure you have the correct foundation. When interviewing, for make up, less is more.

 

Smoky Eye

Men: You don’t usually have to worry about this. Lucky you!

First impressions are very important! Unfortunately in our society, the way you look usually weighs heavily on your first impression. As I always say, “dress to impress and nothing less.”

Rachel

About Rachel

My name is Rachel Boudreau. I am 24 years old and have been blogging for the Bangor Daily News for almost a year. I am a Certified Personal Shopper and a Certified Fashion Stylist. I have always had a complete love and desire for anything fashion. I have recently started studying French fashion, (Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc.) I watch all of the high fashion runway shows every spring and fall. I love shopping for people and picking out clothes for them because I like when people try things they normally would not, that, after all, is how you find new things you like! Happy reading!!!