Dressing for the job

So you’ve landed an interview for what could be your dream job. You’re excited, you’re nervous, you’re daydreaming about your amazing new corner office and fat paycheck. Then comes the dreaded question: “what do I wear?”

Looking the part plays a big role in the interviewing process and I’ve always believed it’s important to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Yeah, I know, very cliché of me...but it’s true. In my opinion, everyone should enter an interview looking put together. Here are some suggestions for staples that will help you achieve that polished look that will impress your boss and give you a confidence boost to knock your interviewer’s socks off.

A dark suit

I love when men wear suits. To me, it exudes class and can make anyone (even the sleaziest) look sharp. A nice, fitted, dark suit should be a staple in every woman’s closet... or at least every woman who hopes to advance in a corporate setting. I’m not suggesting you go out there and drop thousands of dollars on a designer suit; you’d be surprised at how reasonable some great-looking suits can be. The jackpot is when you can find a suit with both a skirt (no shorter than knee-length!) and pant option that work with your body type. Navy or black both look great and can be dressed up to work in a more formal setting. Paired with a nice blouse, the power suit is a sure way to let people know you mean business!

A classic pair of pumps

I don’t care what anyone says: toe cleavage in the office is not okay! Invest in a comfortable pair of classic, black pumps with a conservative heel. They’re so versatile and you’re sure to get your money’s worth. No one wants to see your chipped, month-old pedicure, anyway.

Conservative jewelry

The key here is to keep it simple, unless you’re a super-trendy fashionista interviewing at a funky fashion house. For a corporate setting, something as simple as small, silver stud earrings can really pull an interview outfit together and give you a polished look.

Keep in mind that these tips are more for a conservative office setting. The key is to do your research about the organization you’re interviewing at and dress accordingly. In the end, you don’t want the focus to be on what you’re wearing, but rather on your accomplishments, talent and how you carry yourself.

In the words of one of my teachers: “if you’d think of wearing something to a club, don’t wear it to an interview.” I’m really hoping that didn’t come as a shock to any of you...

Happy interviewing!