My husband, Jesse, and I just moved to a new city last week so I am in the process of trying to find a job. I have had five different interviews so far and I’ve noticed that I become more stressed about what to wear than the actual interview itself. So I have decided to make a quick go-to list for any interview.
When trying to decide what to wear to an interview, think about what you would be wearing to work if you were to receive the job and chose a dressed up version of that outfit.
This outfit would work for just about any interview where it would be okay to wear jeans on a typical work day. A dark wash jean helps to dress up the outfit without feeling overdone and a bright colored blazer helps to make you memorable to the interviewer ( “You remember that girl with the mint blazer? I really liked her.”) If you are applying for a job where it would not be appropriate to wear jeans, you can opt to switch out the jeans for black slacks or a pencil skirt.
Closed-toed shoes are still a must for interviews. Cute pumps like these or even ballet flats are the perfect way to follow the rule fashionably. If you are just starting out in your career or have a baby face, sometimes it is difficult for employers to take you seriously because you look so young. To help make yourself look powerful and demand some respect, pull your hair away from your face (such as the ballerina bun pictured), keep your makeup and clothing neutral, skip the lip gloss, and wear some lipstick in a deeper hue.
Discussion:
Now you tell me, what are your classic go-to pieces when interviewing? If you are an employer, what do you look for in a potential employee’s outfit/hair/makeup?
My go-to outfit for interviews always includes a dark trouser or jeans, if its more casual and a blazer. I usually wear pumps because they make me feel tall and confident, besides I walk more grown-up, if that makes any sense. I would not recommend wearing platform-heels though because the line between professionally fashionable and attention-grabber is thin, so I err on the conservative side. Unless you are interviewing at a fashion-related company of course, then anything goes.
I have never been an employer, but I have studied Sociology where we did a survey on looks and I can tell you, people derive more from the way you dress than you think, so the most important question is: What do you want them to think? And which picture pops up in your mind when you say those words? Like “professional” or “creative” or whatever it is and then dress and style accordingly.
Hi Nathalia,
Great advice and tips. I agree that platforms can make it look like you just walked to the interview from the club ;)It’s always best to wear wedges, low heels, or flats. I’m not surprised to hear that employers often make their decision based on your looks (first impressions are the most important) but you made a good point that you want to try and think about what you want to portray to the employer in the way you dress.
Thanks again for stopping by 🙂
-Natalie